I work as an intake receptionist at an emergency animal hospital in Alabama. We have strays brought in all the time that have been hit by cars and are surrendered to our care, and depending on their condition we treat them or end their suffering. That was supposed to be the fate of one of the dogs that was brought in. His leg was badly torn up full bone exposed and the flesh was a dark dark red. It had been open for about a week until someone found him close to the road and brought him into our clinic. When i first opened the cage i let him sniff my hand and he nose bumped my hand to be on top of his head and i just knew this was my dog now. I had been asking our doctor the next night about him and he asked if i was interested in adopting him i said i wasn’t super sure just yet but that i was strongly thinking about it and he told me i better make up my mind because tomorrow was “E” day. Hearing that they might possibly euthanize i called our director and adopted him. The next night i came in he was gone and i panicked. Turns out our director took him to our sister vet for them to do the amputation but the Dr there decided to try and save the leg. He stayed at the vet from November 20th- December 29th. They wanted to wait till the bone was no longer exposed before allowing him to come home with me. I went and saw him everyday (except Sundays) and spent an hour and a half or more with him so he could familiarize himself with me and he did. We have formed such a strong bond. His leg began to get worse. Each toe is either dislocated or severely fractured. He would wake up from sleeping screaming trying to get to the leg. He was in so much pain so though the decision was hard it was time to take the leg. And now thats where we are on 1/13/2016 at 6pm weasleys back left leg was amputated. I have been up all night researching tripod dogs and found this blog forum site and im hoping that helps. Would love to talk to people who have been through this already. 
Welcome to the family! Yep, there is no better place to be for support, information and a whole lot of first hand knowledge. Spoiling a tripawd is more fun than you can ever imagine!
We see soooo many cases where amputation is the end result when trying to fix a bum leg just doesn’t work. This is the BEST choice for Weasley!! He will be rid of that painful leg for good!
Recovery is no picnic for about two weeks, especially at first. It is major surgery and it does hurt! The vet will .most likely give you Tramadol, Gabapentin, Rimadyl and an antibiotic. He needs rest and only short potty breaks for these two weeks. He may experience whining and restlessness and not want to eat. Some dogs are pretty lethargic and just lay around (which is actually good). And then you have some dogs who just want to get up and go…at least until the hospital meds wear off and then it’s crash time. Every recovery is different, every dog is different.
I’m sooooo glad Weasley has his forever home with you! Clearly a win /win for both of you! He’s a beautiful boy and I can’t wait to see more pictures! I’m sure having you by his side during all this trauma has meant the world to him!
Oh, here’s a link of great tips on caring for a tripawd
http://tripawds.com/2010/06/01/first-tripawds-required-reading-list/
Stay connected! You are not alone, okay? Look forward to hearing all about this special boy. He can now have a pain free life, live it to the fullest, and know what love feels like the whole time!!
Love to you both!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
OMG … bless your heart. He’s beautiful and you are an angel for saving him. Dogs on three legs (lost to accidents) do indeed do very well. I lost my girl to cancer but there are many others here that will chime in on how living with a Tripawd is the best! Also feel free to call our helpline if you have any other questions (and visit the forums too).
Bless you!
Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart
I am so incredibkly grateful for this site. I was terrified before talking to everyone. I just hate seeing him in pain but in the end thats why i decided to go for amputation.
Welcome to the family, sorry you have to be here..but this community is the best and will answer all your questions and help you through it. Please consider posting in the forums, joining in on the live chat site and calling the helpline to talk to one of us who’s been in your shoes.
Paula and Nitro
thank you so much!
Welcome to the group. I, myself am new to his forum also. My foster pup, Athena had a amputation on 11/11/2015. She is 2 months post surgery and she is doing great! She was found in Alabama in a trap. By the time she got to our rescue group, the infection was to great to save the leg. She is getting around alto better than most 4 legged dogs I know. It was her leaf rear leg. Sending prayers for a speedy recovery.
Thats the same leg weasley had to lose. Hes 2 days post op and already i can tell he is so relieved. I know the amputation pain is a lot better than the pain he was having pre surgery. He is no longer crying and trying to get to the pain like he was before. Im so grateful for this site its already helping so much.
Welcome Weasley to the Tripawd family! The first few nights after surgery are definitely the hardest but things get easier after a few days. You will be amazed at how quickly your baby will rebound! The pain of post-op eventually goes away but carrying around that bum leg would have been for a lifetime. You made the right decision. Keep us posted! Hang in there.
Im pretty sure he doesnt even realize that its gone its just happy to be out of so much pain. Its better to hop on three legs than limp on four right? 🙂
What a sweet face. I’m really glad you found each other. Our dog had his amputation on Monday and the first few days are especially rough. This site is really helpful though. Please keep us updated on how he is doing. I love his name. So perfect for a ginger dog!
Thank you so much! And im so glad i found him to! He is the best thing in my life and im so ready for him to never need that e-collar and the day he can get off the 4 pain medications they have had him on, will be a good day. Im so glad you understood the name a lot of people dont get it or want to call him Wesley. Lol hows your dog doing?
He is already doing so much better. I can tell he is happier. This should have been done months ago