Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi All,
Fred's one week post-op anniversary is today. He's doing well, doesn't seem to be in much pain. It's hard trying to keep him confined, he refuses to go in the crate so we made up a bed behind the couch but he's really reluctant to go in there too!We have to bribe him and it doesn't always work. He's under the dining table at the moment. He really wants to go for a walk. Every time I take him out for a toilet break he refuses to come back inside and starts down the driveway. I have to use all of my persuasive skills to get him back inside. It's a good sign I think.
On another note the hospital where Fred was a therapy dog called asking for an update on him which was nice but after the call I burst into tears. He brought such joy to everyone there and he loved his job. I'm not sure we will be able to go back as the hospital is very large and spread out. Not sure also whether the patients would want to see a 3 legged dog.
I'm just so sad.
I've inserted a couple of photos from flickr but I don't think it's worked
[Image Can Not Be Found]
[Image Can Not Be Found]
Congrats on ONE week down .... what a milestone! Shelby was the same way - get her outside and she refused to come back inside (still does that). I am guessing they get bored being confined in the house! Shelby also refused her crate - always has hated being confined like that so I kept her a limited area and blocked off any areas where she might jump. I think she's over the jumping ambition now .... she hasn't made any attempts so perhaps she has finally learned.
As far as the therapy dog thing - Shelby was a therapy dog way back in the day! WAY back... we didn't get certified when I moved to LA. BUT I don't see why they wouldn't want a 3-legged dog ... it would be a good learning opportunity for anyone who might have questions. And if it is something you and Fred enjoyed, I would ask if he could still participate once he feels better. I don't think that door is closed!
We can't see your photos ... but maybe someone else can help with that!
Great job!!!
Alison & Shelby
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
OMD! Fred, HOPPY AMPUVERSARY!!!!
Yes, your spunk and tenacity are very good signs. Just a little while more of that confinement thing, then you can start to get back to some good times, promise.
And don't you worry, TRIPAWDS MAKE THE BEST THERAPY DAWGS!! OMD check out these celebrity Tripawd Therapy Dawgs:
Tripawd Tuesday: Therapy Dog Hope Brings Smiles and Laughter to All
Tripawd Tuesday: Shelby Makes People Smile
And there are MANY more, these are just two stories we've recently published. And yes you will be able to get around. When the time is right, a wagon is just what you need to get around, many Tripawds have one and they LOVE it!
You've got a great future ahead mister, just you wait. xoxo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Good news for Fred...and you. It won't be long now until he can go on walks again.
As far as therapy dogs go, I'm trying to remember who we have here that is a therapy dog. I know we have at least one, plus another who goes to school and helps the kids. Sorry, but my brain isn't moving too quickly tonight, and I can't remember the names. Someone else will, I'm sure.
As far as whether patients would want a visit from a three legged dog, they would more than likely be inspired by Fred's recovery and his spirit.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
Oh oh forgot to answer about the photos. Is your Flick'r account set to allow public sharing of photos? It's in your settings. They need to be "sharable" or else you can't.
Here are instructions for adding images to the Forums. PM me if you still have trouble, I'm happy to help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I knew someone would post the story. Jerry's post went up while I was typing mine.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
So glad Fred is doing w
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!
Thank you everyone for your words of support. It's been a tough day. I've got health issues of my own, Fred's surgery was not well timed.
Thank you Jerry for those links, Shelby, what a star! She reminded me of Fred's visits to the PTSD ward of the hospital we visited. They were Vietnam, Afganistan and Iraq veterans as well as police officers there. They all LOVED him. And I think they might find him even more special now. I just hope I will be able to keep the tears in check!
Photos coming soon!
Kirsten
Good morning Kirsten
Fred looks great! I'm so glad to hear that he is recovering so well.
I agree with everyone else....Fred now being a tripawd may actually make him more of a "hit" as a therapy dog. His lived experience of "trauma" and recovery is something that many can relate to.
Give him a snuggle for all of us
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
Yaaay you did it! Love seeing that boy!!!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
He looks great!!!
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
Glad to hear Fred us doing well, he looks good.
Keep it up buddy.
Esther and her Snoop
Oh my! Just look at that gorgeous face! Fred will be a star. You can tell already.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
Wow! Fred looks grrrreat! As for how folks might react to a tripawd therapy dog, well, none of my tripawds so far have had the temperament to be a therapy dog. But we used to take Codie Rae to the dog park and there was a Vietnam vet, missing a leg, wo came often as well. Every time he saw Codie Rae his face would just light up! No doubt about it, Fred will be a huge hit!
xoxox
Woohoo! Tripawds Rule!
Regulator of the Oaktown Pack, Sheriff of the Oaktown Pawsse, Founding member and President of the Tripawd Girldogs With 2 Names ROCK Club, and ... Tripawd Girldog Extraordinaire!
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