Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone-
we went looking for a new puppy yesterday and thought we had one picked out... until my fiance noticed a little girl Morkie way in back of the kennel and she was missing a leg. So we asked the owner about her and she said she was not for sale because they were going to keep her.. I know she was thinking no one would adopt her. We told her we were very interested in adopting her and wanted to get some information regarding her condition. We received an email stating they would give this little doll to us because she knew we would take very good care of her and give her lots of love.. (VERY TRUE) We are excited to get her but had a few questions...
If someone could please let us know what kind of things we can expect, what we will need to buy, and if there will be health issues for this little dollie. The current owner said that the mom tried pulling her puppy out of the kennel and the leg tore off.. poor little thing. She stated the vet said it was healed very nicely and there was not infection. She is only 8 weeks old and we would be brining her home in the next couple weeks.
Thanks so much 
Are you adopting her or buying her? Just wondering what is known about this pup & parents' history and environment? At any rate - I don't see that there would be any health problems due to the missing leg...the story about the mom "pulling the puppy through a kennel and tearing off her leg" sounds very suspect to me; and knowledgeable people keep dam and pups in a whelping box, not a wire kennel.
So I would really question the integrity and experience of the people who own the mama & pups, and would most definitely get her vet checked by your own vet prior to making any committment.
But if she checks out healthy, I see absolutely no problems...if she's lost a leg as a wee pup, that's normal for her, and she should do absolutely fine! Small dogs especially would get along even easier than large dogs, if anything. I know a three legged (right rear amp) Viszla who is about six years old, lost her leg when young and goes for walks every day, chases tennis balls, etc.
(A "Morkie" is a cross between a Yorkie and a Maltese.)
Carina, thank you so so so much for the very informative advice. Not having any experience getting dogs from a breeder, we didn't even consider these issues. And big ones they are (especially the wire kennel part).
A Morkie...had no idea!
What would we do without the shared knowledge of everyone here? Many thanks for taking time to help out!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well given the fact that these are two pretty scrappy and tough little breeds, I imagine a pup would do very well on three legs! And of course wouldn't even know any different. Older dogs have to get used to using their bodies and muscles in a completely different way and make all sorts of adjustments....a pup won't have to go through that.
Morkiegirl, you will have to give us an update, with photos. I love cute puppy photos. 🙂
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