Tripawd Lab Rosie benefits from free canine rehab evaluation and at-home therapy thanks to Tripawds Foundation Rehab Grant #205. The consultation, and rehab exercises help Rosie stay strong and love life on three legs. Read her story, and learn how you can get a free veterinary rehab evaluation for your dog or cat.
Yes! Tri-kitties qualify for free feline rehab too. See all Tripawds who have received free rehab sessions thanks to your support.
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We adopted Rosie as a puppy from a rescue organization 9 years ago. Her journey to becoming a Tripawd began 2 years ago when I first discovered a lump on her left rear leg near the elbow. The lump was about the size of a grape when we first had it removed. It came back and grew even bigger. Our vet said that it was benign, but it was impossible for her to get a clear margin of removal, and it would continue to grow larger – which it did. The vet then tried cryo laser surgery which made the tumor grow the size of a golf ball.
Rosie chewed on it constantly, opening it up to infection. I made an appointment with an oncologist hoping that perhaps radiation would help and that is when I first heard the word “amputation”. I was shocked and scared and anxious for Rosie. The oncologist advised me to take a breath, go to the Tripawds website, and learn all I could about the surgery from other pet owners who went through the same agonizing decision and who knew what the surgery and recovery entailed.
Tripawd Lab Rosie Gets Help and Support from Tripawds
The information and the support that I received from Tripawds was a godsend to me. The people on the forum were so gracious and kind, answering all my questions and calming my fears. The amputation was still a difficult decision, but I felt prepared because I was armed with so much information on what to expect and ways to help Rosie throughout her recovery. After a month of recovery, many in the Tripawds community recommended rehab so that Rosie could learn how to navigate as a Tripawd.
I heard a lot of good things about rehab specialist Dr. Dena Lodato, MS, CCRP, at resurge.vet and made an appointment for a consultation. At first, I was skeptical at how slowly the Rehab facility eased Rosie into the exercises but, I soon realized that going slowly eased Rosie’s anxiety and built up her trust in the staff there. Rosie did amazing during rehab, she even liked the water treadmill. Living in the country, Rosie has to maneuver up and down hills, over a bridge and around trees and shrubs. The rehab specialist said that our nature walks were the best exercise for Rosie. That is why we were not given any extra exercises to do at home.
Rosie is very active. She runs and plays, fetches and chases squirrels just like she used to do before she became a Tripawd. The best advice I received from rehab was “let Rosie be a dog, she will figure out her limitations.” They were so right. Rosie seems to know when it is time for a rest, and I never let her get over-tired. I am so thankful to Tripawds and all the people in the forums and blogs that helped get Rosie and I through the amputation, recovery, and suggested rehab. So often now, both Rosie and I forget that she is indeed a three-legged dog!
~ Jeanne and Rosie