Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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If you would have told me a year ago I would be part of a family of people with three legged dogs, I would have told you your smokin' the illegal stuff. My dad lost his battle with lung cancer a year ago Oct. 24, never smoked a day in his life. Silly me for thinking the worst was behind us, fast forward to March and Gus starts limping, and we all know how that ended, then on Oct. 22 our daughter gives us a beautiful grandson. Moral of the story, you might have a vision of whats ahead, but you really can't see that far ahead, there's potholes just waiting for us all. But I have to say thank you everyone of you for letting Gus and myself become part of this great family, it was so much easier knowing we could ask for help if something was happening that scared the bejeebers out of me, or the support when we lost him, that is irreplacable. To be able to help someone starting down that same road of fears and unknown is gratifying, I always say there is a reason for everything. I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving, see you in the forums, Spirit Gus and Dan
Haley, Denalis' mom e-mailed me some time last night and said Denali lost her battle last night. I had just e-mailed her last week and sounded like Denali was doing good. I'm sure she is going through the toughest part now, she didn't give any other info
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
I don't think any of us would ever have ever thought we would be in a group of three legged dogs and their over the top owners, LOL. You are so right, none of us know what lies ahead. We are the lucky ones to have found folks who truly care and will be there when the going gets tough and be there to celebrate our victories.
Thanks for sharing Daniella's news, although it isn't something we want to hear. It does allow us to to be here for her.
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.
Hi Dan,
You're correct, those darn potholes are everywhere. You know Dan, it's within these holes that character is built and maturation takes place if we allow it to. I'm sorry you lost your father to lung cancer and so close to the time you would have to say goodbye to your sweet Gus. But now you have a beautiful grandchild. What a blessing. I too lost my father to lung cancer. I was his caretaker for the 6 months leading up to his passing. It was one of the hardest times of my life.
When in a slump or hole, if you will, I get excited because I know change is on the horizon. It's when you are on top that you need to worry. I sure never thought I would be in a online group much less a three legged dog one 
There was a time I would have thought it was cruel and inhumane to take my friends leg. But that has all changed now and I feel blessed that Fortis and I have stumbled across this wonderful community. I have learned so much here and have so much to be thankful for.
Thank you Dan, for being here and being a strong and confident voice. I have always found truth and honesty in what you write. And having a man around has been a comfort at times 
The "hen house" can be an intimidating place at times!
Happy Thanksgiving,
Fortis'Dad
Hmm, Hen House??? Well, you're right I guess! This year has been a very tough one for us too. But on the flip side, we have new babies in the family...but best of all is the Tripawds Family! We are truly blessed to have all of you here for support, friendship - including many laughs & tears too! We are so thankful to all of you, and you are all in our prayers.
Sending golden hugs to each & everyone of you!
Cathy/Jane/Spirit Skyler/Chloe
Fortis said:
The "hen house" can be an intimidating place at times!
Sorry, dude, but there isn't a soul here who believes you have ever been intimidated a day in your life. Try that one on another group - this one isn't buying!
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.
Dan and Spirit Gus,
Much to the contrary, it is this community that has been blessed by your presences and your stories of Gus. When I first joined this community two years ago, Jim and I were the lonely voices in a community dominated by the Moms. I will NEVER say anything except the kindest of words for all the Moms, their wise words, extreme support, and their wisdom, but I know that they do not have a monopoly on the love of their companions, the fear as we approach this cancer, and the need for support. Over time more male voices have joined this community with the inclusion of Wiley's Dad, Max's Dad, Fortis's Dad, and you – all as major contributors and adding a broader prospective to the discussions. Each and every member of this community brings something very unique to the discussions and we are strongest when we have the broadest support and experience base. Each contributor is very important to each and every discussion. I know just how hard it is to continue to log on and read the difficulties that our newer members are facing, or the losses that will inevitably come, but the continued support by those who's personal tripawds journey has come to an conclusion is especially appreciated. You know more of the complete journey and that knowledge is priceless. Always remember Jim and Rene when you feel that that comming back here is hard. Without their dedication, this community would not exist. I know that many of my posting have generated very mixed emotions within them – like the posts of Yellowstone where they had to say good-bye to Jerry at what we believe to be the same vet who helped save Miss Cherry a few years earlier.
Gus lives within you and the story and your prespective helps so many every time you reply.
Spirit Cherry's Dad
Dan, you are so right! I never thought I would be part of an on-line community, or have a blog (much less one for Holly!!). But this is the place I come when there is news to celebrate, or worries to ask about. With being away alot this fall, this is the place I miss most (after my family (human and canine - but that goes without saying here!) and my bed!) You are all the best! It means so much to have people who want to hear the bad and the good, the silly and the sad and help us through it all.
Now... about calling some of us hens.... better be careful or Comet might post a picture of you in a miniskirt! bwahahahaha
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hugs,
Holly, Zuzu and Susan
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
What a nice post Dan. I guess you are very right...one can never see too far ahead. I, too, am glad for this family and am glad that I can help others in their need on this very scarey journey at times.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and to ALL the Tripawd members and your 3 legged(and 2 and 4!) beasts!
Tracy, Maggie & Haley
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
djbockman said:
... there's potholes just waiting for us all.
And thanks to the support of members like you, this community has become a great set of shock absorbers! Thanks for checking in and remaining part of the family.
Our thoughts and best wishes go out to Haley and Denali's pack. 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh Dan! You never cease to amaze me!
FYI - for those that haven't gotten to talk with Dan - he's not profound!! He's hysterical! But then he comes up with these types of posts! Go figure!
HEN HOUSE!??? buuuuuk buk buk buuuk buuuuuuk
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.
I have to say I've had alot of fun with you guys and look forward to more in the year to come. Brett, don't worry, I've got your back buddy in case the "hens" get the claws out!!!!! Us big birds know how to handle the flock
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Dan, I know exactly how you feel. Had someone told me too that I'd be part of an on-line community, I would have pooh-poohed with some snooty incredulity. Me? Not. And blogging? Humph. No chance.
And here I am. Go figure.
I agree - it has been a year of upsy-downsies, heartaches and joy. You said it so well.
To every Tripawd and their packs - have a wonderful Thanksgiving. It might not seem like it, but there are always blessings to count.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
Very well said Dan. I believe strongly that you have to learn something from all of life's experiences, especially the hard ones.
When I found Tripawds last year I was blown away by the people who stayed here after their Tripawd came to the end of their journey. It was just amazing to me. Some people did move on, but many stayed to be part of this community and offer help and guidance to others.
But now I am part of the Tripawd pack who has a Spirit Tripawd watching over now… wait, make that a Spirit Tri-Pug, and I see why people stay. I'm not sure I can put it in words, or explain why I am still here. But there is just something about this family that makes me want to stay.
Or maybe it's the racy pics of you and Brett (or pseudo Brett) that Cometdog keeps posting.
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Karen and the pugapalooza
You have overcome so much and you still make time to give your advice to others on this website. You are one of the people who makes this website great. Have a wonderful thanksgiving and I will make sure to give Chloe a hug to let her know how much I am thankful for with regards to her recovery.
-Nicole
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
I am so glad Dan that you are still a part of this community even after your loss with Gus. You really make me laugh and I especially loved the pixolated (sp?) picture of you and Gus, not to mention the minskirt photo (pseudo photo?) of Brett (I might add that I'm a little embarrassed for both of you guys but hey, who am I to judge?) Watch that Cometdog! Seriously, all of you are so amazing and I'm so grateful and thankful that I have been a part of this community too. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I'd meet up with a bunch of 3 legged dog owners who love their dogs as much as I do. What a wonderful community it is! You are right, it is our family and I feel so lucky to be a part of it - laughter, tears and everything in between.
Now, about those claws, hmmm....
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!
Kami
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
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