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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Decision made, tears shed, appointment kept, and now Ginger is a member of the club. She had her surgery this morning and her left rear leg was amputated. The surgery went well, and the doctor seems pleased. We, the pawrents, are glad it went well, but are still uneasy about the decision - though it really is the right one. We are waiting for that reassurance from Ginger...a little tail wag will go a long way! We know that the next couple of weeks could be tough. I can't tell you how much this site has done to help us through this, so far, and we look forward to more advice, suggestions and stories as our journey continues. Thank you all for your support, advice and well wishes!
Sharon and Randy - GingersFolks 
So glad Ginger did well with her surgery! My Golden Henri had his surgery last Thursday and I can totally relate to what you are feeling! Henri came home two days after his surgery...and did great for two days but seems depressed and tired now...I know there will be good days and bad days. Ginger will do great! Keep loving her and give her lots of her favorite things when she comes home! : )
Hugs!!!
Wendy and Henri
Thanks for the update. We are glad to hear all is well with Ginger so far. Best wishes for a quick recovery. Remember to be strong for Ginger and try not to look back.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Speedy recovery, Ginger! Don't worry mom, that tail wag isn't far away.
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.
Glad to hear that Ginger did well with the surgery. The first few weeks can be hard but it should be soon that Ginger will be surprising you with all that she will be able to do again. They are truly amazing, even after almost 5 months I am still amazed by Tasha and the pure love of life that she has. Ginger will amaze you and you will be seeing a tail wag and a happy girl again soon.
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….
Sounds like you are on top of things as far as knowing in your head what to expect. Most dogs do very well after amputation and there isn't any reason to assume that Ginger won't. My Emily was a rear leg amputee, too. ITake care of yourself and remember to be positive. Ginger will be watching you to see how she should react. The tail wag will come. You and Ginger are in my prayers.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Hi Sharon, Randy and Ginger!
Welcome to the Tripawds family... I'm sorry that your Ginger had to have her leg amutated, but you definitely came to the right place! The first two weeks can be a real rollercoaster! Some days will be good, some will be bad... but usually after the 2 weeks, things start to get better. Just hang in there! Post some pictures of your sweetie so we can see what she looks like! My Jake was also a golden... I have a soft spot in my heart for goldens...
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
Sharon, Randy, and Ginger,
We are so very sorry that the dignosis led to the amputation, but you have found a great site filled with very wonderful people who will share their collective experiences, make suggestions, and provide support. These next two weeks are almost always the toughest, but Ginger should make a full recovery and once again return to a wonderful quality of life. We all here know that you made the correct decsion for Ginger, for only you really know Ginger and would not do anything that was not in her best interests. Rather than fill this page with my usual suggestions to help with Ginger's return, I would refer you to this LINK.
As far as waiting for Ginger to give you some reassurance, since you are the "Pack Leaders" Ginger will take her clue from you. The above link will detail how you need to stay upbeat and positive - especially during this initial recovery process. Ginger will just want to live in the "Today" and will enjoy all the time and attention. (This is good.) Their ability to adapt is outstanding, and it is clear from you postings that there is the love basis necessary for a good recovery. Personally, I am off to Maui on Friday, so I may not be able to monitor your progress. However, there are many great people here who will more than fill in. Rely on them - I did and it really did help.
Paws Crossed and Pawsitive Thoughts Headed Your Way,
Spirit Cherry's Dad - Bob
PS: Please view the Link - it will help.
We're sorry to hear that Ginger needed to go through this, but are glad you found Tripawds! This site has been a great resource for us - it's full of wonderful people who can help support you as you travel this road with Ginger. Someone here suggested raising the food and water bowls (maybe Emily's mom?), which has been very helpful for Holly. So if you can find a stool or a stand or something to raise her food and water bowls, that may help her. I think we used a cardboard box until we found something the right height!
We're keeping fingers and paws crossed that she does well! When will she come home?
Hugs,
Holly and Holly's mom
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
Sharon, Randy and especially Ginger,
Welcome to our little community. Don't look back, don't second guess......no regrets, that has been my position. We all chose amputation for our dogs because it is to free them from pain & prolong their lives!!
I am glad the surgery is over, you will see that tail wag sooner than you think. There will be ups & downs the first 2 weeks, that seems to be the general consensus. Paris was great once we weaned her off all the meds. She was able to take on 20 inches of snow 2 days after surgery!!
Continue to give lots of love and attention to Ginger, she is a beautiful girl. Take good care and reach out for support when needed.
Ginny & Angel Paris
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
Sharon & Randy, that's great news. We're all cheering Ginger on for a speedy recovery.
There will be a few times in the next few weeks I'm sure when you second guess your decision, but be strong and just stay focused on seeing how Ginger is handling things. You'll likey find that she is adapting to the Tripawd way of life faster than you ever imagined.
Good luck this week. Let us know how we can help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Ginger and her folks! You're in good company!
We hope for quickie recovery! In the meantime, we are hear to listen!
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.
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