Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We are pleased to announce that Ajax has officially passed his therapy dog training class and become a three-legged therapy dog! Stay tuned for updates on where we will visit.
He was super proud of himself (well okay, we were super proud of him, and he seemed very wiggle and happy about that). There was a tough moment when the teacher was teaching the class to "sit pretty" (sitting w/ front paws up like a bear). Not so easy to balance for a rear leg amputee. But we moved on to "spin around" and the one-rear leg axis gave him the smoothest spin in town.
Here's a question for other rear-leg amputees: we don't really use our RuffWear harness too much, because he is fine without it, but we do use it for small, crowded spaces (like therapy training class). I would swear that it fit when we bought it, but now it is slipping all around. Is it possible that he has built up extra bulk in the chest and whittled his waist, or am I nuts? (or both)
Yay Ajax!!! I soo want to do this with Chloe too, but I haven't been able to find classes in my area. I looked on a bunch of websites and I just got confused 
I am sure Ajax will be a wonderful therapy dog!!!
Chloe is also a rear amp and her shoulders have bulked up. Probably also has to do with the fact that we go to the beach everyday and she loves running in the soft sand (quite a work out!). She has always had a skinny back end, now it looks more pronounced with her shoulder bulking. Anyway, we look forward to hearing how Ajax does with his first therapy session!
-Chloe's mom
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
Congratulations on the graduation Ajax! As for your mum, we're not sure exactly how nuts she is but here's what we tell folks having a hard time adjusting the harness...
Please ensure all the straps extending from the three-point front support junction are adjusted properly. They can each be extended for a looser fit. The chest and belly straps can also be lengthened or tightened. The harness should be snug, but not constricting.
The three straps that join in front through the junction with the yellow lining and small white Ruff Wear logo all have sliding plastic adjusters. Slide these adjusters toward the junction to extend the straps. Extending the belly and chest straps should be obvious.
Hope this helps.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Super duper congratulations Ajax! Soooooo cool!!!!! 🙂 Looking forward to your stories as a Therapy dog!
My Ruffwear harness for Maggie loosens up in its adjustments...so you may have to tighten it?
And yes, doing any type of spins/pivots as a rear leg amputee are pretty darn cool!!!! Darn good pivot with that one leg to pivot on! 😉
Tracy & Maggie
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
That calls for a super celebration Ajax! We are so proud of you! You are one big lovable guy that will help a lot of people!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Way to go Ajax! What an achievement for you to become a therapy dog, you'll do just great.
Michelle and Rocky
WOW Ajax! You are incredible! You deserve to be proud!
Pat, Angel Ruthie & Tess
Congratulations to Ajax! Woohoo! Looking forward to updates for sure.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
Way to go Ajax!!
My pug Maggie was a left rear amp- she could spin really tight circles going clockwise (important part of her BM routine) with the right rear leg to pivot on, but she could only do wide turns going counter-clockwise.
Can't wait to hear about his therapy visits!
Karen and the pugapalooza
Yay Ajax! Congratulations on becoming a therapy dog, you rock. You and your mom deserve to be so proud of you,
Jo Ann & Tasha
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
ajax, what a wonderful accomplishment!! you guys are going to spread such happiness and hope to so many...we are humbled by your efforts!! hoping for pictures of your future therapy visits!!
charon & gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Pawesome! Congratulations Ajax, you're a role model for us all.
I think we need to start an official Tripawds Therapy Dog Club, don't you?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Tripawd therapy dogs! Doesn't get any better than that. Congratulations, Ajax! You worked hard and will make a huge difference in so many lives. That is just awesome.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Yes, Tripawd Therapy Dog Club it is ! Thanks everyone for the shout outs - Mom needed praise more than Ajax, I think! He's excited. We find out where we can visit in a couple of weeks. It will depend a little bit on time of day - Dad and Mom both work (i.e., abandon me in the house for hours on end with only 2 visits from my dog walker and pack and one peanut butter Kong - I have ASPCA on speed dial).
Tracy, any more good ideas for tricks? Anyone else? We can still do "high five", but we wil NEVER EVER roll over. Even on three legs, he would prefer to do a sudden flip onto all threes than actually roll over.
ps Karen and pugabpalooza - we are working on "double spin" - first one direction, then the other. fortunately, we had a head start due to doing the core strengthening exercises in the videos on this site. we'll let you know how it goes ...
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