Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I introducted myself and my Golden mix, Dakota, a few days ago. Today was his initiation into the tripawd club and he's doing very well (except that he got a leg cut off). I promised an update, but there really isn't much to tell...yet. Tomorrow is the Big Day, when I take him home.
Dakota had his left front leg removed at Colorado State by Dr. Deanna Worley and team. Honestly, the dog has so many doctors working on him it's like he's a rock star. They all know of his poor beginning (almost dead when we found him abandoned at about 6 months old) and act like he's the grandest thing ever. He will be insufferable if he remembers any of this.
In case anyone wants to know, time from beginning of surgery till he was settled in at his recovery spot was almost exactly 2 hours. Instead of kennelling him, they chose to put up a gated barricade and give him part of a room, with constant supervision. I appreciate that very much. In his 9 years, I don't think he's ever been kennelled.
The tumor has not been identified exactly yet (to me, anyway), but it was graded at a 2. Lungs are clear.
Tomorrow I will fetch Dakota home into the loving arms of his big family. My husband is already thinking of how to engineer the dog door to make it easy for him to use. It requires a step up when going outside, or a step down when coming into the house. I don't know if he will need that or not; so far I haven't even thought that far.
So tonight I sit here in a Ft. Collins hotel room waiting for my promised evening update, with all the mixed feelings about this I said I didn't have. No regrets, as there were no options. But still, I gave someone permission to cut off my dog's leg. That makes me feel a little funny.
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
shari said: But still, I gave someone permission to cut off my dog's leg. That makes me feel a little funny.
I think many of us went through that "funny feeling", especially the 1st 2 weeks post op. We think of what it would be like if it were us and all the things we wont be able to do anymore etc. Our pups don't dwell on what they can't do, they just figure out another way to do it. Dakota may surprise you. Wishing Dakota a speedy recovery! Keep us updated!
Daisy earned her wings on Oct 22, 2011 at 14 years old
She is now the official greeter at the rainbow bridge
Everyone is guaranteed a welcome sniff and Dalmatian smile
Had the same thoughts here, too, Shari. Of course, there was no glueing that leg back on after it was gone! Holy crap, though, it sure makes you feel awful inside...but don't dwell on it.. Move foward as hard as it may be at times! Here's to hoping your pup has a speedy two week recovery!
There will be happier days ahead!
Tracy & Maggie - who now has this 3 legged thing all figured out finally as today I pretty smartly used the snowbank to set my amputated side on so I could effectively dig with both front feet for frozen deer poop! Yes! Life IS good 
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
We hope the drive home is uneventful... I know you said he really doesn't like cars. Glad to hear there were no problems with the surgery! One huge battle won!
-Chloe's mom
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
Shari,
Good news that he did well with the surgery.
Good luck with the trip home- I know he doesn't like the car... once home the healing and adjusting can begin. I hope he is one that sails through recovery- he sounds like a pretty tough guy to survive his start in life.
Keep us posted on his progress, and come back with any questions.
Karen and the pugapalooza
he's the grandest thing ever
I, too think he is the grandest ever for everything he's been through!
Relax now. Take a deep breath. Call room service and get a desert. It's going to be okay now. You baby Dakota is out of pain. He'll be in your arms tomorrow and his and your world will be right again.
It may be tough for the next couple of weeks but the surgery pain will get better each day. So, get some rest before you start being Nurse Mommy.
And keep us updated!
Angel Comet's mom
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.
shari said:
I gave someone permission to cut off my dog's leg. That makes me feel a little funny.
But Dakota couldn't make that decision himself, so you've done pretty good for him so far! 
he is in excellent hands at CSU, and he should do fine once he gets home. Many tripawds get the hang of using a dog door quickly.
Best wishes for a complete speedy recovery. We look forward to following Dakota's progress in his blog.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yes, you are in the very best hands at CSU and I have heard lots of good things about Dr. Worley and the cancer team there. It must be hard and rather lonely to be in a hotel room right now, but Dakota will be back home with you soon. Try to get some sleep tonight.
You will feel so much better when you see him, and see that even though there is lots of adjustment to learn, he is already on his way. We all have that need to sit and watch them sleep those first few days. Please resist. Rest when he rests. You will hear him if he needs you! An exhausted caregiver is not the best arrangement.
Here is wishing you a speedy and uneventful recovery, and a safe trip home.
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.
Ah yes, those feelings of anxiety. I can tell you that when we had Gus' surgery, I never once wondered if I did the right thing, taking that leg off gave him a new life, took away the tremendous pain he was in and once he healed was his old self. I think you will be amazed at how well they adapt, these guys don't sit there and say" They took my leg off, poor me", believe me, you are about to learn how resilient and determined a dog is, and we usually learn a few things about life during the process also, so believe me when I say you will find yor decision was the right one. try to take advantage of the chance to sleep, you may not get much the next couple weeks, comes with the territiory. If phantom pain becomes an issue, Gabapentin is what they usually prescribe for that, works good. Good luck, paws up, Spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
When Emily had her amputation and I would start thinking "I can't believe I let them cut off her leg" I would change it to" I am so glad that cut off Emily's cancer." I hope Dakota's recovery goes well. Glad the surgery went well. Keep us informed.
Debra
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.
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