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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Tonka is 1 week post amp. and everyday is getting a little better! He went up and down stairs yesterday! Yikes! at 145 pounds I've learned to steer clear!
With the momentum he gets going all I do is get in his way! We put a rug on the marble at the bottom of the stairs for traction
. As a matter of fact- we have rugs all over the house. All different shapes and colors! Our home looks like a rug store!
Surprisingly the tougher part is now dealing with the judgement passed by others who think he is too big a dog to take his front leg. Didn't expect that.... but oh well. I don't think they understand our bond. If they did, they wouldn't pass judgement! So sad... for them.
YAAAAAAAA Tonka!! You rock big boy!!
I've forgotten who they were quoting (possibly Dakota Dawg's mom??), but tey said one member here siad her livi g room floor looked like a clown threw up al over it because of all the different colored scatter rugs!
Yeah, comme ts by others who have done ZERO research and have ZERO kowledge of what this whole jour e is about can be "unsettling". In fairness to them though, I can remember when my vet first threw out amputation as a possibility, I said absolutelh not!! And then her leg pain ncreased, her meds had to be increased. Her time was grow g short and yet she was still so full of life! Cried 'til I could barely breathe, researched 'til I thought I'd go nuts! Then it was...heck yeah, let's amputate!! Best decision ever!!!
There are very few people who I acfually told abojt the amputation because I knew most would not understand, not only the research, but the love, the soul deep love. She and I aren't exactly "social butterflies" a d pretty much stay to ojrselves so dealing with others is pretty non-existent.
There's a great thread here full of responses to say to people when they make insensitive remarks. One of the computer geeks can maybe post the link. As far as the person who thought Tonka was to big for sjrgery....ask them...if it was a human beng who needed an amputation...wnat's the size limit!?
We need VIDEO of Tonka showi g the world how its dne! CO GRATULATINS TONKA!! 
Keep these god updates co g! And you take it easy on those steps big boy! Being determined is a plus on this journey though! And you clearly are a very determined pup!
Kisses and hugs to all
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
OK! I'll video tape him tonight! I'm sure one of my tech kids can show me how to get the video on the site! I let him outside in the yard to "take a break" (as we call it) and he heard the coyotes. He did his BIG DAWG bark tellin 'em who's boss, and started chuggin' his way down the fence line! Of course, he'd be terrified if he actually ever ran into one-but they don't know that!
Hurrah for Tonka...and you! I'm glad to hear he is doing so well 
Don't let people who feel the need to share inappropriate comments with you bring you down....all you need to do is watch Tonka....see how happy he is and how well he is adjusting to his new life....and ignore all of those comments.
Looking forward to the video (don't tell Sally but I still have to figure out how to post one and Tucker is four months post amp :))
Cheers
Linda and Tucker
Hey all, remember that if you upload videos to YouTube (not Facebook or Photobucket), all you need to do is paste the video URL here in your forum post on a line by itself and it will appear like magic. Can't wait to see Tonka in action!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
tonkaboy said
Surprisingly the tougher part is now dealing with the judgement passed by others...
Hooray for Tonka! Sounds like he's doing pawesome.
As for those sad souls, many members have shared their responses to such people:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
That is sad that people judge. . Truthfully ... People find a reason to judge weather you decided to fight this on 3 legs or 4... You know in your heart you did the right thing for you.and mostly Tonka... And in the meantime Tonka will teach them how tough he is WTG Tonka. Keep on keeping on big guy!
Lori and Angel Chuck
So glad that your handsome Tonka is doing well !! It is amazing to me, how well all our Tripawds do, no matter what their size. I watched an amazing video on facebook the other day of a young Boxer that lost both his back legs, and nothing could stop this sweet dog. He had no devices to help him, either, just getting around on his two front legs....simply amazing.
I have been fortunate when going out with Polly and getting questions from people. Most just want to know what happened, and are very understanding about her loss of her leg. I have even met a few that have had their own Tripawds at one time or another. I think most people that would have a problem with our pets losing a leg, are not pet-people, anyway. So don't let ANYONE ever make you feel bad about your decision. Bravely facing these medical problems head-on, with your sweet, big boy, is way more important, than what any persons opinion may be.
Bonnie & Polly
Yey for Tonka!!! I love the images of all our homes with throw rugs everywhere. I know, we know, he loves you for that! Keep it up!
You need no words of wisdom from me about how to handle the debbie downers out there. Tonka is lucky to have you and you're lucky to have him. I smile for that bond!
Speedy recovery!
~ Katy & Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
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