Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Suebee and I seem to be going through another "stage". She is doing well but is constantly looking at me, I guess for reassurance. We have gone for walks, and I just got her a car seat because she likes to go for rides. So, we are slowly getting more active. The vet is going to check her out in a couple of weeks. Strangers have walked up to her to chat and ask about her and are kind. Two little girls came up and told me about their dog who is blind in one eye. I even got up the nerve to visit a friend and they were perfectly accepting of Suebee. Just a lot of little adjustments here and there to make her life easier. I'm still scared of what happened to her and feel so responsible. But she is on less pain meds and eating well. Her ears are up (wish I could get a picture of her as my avatar, I'll try again) and she is barking again. I just feel I am not enough for her, that she needs all her friends at the vet's. So, we go and visit, and they are happy to see her. And I put her in daycare now and then. She gets to hang out in the pharmacy area and greet the people coming to the window. But right now, she seems to need me.
Joyce this is all such great news! You are both finding your new normal, and even making a ton of new friends along the way!
Yes she needs you, like you need her. Maybe her looking at you all the time is concern about your worrying? Dogs mirror our emotions, they are so in tune with how we are feeling, I'm going to guess that Suebee is wondering what's going in in your mind, and why you are feeling so guilty. She's saying "Mom, look at meeeee, I'm doing great!"
That's neat she is bringing all these great people and dogs into your lives. Tripawds have a way of doing that! Embrace this new chapter, and know that you are doing all the right things for her to have the best life ever. 
Suebee is adjusting and so am I, but this is not easy. She has energy and likes to be outside which is something we've always done. I had a talk with my vet about her anxiety about riding in the car. Suebee liked to stand on the console between the seats and act as navigator. She would even watch my hand if I turned on the turn signal and prepare for the movement of the car. People would smile when they saw her in the car by me. Now, she is anxious about being in the car. I have bought her a car seat which helps a little, but she is confused as to why she can't go in the back seat and then turn around and stand on the console. My vet feels this is the best way to protect her back leg. Suebee is used to doing things her way and the new way is going to be different. I don't want to lose our trips to the parks so I am making short trips to close parks to see if she can start to feel less vulnerable. I praise her and pet her and hope this helps. Any suggestions on how to acclimate a dog to riding in a car? Do treats help at the end of the ride? Our time outside is important to us both.
Any suggestions on how to acclimate a dog to riding in a car? Do treats help at the end of the ride?
This is a great question, how about starting a new topic in Hoping Around?
Others can learn from it too if you post there. Otherwise it's difficult to find here if someone is experiencing the same issue.
For now, my first thought is that you can have someone drive with you, and praise her and treat her while she's in the new car arrangement (much safer too than standing on the console, for any dog).
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