Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hey Gerry, Wyatt and your human friends
I notice that a lot of newbies that seem to be looking for advice post on the blogs, and don't think of turning to the forums until we specifically suggest it (while they wait around wondering why no-one response). If they want discussion and advice re: amputation and treatment, isn't the forum more appropriate? Would it be helpful to make that suggestion when they read whatever they read about setting up the blog?
Maybe I'm wrong, but I figure blogs are for sharing stories and forums are more for discussion, exchanges of ideas or advice. (Some of us might blog on the forum, but that's another issue.)
Tazzie
Nice to see the Tazzie's sticking together. Arf Arf. It is just that during the last couple of weeks, I felt like I had to 'rescue' a few bloggers in need, who were clearly searching for discussion, and point them to the forums (Shilo, Jake and a couple of others I believe). I see a few more there today who appear in need, at least judging from the 'headers' on the forum page, but we can't really keep going to tell them about the forums.
That is why I thought it might help to give them a tip when they first sign up to head directly to the forums, unless they just wanna blog and are not specifically searching for advice or discussion.
TazzieMutt
I can't speak for anyone else in the world but I can tell you my experience. I have never blogged or forumed or anything like that until this happened with Caira Sue. So for me, starting a blog-following the process set forth on this website-was easier. The forums were overwhelming. And, even though I was able to peddle and punch my way through them, I still couldn't figure out how you guys kept up with each other!
So, it was nice to just say "here I am" and have a couple people shout out hello. It wasn't until Jim explained how I could link in to Google reader (another thing I had never used before) that I could finally start following a few threads (if that is the correct term).
I don't know of a solution, just sounding out why some newbies may be going straight for the blog format. Or maybe not. Sometimes I feel like I know how to use a computer and sometimes I feel like that's just not the case. Forums and blogs, oh my!
May 2001-Jan 21, 2010.....I'm a dog and I'm AWESOME!..... Always.
Fruitbat
You seem to use the blog to tell stories of your doggy life, which is probably what blogs do best. But some newbies are using it when they are trying to decide on amputation and that sort of thing and specifically and most urgently seeking feedback. Anyway, for now, I'll stick to the forums and ignore those pleading headers at the upper right!
I must say our fearless leaders (Jerry and his successor Wyatt) are techno-wizards!
Tazzie
Hmmm ... now it appears my original reply has gone missing.
Anyway, all new members do receive links for all Tripawds resources and recommendations to visit the discussion forums – both in the welcome messages they receive when registerring, and with prominent permalinks in there blog dashboard.
But caira sue brings up the exact reason why we started the blogs: different strokes for different folks. Many users do find the forums overwhelming. With over 15,000 posts (to date) there is a mass of information to wade through. And everyone who comes here with serious questions and concerns they need answered immediately. So they ask.
They used to ask us directly via email. So we set up the forums. Now many of the answers exist. The best solution is for all Tripawds members to welcome new bloggers and direct them to the forums, providing links to existing helpful topics whenever they may seek specific answers and help.
As for the whole forum as blog platform ... another reason we set up the blogs – so members could share their pup's progress with regular updates in a blog in an effort to keep the forums as a repository for interactive questions, answers, tips and advice.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Tazzie,
I love my applesauce and blueberries and cranberries! You hush!
I actually DID start out talking a lot about my inhalation therapy and questions about anyone else doing such a crazy thing (really, nebulizers on dogs?). That's how Jerry led me to Tika, way back when. And slowly I started using the forums. I think I've only started one thread-the one to find tripawds in my area, which was a success!-and no more. I was afraid I wouldn't find my question again!
So, Admin is right, lead them to which forum will help answer their question. For me to just go to the forums...well, I found some good information and links, but could never find them again those first few weeks! I'm sure it had nothing to do with the stress....naw.
And you are right, now I use the blog more for stories, because I have family across the US who reads it, then emails me with their encouragement! It's nice to see. I also like to use focus on the positive. I have been lucky that our fears are usually just that, fears.
The forums are amazing, and google reader has helped me. I think the search section never worked well for me either. I just had to hunt through. I don't think that's Admin's fault. I think it's probably more the user! Too many blueberries?
M
May 2001-Jan 21, 2010.....I'm a dog and I'm AWESOME!..... Always.
Blueberries and Cranberries and even Apples. Yumm. But applesauce? Really Fruitbat - you can do better than that. Well, maybe I'll have to try it. I never say no to food. Even ate a raw mushroom the other night before I realized what it was. That used to be the ONLY food on my 'no go' list. But I never contemplated mushy apples.
Maybe Batgirl can keep flying over to the blog page to rescue those damsels in distress. Given the recent 'spay and pee' discussion, it seems there are mostly damsels amongst us. Tazzie 2 has a completely different peculiar problem that came up post-amp (or maybe it is a benefit - there is no obvious downside), but it is definitely a boy-only issue and I'll save it for another time. Or for a heart to heart PM with another lad.
cairasue said: ...I found some good information and links, but could never find them again...
Here's a good recommendation for all Tripawds bloggers : Create a page (or post category) called "Forums" or "Topics" then copy the permalink to any favorite forum, topic or post and include that in your blog for easy reference – by yourself, or others.
To copy the link to a topic just right click on it's title at the top – blog vs. forum, for instance. To copy the link of a specific post, simply copy the URL shown after clicking the post bermalink button:
If anyone is experiencing trouble with the forum search function, please start a new Tech Support topic with deatils about any errors or problems encountered. And be sure to note that when you do search from within a specific forum, "Current Forum" will be selected by default. Check the "All Forums" option to return more results.
But now I am getting off topic. Kinda like how this discussion has become rather bloggish.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi my name is Mary, I just joined your wonderful website a few days ago. I was wondering if I posted a new topic in the Forum area, and I choose to just have the screen name and not the blog yet, how long would it take for the post to register? I typed the post yesterday afternoon, under the Forum category" (Presentation and Diagnosis-"identifying the symptoms and dealing with diagnosis"). My topic "They said arthitis, diagnosis now changed....
I think that some of us actually predate the creation of the "official blogs", but I did keep a journal of what I was seeing with Cherry and posted that journal on-line. I found it very helpful to return to that journal to read what I was seeing in the past. With all the ups and downs, this journal allowd me to make true accessments of Cherry's progress because I could read what I was seeing, day/weeks/months ago. My oncologist actually was reading this on-line journal during Cherry's chemotherapy and it was a great help on keeping her up to speed between visits. This is about as close to a "blog" as I have ever gotten and I continue to keep this on-line journal. I also have to say that I have only read a few blogs ever. That is the number of readings and not the number of blogs I follow.
However, many feel more comfortable writing blogs and the expansion of this site to include these blogs should be viewed as a positive. Each of us have our preferred method of seeking and providing help/sympathy/support. The more ways that we can reach others, the better our community. There is no single right way and that is from one who only works on the forums. If you want to expand you discussion, how about the "Facebook" connection that my wife use to contact Rene when we could not get on this site for more than two weeks.
My vote is to do what you can, when you can, where you can, and help support the diversity of methods that we have available.
Bob & Cherry
pababyblue said:
... if I posted a new topic in the Forum area, and I choose to just have the screen name and not the blog yet, how long would it take for the post to register?
Hi pababyblue, thanks for joining the Tripawds community! If you are logged in, your forum posts will publish immediately. Blogs are totally separate, and you need not have a blog to participate in the forums.
Your comment above is the first and only post by pababyblue in the forums, to date. And we have no topic started with the title you named. Neither from any member, nor guest. Not sure what happened, but no such topic exists. Sorry for the inconvenience, not sure what happened. Please try again and keep in mind that you must provide a title for new topics or they will not publish.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hey Tazzie -
Yes I was one saved and pulled from the blogs to the forum, and thank you. I am not sure why it seemed a little confusing at first. Well, I really wasn't in my right mind then either. Matter of fact when I think back about it I am not sure why I didn't find the forums. Tazzie placed a part of my story into the forums to get support, thank goodness. Hmmm.... now I will be thinking about that for the rest of the night...
Shilo diagnosed with osteosarcoma 9/4/2009, amputation 9/9/2009. ShiloAnne lost her battle 11/23/2009 where she regained her fourth leg and is patiently waiting for her parents to join her. We will always love you baby girl.
Bob & Cherry, Thank you so much for your response, and I really appreciate all of your wonderful advice. I think I may have written my post under the wrong category. It's not that I don't want to ever write a blog and I really didn't mean to compare blogs vs forums. I am very familiar with writing posts on a forum website, as I used to belong to an English Mastiff website at one time, until they closed it down. So I apologize for any misunderstanding.
I was really just looking for some Computer Technical Support, about the post that I posted on the website, a few days ago. In it I told the whole story about my 5 1/2 yo English Mastiff who I recently found out may have Osteosarcoma (possible bone tumor of the right front forearm "distal radius"). The post was very long, but maybe it was my mistake and I posted it incorrectly.
I am not at the point yet where amputation is recommended, but I have a feeling that day may not be far away, as it was just diagnosised and we are going for a consultation and biopsy Wed and Thurs of this week consecutivatively.
Thanks again Bob & Cherry for your kind words and advice.
Admin: Thank you so my for the wonderful welcome. I will certainly try posting the topic again. It must have been my mistake when I posted the new topic.
Mary ( Mom of AngusOg )
pababyblue said:
I was really just looking for some Computer Technical Support, about the post that I posted on the website, a few days ago.
So sorry to hear about Angus. I answered your original question about the post gone missing above.
Getting a bit off topic for this thread here ... but don't miss our movie of three legged English Mastiff Tazzie. And be sure to check out our posts with answers to the top questions about canine cancer and amputation we've receieved.
We look forward to hearing more about AngusOg, he is beautiful!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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