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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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The life of Bonz
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Member Since:
30 December 2014
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14 January 2015 - 10:15 am
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I know I have already gotten quite a few of you that have commented on my blog with great stories and wonderful advice but I wanted to share Bonzai's story here as well. I will try the brief version.

First off he goes by Bonzai, Bonz Bonz, Boo Boo, Boo, Buddy, So I tend to change names ALOT just in case.

We got Boo 9 years ago from a small rescue group in Dallas. She was soo overcrowded that her poor rescues spent up to 22 hours a day in kennels. I remember the first night he was home. He JUMPED up in the bed. He has NEVER relinquished power of the bed yet lol. It is his. He allows us to sleep there though on whatever space he feels fit to give us lol.

About 3 years ago we woke up to Bonz squinting one eye. We took him to Dr that day as it was getting worse. Dr said it was conjunctivitis. By that night both eyes were closed. We took him to the ER where they said there was extreme pressure in his eyes and his retinas had detached. All they could do was inject his eyes with a powerful gentamicin to basically kill his eyes to prevent the pressure from giving him headaches. In just under a day he had gone from seeing to completely blind. 

Bonzai remained tough. He adapted. he loved life and his yard where he ruled. Then two months ago on a walk he stepped on the curb and yelped. I thought he had sprained something. His elbow swelled huge in a day. We found out it was Synovial Cell Sarcoma. he became a Tripawd alumn Friday Jan 9th. 

It was the longest month of my life waiting for the surgery date. Wondering if we were doing the right thing. Crying every hour as our minds wafted from putting him to sleep and back to amputation and back again.

We have seen such hope and promise from his first steps and consequent longer ventures out of the bedroom. But he is depressed. He is scared. We are depressed. I can't stop thinking that I have done something horrible to him. I have read so much how this is expected and will pass. just very tough.

Our thanks and praise goes to everyone who have traveled this road before us. And for you sharing your stories and your courage with those of us just starting the journey. 

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
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14 January 2015 - 10:33 am
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WOW.... I haven't seen your blog but Bonz is clearly an amazing dog!!! I am so impressed by all he has overcome!

So he became a Tripawd a little over a week ago? That is still very early in the healing process. My girl, Shelby, wasn't really herself for about a month (maybe three weeks). She was on a lot of painkillers, some doggy valium and just seemed off. In fact, she took up residence in my bathroom!!! Wouldn't come out and just camped out on the bath mat. But slowly she spent more time outside of the bathroom and regained her full sparkle! :-) I was told that dogs find a 'den' to go for healing ... it helps them. Bonz will show you his sparkle again!!!

Hang in there... it DOES get better! 

MUCH LOVE and hugs!

alison with the spirit of shelby fur-ever in her heart (and little jasper too)

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife

Member Since:
12 January 2015
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14 January 2015 - 11:29 am
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I read your blog and was so touched. Bonz is so lucky to have such as amazing family! My Zoey became a tripawd the day before Bonz, Thursday January 8th. I was feeling just like you, but I read on here... " don't allow yourself to question your decision, don't judge your emotions, for at least two weeks." So that is what we are doing....just surviving hour by hour... Looking for that 2 week mark. I know realistically that at two weeks a magic switch won't come on, but it gives us a goal. Another great piece of advice I got was to be strong for them...if they sense you are depressed, they will start to think they should be depressed too. I put on the biggest, fakest smile when I look in Zoe's eyes! I tell her she is amazing and strong and brave. From what you have written you and Bonz are amazing, strong, and brave too. We can do this!!!!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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14 January 2015 - 11:59 am
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Hi Bonzai and Family, we are so glad you came here to share your story. You are definitely not the only one who's ever felt this way and with the extra challenge of Bonz being blind, you have twice the worry that most folks have. With it being less than a week out I'm guessing he's still on pain medication? If so, that's absolutely contributing to his current behavior, but once he's healed and you can cut back the pain meds to nothing, you will see his sparkle and charm come back, just wait! It will be an incredible moment you'll never forget, guaranteed!

Folks, be sure to check out Bonzai's blog.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
22 January 2013
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7 February 2015 - 11:19 am
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You do your hands full. Poor Bonz has gone through some rough stuff. I have a blind tripawd too.

Something really horrible happened to Cora at birth or in the womb. Momma was a stray so we will never know what. Anyway her right front leg was deformed and she had significant brain damage. The brain damage caused her to be blind, ataxic (uncoordinated), have weakness on her left side, a weak and partially numb muzzle and difficulty processing where sounds are coming from. I took her in at 2 months and I've had her just over a year now.

So, your guy can do this. It may take a bit of time to adjust. Cora was miserable after her surgery but she embraces life fully now. You already have a trusting relationship with Bonz and that's going to help a lot. I'm sure he is feeling very vulnerable. I don't get online much but I do check my email regularly. If you want to PM me, I will be happy to give you my email. Having a blind, tripawd does present unique challenges

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