Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My 5 year old fur baby has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma. This girl is my heart dog. She is having surgery on Monday 3/21 and I am struggling so much with this. Georgia is a very active, vibrant girl who loves life, running with me and her ball. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Georgia's mom, welcome. We know how worrisome this can be, and that's why we exist. How can we help you? Got specific questions?
Check out our What to Expect articles , Jerry's Required Reading List , and the Tripawds e-books library.
My best advice is to Be More Dog ! Follow Georgia's lead and know that she is way, way more resilient than you ever imagined.
Where is she getting the surgery done? Do they have 24/hr overnight care? If not, you want her to have it either with you or by taking her to another clinic that offers it. Also, be sure to discuss pain management with your vet before surgery. It can make or break recovery.
Stay strong and know that we are here to help!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you so much. She is having surgery at a clinic in Brandon Florida, called Fetch, which is about 2.5 hours from my home. The vet has actually operated on another dog of mine that had a luxating patella. She's amazing and I feel comfortable with her, which is why i opted to make the trip there. They have an ICU so she will have 24 hour care. She will be there for 2 nights after the surgery. Georgia only has a slight limp that's not slowing her down, which is another reason this cancer diagnosis is so hard to wrap my head around. My local vet told me he believes she will do great and will walk, while slowly, she'll walk on her own out of the clinic when i pick her up. I am terrified of seeing her with just 3 legs. I know logically this is the only option to buy her time, along with chemo, I'm just having terrible guilt about taking her leg.
Fetch is a GREAT practice! They are AAHA-accredited , you can sleep well knowing you made an excellent choice for her. Yeah it's a drive for you but wow the care they offer, and being an AAHA clinic, means she is in the best hands.
The slight limp is pain, make no bones about it. Dogs are soooo good at hiding pain! When the limp starts showing they are hurting. So try to remind yourself that she will not be limping after this surgery, and that nasty messed up leg will be gone. NO more pain! YAY!
Yes she does sound like a great candidate!
Of course you feel guilty for making this decision. Try to remind yourself of our mantra; you are not doing this TO her, you are doing it FOR her. It helps 🙂
As for being terrified of seeing her with 3 legs. Pretty soon you'll forget what she looked like with 4. When you pick her up, just focus on her eyes and her smile and joy at seeing you so she can go home. You will find yourself in a moment that is nothing but gratitude and love. There's nothing like it and you will never forget how glad she is to be able to walk pain-free. I know it sounds wacky now but trust me!
How's your house? Is it Tripawd Proofed? See our Tripawds Recovery Shopping List for more ideas to help you get ready (and keep your mind busy!).
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I can’t thank you enough for the encouragement! And thank you also for the ideas in my home. I actually have most of the items recommended. Is a tripawd harness a necessity? She has a harness now instead of a collar but I’m unsure if it’s appropriate.
You are so welcome! Sounds like you are well-prepared!
As for the harness, well, if you have stairs (more than 3 or so), or if you have a high clearance vehicle they are especially handy. Are they necessary otherwise? Not all the time. But there are situations you'll encounter where a harness comes in handy that you didn't expect it would.
Here's an article that explains:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Dear Georgias Mom
I understand exactly what you are going though. I was there just a short 2 weeks ago. They are so RIGHT.. when you pick your girl up... go directly to her face.. she will be so happy to see you.. nothing else will matter. She is your heart and you are hers. That does not change!!
I am so grateful that Tripawds let me lean on them during these times of uncertainty. This is nothing you can ever be prepared for. We .. as in others who have gone though this are here for you. You are not alone. Knowing that made this journey so much easier for me and Arbi.
The hardest part is what you are going though now. It is the waiting and the anticipation. Feeling guilty, Making that decision for Georgia. I understand how that feels... You are choosing life for her.!!
They are so right.. your sweet girl will show you just how resilient she is.!! She will amaze and astonish you!
I care ... please keep posting in the forum how your sweet baby is doing once she has her surgery. I know its hard to wrap your head around it.. but it's true.. you are doing this FOR her.!! Love and light.. Jeane and Arbi ❤️🐾
Oh Jeane, thank you so so much. You’re exactly right, the anticipation is awful. Tripawds has already helped me more, in not even 24 hours, than anything else has. I am so grateful for the recommendations and words of encouragement. Georgia is amazing and yes she is my whole heart and I am hers 💜 I will definitely keep you all updated on how she and I are doing. For no she’s going to enjoy a day laying in the sun by the pool with her ball 💜💜🙏🙏
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!
As you can see from the insight provided by Jeane and Jerry, you are surrounded by your new tripawd family who understand exactly what you are experiencing. The fear, the uncertainty, the mental and physical exhaustion....yeah, we understand. We also under how relieved you will be when surgery is done and sweet Georgia is on the road to recovery and reclaiming her ball with vigor!!
Not saying recovery is a picnic and your girl won't feel like running a mara at first. She will have just had major surgery and will be full of good pain meds. And yes, some dogs hop out of the clinic right away and some need a vit more time to get their sea legs. Don't compare Georgia's recovery to others. She'll recover in her own way at her own pace.
Keep your energy strong and upbeat around your sweet Georgia. She's living in the NOW and has no concerns about the yesterdays or the tomorrows. Ahhhh.......the bliss of being dog!
We will give you one "secret" we all discover on this journey. It is IMPOSSIBLE not to spoil a tripawd! IMPOSSIBLE!! Some people used to not let their dogs on the sofa. I know, hard to believe right? But once their dogs display all their tripawd cuteness, the sofa becomes theirs.....and the hoomans sit on the floor!
STAY CONNECTED! We're here for you!!!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
It’s incredible how you all know exactly how I’m feeling. This new family is a Godsend. Thank you all so very much 💜 If there’s anyone who can kick cancer’s butt it’s my spunky girl.
Awww it's an honor and yes we totally understand!
Your girl is strong and awesome and she is totally going to send that cancer packing!!!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
🙏🙏 prayers today would be greatly appreciated. The emotion of having to take Georgia in today is overwhelming.
Hello Georgias Mom
We are here for you.!! I am sending you all the love ❤️ and light🌈 I can muster.!! 🙏🙏🙏 Sending tons of prayers for you and your girl. Mostly for you... you are the one who is suffering with this right now. I understand your emotions.!! It is truly a horrible ride right now. I was there.. just like you. There is no way around it. My prayer for you is for peace ... let peace wash over you and help manage what you are feeling right now. I care... remember... there is the hotline from Tripawds.. you can reach out and talk to a real live person.!! I did and it helped. With love and understanding of what you are going though... Jeane and Arbi🐾❤️🙏
You bet we are sending them your way, LOTS! Tripawd Power is the best there is, you are both covered!
Be strong, pawsitive, and you will set the tone for a good recovery. Our pets mirror our emotions, and what you put out, they give back. Keep the long term picture of a total recovery in your mind and you WILL get there before you know it!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Spunky Georgia girl.....you've got this👍 And we are surrounding nyou with all the pawsitive energy of your new Tripawd Faimly....and that's a massive amount!!
((((((Hugs)))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
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