Thanks for all the well wishes! 

These are my personal tips for life with a new tripawd:

Make sure you set aside a full week to spend with your tripawd post-amp.  It can be very scary for them, and you, while they come off all the pain meds and try to figure out what just happened to them.  Some quiet bonding time was very important for us afterwards.

 Spanky was small and I did not need additional support to help him walk again, therefore we sent back his belly harness....but it was worth having just in case. 

Recovery post-amp can be very emotional for everyone.  Remember that you did this in their best interest and it was a last resort for their health and quality of living. I spent many nights crying before his surgery, agonizing over the decision. Afterwards, there was some guilt...but eventually it has become very freeing for both human and canine souls!  It adds character, anyhow!

Phantom pain is a very real, scary thing and does happen on occasion.  It's usually quick and rare, but don't freak out.  They are not in pain and it just means that their nerves could be regenerating.

Try not to change your routine once your tripawd is feeling more themselves.  Canine's LOVE a routine that they can count on.  I think that is one reason that Spanky healed so well...we still took little walks and practiced strengthening his other legs. Fresh air and sunlight is good for everyone too!  Praise, Praise, and more Praise for everything they do!

A few weeks after surgery, talk to your vet about adjusting their diet to something more suitable for the needs of a tripawd. Our vet suggested glucosamine and chondroitin to give his joints extra support.  We have incorporated a raw diet and a little vegetables too.  It's a good idea to keep some additional pain pills after the surgery, just incase you have a slip and fall or pull a muscle.

Tips from Spanky:

Don't be scared! Your pawrents did alot of research and know what is best for you!  Everyone at the hospital will be very kind to you and give you extra hugs, kisses, and treats for undergoing such a major surgery. Milk it!

Take it easy when you first get home.  Let the cat sit infront of you and torment you...you will have your revenge in a few weeks! And try to get alot of rest, we pups heal much faster when our pawrents let us sleep in their bed and snuggle all night with us!

Try not to poop on the floor. But if you do, know that everyone understands and sympathizes. It might be a little embarrassing, but you can only get away with it post-amp!

Practice walking, alot!  The more you hop along and get your rhythm, the stronger your muscles will be. Don't worry about your pawrents desire to keep you from falling.....you will stumble, you will fall, you will get a face full of dirt once in a while. Enjoy being a tripawd!  And most of all, remember that patience and persistence pay off!

Hope this helps someone!  Keep on hopping!

Lots of hugs,

Sherri & Spanky