Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Journal away Sally! It gives us all an opportunity to keep in touch with what is going on in your world also, and maybe even lend a hand at suggesting things. Sound is a big thing for Myrtle. Smell is too. So I am wondering if you can incorporate these things into her life somehow. Gonna have to brainstorm something here.
First off, the baby gate is a great idea. So is the pen. I think you might want to get that empty pen out now and maybe even use the scent pads on the sides of it so she knows it is coming. Maybe with the gate too. Keep the gate in use too while Frankie is not home. If she smells it first and you take her to it and give her some verbal commands like "wait" and move the gate over while she is waiting and tell her "ok" when it is moved and give her treats and compliments at how much she is awesome, maybe you can get her settled in for Frankie's return.
I thought of the clicker training too, like they do for pups? When she is approaching something that is new, before she bumps into it maybe if you make a noise like click once, then if she smells it and hears the noise (and of course gets a treat while you tell her to wait) just maybe this will get her learning brain into gear and make it less scary.
I am sure others may have even better ideas or different experiences, but it might be a start. I do have an extra clicker if you would like me to send.. unless by now you are laughing hysterically and saying.. "that girl has lost her mind" 
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Please do journal away Sally, it's a learning experience for everyone.
I love that Frankie's howl is back! That determined spirit of his is going to get him healed up and pooping again 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Starting day seven since no poop....(day six since surgery)
But as of midday, we now have glorious
Pretty sure this could be a record!!
So today they "attempted" first ROM day six from surgery. No go! He howled and would just not "let" them. And I know the sound of that ear piercing howl! It is sooooo important that they get him started on this. I know they aren't Rehab Specialist and the chance of doing it "wrong" exists. So, in a way, I guess it's okay they backed off for today.
I feel somewhat validated qhen I talk about how strong he is... strong-willed AND strong physically! This fit youngster took him out and had to bring him right back in and give him some Trazodone because he couldn't handle him! Said he nearly pulled him off his feet and face first into the mud! Jad tp wait until he was a bit druggy before taking him out again!!! And that's on one weak leg that's trying to carry most of the weight,and two "compromised back legs!!!
The swelling is continuing to go down. Oh, that's another thing. They said he just will not let them ice his leg! Again, I feel somewhat validated! I K OW it's not good at all that he won't "allow" this....but he's just Frankie veing Frankie😎🤪
Toe tapping WITH some intermittent bit of presssure so that's really good! The sooner we get that leg in use, the better off his other legs will be!!!!
JACKIE! YOUR SUGGESTIONS AS FAR AS KEEPING FRANKIE SAFE FROM BUMPING ACCIDENTS WITH MY SWEET BLIND- BULL- IN -A -CHINA -SHOP -MYRTLE WERE INVALUABLE Thank you so much!!! I just realized I never posted on the extremely kind and thoughtful gift Jackie sent Merry Myrtle awhile back! It was a scent related product made specifically for blind dogs. It came with little felt pads and little tubes of "scents" that you apply. So I'll use those ro mark the "new" things I put up to block her from Frankie, to mark the baby gate , etc. Jackie, your suggestions on the specifics of using these were even better than the instructions that came with them!!!!
Love to all!!!!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Yay Sally! You didn't have to mention where the scents came from 
It is all good, and I am just thrilled that I stumbled upon them. And as you know, everything happens for a reason 
Maybe this was what it was meant for to begin with, lol. If she can smell well enough to identify it, that will be just totally pawsome! My hope is that if you take her by it a couple of times and pause then she will smell before she bumps into it later on and it will be like her nose using her eyes and she won't get scared. She still might be in the beginning, but maybe it won't be so traumatic for her.
Oh YAY for big ole poops! We are probably the few people that get so excited about them, lol. What goes in must come out! Just proof that all the love, care, and mama bringing treats is working well!
Sounds like that surgery took really well, I am so happy. I have to tell you, now that I see this, and what happened before with Frankie's surgery, and what happened with Mitchell's surgery... this must be the way to go! I am almost embarrassed to say that the surgeon that came to the animal hospital that I worked for never gave an option. It was straight forward, cut and dry. All of his surgeries were successes. I wish I had not lost contact with him because he was brilliant! And now in hindsight I think he must have just done all of his surgeries this way. I wish he was around so that I could pick his brain, but I never saw any other dogs go through what Mitch went through. And even Frankie for that matter. He just had his way of doing what he did and there were no options.
I am so happy that Mr. Frankenhound is showing his personality again.. I wish he were a little quieter about it though 
They have ways to make him mind, lol.. hello medicine!
Thank you for such an inspiring update... made my day.
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
It's quick, but I do believe we have a bit of PRESSURE put on that foot and not just a "toe tap" for balance 😁😀
Day 7: using that leg with some pressure.
Gonna try and take him out on my own tomorrow to pee and see how that goes. The plan is to pick him up at noon Christmas Eve and bring da' hound home!😁😁😁 He's soooo ready to get out of there and Merry Myrtle and I will be so thrilled to have him home😊
PS. Jackie, the Surgeons said that there is nothing "wrong" with doing the surgery the "other way" that you did for mitchells and I first did for Frankie. He just said that in Frankie's specific case (three legs, one of them already had surgery, arthritis, etc), the TPLO was the only way to go...the A+ way to go versus C-, C.
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
The legs....crazy positions until we get all the kinks out
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
YAY Frankie! You are looking good my friend. So happy to see you'll come home on Christmas eve. Best pawliday EVER!!!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yay Sally, he looks good! Thank you for clarifying, does make me feel better. I know having Frankie home is da best Christmas gift you could ask for
So glad to see Frankie looking so good, I am thrilled for you! How is Ms. Myrtle doing?
xoxoxoxo
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
Day eight: Knocking on wood, Frankie's doing well! Standing up on his own consistently and front leg is collapsing less and less while he gets up. To me, that means he IS using that leg more.
His "form" is way out of whack, but that's to be expected this early on and with the other leg out of whack from first surgery.
Tech said the hard part is Frankie not letting them help him now as much and he wants to take off!. She said he's just not willing to let them help him and it's really hard to control him. Yeah, tell me about it!
Just a fun little clip of Frankie wagging non-stop. Yeah, he loves me and I love him!💖
Then a clip of Frankie sending each of you a kiss😚😘
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Oh you silly Frankie! Did you let your mom hang out in your crate with you? That is ADORABLE! Smooches back at you, handsome.
Yes, I would agree that it sounds like he's using that back leg more. VERY hopeful! YES!
And Frankie, my form is pretty out of whack too. I can relate 😉
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
He looks great Sally! He looks happy as a clam hanging out with his mama He probably gives them a harder time than he gives you, lol. Smooches back Frankie, just keep on the way you are and you will be home soon with your better stronger leg
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
Frankie you handsome boy, it looks like you're doing really well. Won't be long until you're home for Christmas with your mom and Myrtle. Keep getting better!
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.
Awe Frankie looks great Sally and home for Christmas Eve is the best gift!🎁
How did the pee trial run go? Have they had him poop on the leash yet?
Myrtle Frankie is coming home SOON what a sweet reunion that will be.
Smooches back to Frankie and smooch to Miss Myrtle too, please!
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Thanks friends! Didn fet yo visit with Frankie today, but they say he's doing well, using the leg more and more😁😁😁😁😁
Change of plans. Will be picking da' Hound of Saturday. 😎😎 Not ideal as I'll only have a short window of time to get home and settled before I have to go to work. Not comfortable with that at all as I'm not very confident in my plan to keep Frankie and Myrtle separated without either one flipping out. REALLY wanted to be home with them during the first day so I could tweak the best way to handle this arrangement of separation for awhile.
Anyway, the Vet has no other dogs staying over the week end and the main guy who has been coming in week ends to care for Frankie (and other dogs) is out of town for holidays. So to ask someone to come in over the holiday week end is not something doable. They have done soooo much already!❤
Nope, only one poop since all this started. That was this past Monday (seven days before that one!). May be looking sat another seven day record!
Extremely excited to have him home....just need to get MY confidence level up to match his hard head self!
Keeping Myrtle confined to the bedroom wouldn't be a problem, except now she's developed separation anxiety. And once she gets the least bit confused as to where she is in a room, she flips out...things like chew the baseboard or scratching the wall, thinking she's clawing at the door I guess.
Gonna have them greet each other safely, but I'll have two STRONG dogs trying to greet and kiss and sniff and NOT let Frankie get hurt or bumped or stepped on, etc. Yeah...sweaty palms over here!!
Just had a thought. Maybe I'll actually take Myrtle with me and have them do their reunion thing at the Vet while I have someone helping me. Then again, there's the ride home. Okay, back to the drawing board!!
Guess I'll give them both Trazedone and hope for the best!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
OH geez yes not ideal. I would have sweaty palms too, but you will handle it Sally we KNOW you will. Can anyone come to sit with them the first day while you are at work? Possible to switch your shift with someone for the first day home? Throwing it out there...
I would take Myrtle to see Frankie today and get the initial excitement over with, and maybe Saturday will be a little less 🤞🏻You will manage I have no doubt have your tennis shoes on for traction 😉 Hoping for poop/pee runs before Frankie comes home.
No idea on both on Trazadone a drunk blind Myrtle would give me sweaty palms too. You know them best.
Let us know how it goes all paws and fingers crossed!
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