Wow!  Just great that your friends and family are helping you out so much through your go fund me page! 

I took Jack home the afternoon of the surgery and it went just fine - I was also a recent graduate at the time and on a tight budget. She was really sleepy the first couple of days and our biggest problems were that she was nervous, a bit confused and restless (especially at night). As long as you're set up with pain meds like Alison recommended, I think you can do it. And people will always be here to help you, along with your vet who will be a phone call away. 

I didn't crate Jack because I was worried about her ability to lay down comfortably, but I did keep her confined to a tiny room where she couldn't climb on anything. 

My dog Toby just had his rear left leg removed they did leave his hip but the leg is gone. The surgeon wanted him to have it so he could balance when he sat and to help protect his privates. His removal was about $2200. I did take him to an ER vet for the night after surgery and that was about $400 for the 12 hrs he was there. The ER clinic was a board certified clinic so they are a little pricey but it was worth it to me. The vet that did the surgery didn't have overnight staff to care for him. 

I would compare the first couple of days as like taking a baby home. Even now a week later i still am not getting to sleep through the night. 

Maybe plan to take your puppy home but have an ER vets number and let them know you may be contacting them for help if needed. 

Remember to take care of yourself along with your puppy. If possible have someone with you the first day or two after surgery. I know I wanted someone watching my pup while I showered or anytime I needed to walk away from him. 

Sending hugs 

Gail

Hang in there! You are doing your homework, that's for sure. I'm in the Los Angeles area and my regular vet did Clyde's surgery. He removed the whole leg and scapula (Clyde is a front leg amputee), cost was $3500 which included an overnight stay. I consulted with an oncologist in Ontario at a specialty hospital, he quoted me $4500 to $5000 for the surgery (I'm not sure if there would have been more than one night's stay). Clyde did not have chemo, and is still hopping along more than six months' after surgery. Recovery was not that bad for us - the first few days were tough, but once his staples came out, he was completely back to his happy, goofy self.

You will feel much better having made a decision, no matter what it is. I know I did - I wanted his pain gone and the amputation did just that. I am grateful for every single day I have with him and have not regretted the decision in the least. Good luck to you and your pup!

Hi there. We use an EZ Dog harness - it was designed for front leg amputees. For me, the decision was based on ease of getting it on and off - the Ruffwear one that a lot of people use has three buckles, and while I'm sure its easy to use - when I'm getting Clyde out of the house, my other dogs are swirling around and its just easier to pop this one over his head and attach the one buckle. It does rotate, but with some practice you'll figure out how to keep it on straight. Over the months, we use it less and less - really now I just put it on him for car rides so I can give him some support getting out of the car.

Another thing that has been great is an elevated feeding station. Its easier for him to balance and eat without having to hang his head down into a dish. Because I have one little dog in my pack, the water bowl is still on the ground and he manages it fine, but for eating I like the elevated one.

T-shirts were very helpful while he was recovering. After his first couple of days, I took his cone of shame off and a t-shirt on (only while I was home and watching him, for when I was gone, back on went the cone of shame ). The t-shirt helps protect the incision area. I got Clyde boy's large t-shirts from Walmart, they were super cheap and help up pretty well. As an added bonus, they look super cute in their t-shirts

I used yoga mats for non-slip surfaces. They were really easy to maintain, and Clyde quickly figured out to hop on them instead of the hardwood. I've got most of them up now, he's adapted really well to the surfaces in my home (which is small anyway). Keep asking any questions you may have!

We used the Ruffwear Webmaster Plus harness.  I never had any problems putting it on Otis, but I think it depends on which front leg is missing.  Others on this site have used the Help Em Up harness, or the EZ Dog harness. Look in the gear blog - there are several harnesses there.  Tripawds does not "recommend" only one.

The first week or so is very much like having a new baby.  Sleep when the baby sleeps.  Fortunately, the med schedule eases up and many dogs perk up when the staples come out.  A hard two weeks, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.  The 3rd day crash Gail describes in quite common around days 3 - 5 when the hospital meds wear off.  Many of us had to work with our vets to adjust pain meds at that time.  Just keep an eye out for pain signs (panting and restlessness could be signs of pain) and do not let her overdo it - just short leashed potty breaks and lots of rest.

You are doing great.  And if you choose to amputate, I bet Saba will amaze you with how well she does.

Gail - Great to hear that Toby is doing so well!