Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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The Tripawds Foundation is excited to announce our very first, long-awaited public service project that you, dear donors, have made possible through your generous contributions!
The Tripawds Pals Helpline Seeks Volunteers
The Tripawds Pals Helpline is a toll-free phone number for anyone in the U.S., Canada or Mexico who needs a shoulder to lean on during their Tripawd journey. Whether someone has just been given the bad news about amputation or they are grappling with end-of-life issues, our compassionate Hotline volunteers will be there to help.
Are YOU ready to be a caring friend to callers in need? If so, here's how you can make the hotline a reality...
Volunteer Requirements
- Technically able to navigate all areas of Tripawds.com including Forums, live Chat and blogs.
- Maintain an active participation in the Tripawds community (must have at least 50 Discussion Forum posts, or a Tripawds blog with multiple posts).
- Must have a smart phone, tablet or computer to utilize the helpline app and website.
- Comfortable using a Google form to document phone calls.
- Answer/return calls at least one day a week.
- Commit to at least a 3 month host assignment.
On the day a volunteer Host commits:
- Hotline calls will get forwarded to the Host's cell or land-line.
- For calls not answered, notification of voicemail messages will be sent via email and text.
- Hosts will be responsible for checking messages and returning calls on their day.
If you're ready to say "yes" to helping with this exciting new project, we want to hear from you! Once we have seven volunteers, we'll announce the number, create a hotline schedule, send out Hotline user guides and coordinate a one-time orientation conference call for all volunteers.
Please let us know if you can help by replying to this topic:
- Indicate the day of the week you wish to host.
- Send a Private Message to Jerry with your telephone number and email address.
Days are first come first served. If we get more than seven volunteers, we may then divide days into hourly shifts.
Thank you everyone, we look forward to getting started!
Any questions?
I'm in! And Fridays would be best.
But one question... are you considering a day a 24 hour period or during the day and evening or... and in what time zone since we are all over the country?
OK, more than one question but I put them all in a run-on sentence .
And I would suggest you take 8 or 9 names so we have a couple back ups... especially for weekends.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
I am in. Probably like Sat or Sunday because of me working at home and using my landline. And when we call them back how do we do that if we don't have international calling?
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Great questions! Answers follow...
Please pick one specific day so others know which days are already taken.
A "day" will be considered a 24-hour period, from 00:00 to 24:00 MST. During that time, calls will be scheduled to forward to the Host for that day. Any messages left for unanswered calls during that time, would be returned by that day's Host who will be notified of messages via email.
We're still learning the system, and may be able to add backup/rollover numbers for unanswered calls, so please indicate if you are interested in being a "secondary" host on any given day.
Outbound calls, for returning messages, can be made via the Hotline number using the Grasshopper mobile app. (Details to follow for selected Hosts.) This may address the international call scenario, which to clarify, only includes only CA and MX. If not, Hosts without Intl. calling can leave messages for the next day's host to return.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
As back up I meant that if something happens or someone goes on vacation or something you have someone to step in. More of a plan ahead thing, I didn't mean have a back up person per day.
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Hi Admin,
I hope this isn't a stupid question, but if we would be interested in doing this, is there certain guidelines to follow, as far as information we can give to someone that calls looking for help? There are so many here in the community that are very knowledgeable about everything here, and some like me, that may be moderately knowledgeable but still could talk to someone in their time of need. I would worry that I may say something wrong, or something completely different than what another member here might tell someone calling in. Maybe all the moderators, Rene, and Admin/Jim, could get together and decide these guidelines for the members wanting to help those calling in. Just a thought, because if everyone is on the same page and thought process per se', I would worry way less about making a verbal error. Unfortunately, I am one of those people that overthinks things sometimes........
Love,
Bonnie, Angel Polly, and new crew
bcullom said
...is there certain guidelines to follow, as far as information we can give to someone that calls looking for help?
Yes! And that's a great question.
We are developing a Helpline Host Handbook, which includes guidelines, disclaimers, and logistical details. We intend do make it very clear that this is an "emotional support" helpline, and not a number to call for veterinary advice or treatment recommendations, so there will be no "wrong" answers.
The primary task of hosts will be to lend an ear and offer a soft shoulder, while directing callers to the various helpful resources available here in the Tripawds forums and blogs, via the links included in the handbook.
Thanks for asking.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
First off - count me in!
Second, I recalled seeing this post while I was traveling and just used the handy search feature as I couldn't recall which forum it was in and voila ... easy peasy!
I would be happy to help, but like Bonnie said, would love a handbook or something. I am definitely not one to remember any medical terms but I like to think I am empathetic and sympathetic and would be able to lend a helpful ear in a time of crisis....
Not to be cruel or crass but would there be a way to limit the time spent on a call? I mean, what if someone wants to talk for 6 hours? I don't know that I would have that much battery power on my cell phone (and would need a bathroom break). Maybe that is obvious but I've never used or been a volunteer for any sort of crisis hotline so I don't know the proper protocol.
But me and my Spirited Shelby are willing to help however we can!
~Alison
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
Hi Alison, thank you so much! PM me your phone # and 2 days you think you can do this. The power of you and Shelby for this project will be amazing.
As for your questions:
You're not being crass at all. Yes, we definitely have ways to limit the convo, and that's something we should definitely mention in the handbook, so thanks for that suggestion. Our current plan with our toll free provider is 500 minutes a month. After that we get hit with overtime fees, so it's polite way of excusing yourself from the call. I'll put something in the manual.
Thanks again.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm in!! Weekends are best for me if you have to be available 24 hours, but other wise Thursday or Friday evenings after 6pm I can do!
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
YAAAAAAAAAY.....such great suppotive souls with so much compassion and knowlege!!
JILL....way to represent! Show your momma the thread about posting tripawd videos from the Admjn Guy.....he needs kitties badly...begging for them!!!! I think it's under "Share your story"....Salt!!!
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!
Awesome Erica, thank you! Please PM me you email & preferred days so I can put you on our list. Thanks!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
FYI to all our volunteers I just sent a PM about scheduling our days/times for a conference call and hosting. Thanks again for volunteering!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I would love to help with this....I have a rotating schedule (not set days off each week, including weekends) so I couldn't give a specific day that I'd be off. If you get more than 7 people, and start breaking up the time each day, I could totally do mornings until 2pm CST. Or if I could pick days when I know I'm off (my schedule is out about a month ahead) I would do that too. What a great idea this is. Let me know if I can be of use.
paula
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
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