Tripawd Kalvin benefits from free canine rehab evaluation and at-home therapy thanks to Tripawds Foundation’s Rehab Grant. The consultation, and rehab exercises help Kalvin stay strong and love life on three legs. Read their 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.
I found my tripod Kalvin on the medical Foster site for Humane Society Naples where I volunteer.
They were looking for a medical Foster status post right total front leg amputation as a result of being hit by a car in February 2025. I thought this little guy (approximately one year old) Chihuahua/ Miniature Pinscher mix was lucky to have the even survived such an event!
Finding His Forever Home and Hope
So on March 7th I formally adopted him and brought him home to be part of the family.
I hadn’t had any experience with tripods before but new enough to get him right to my veterinarian and physical therapy to work on exercises to strengthen his core and remaining limbs from doing massive amount of research of which I found a lot of valuable information on the Tripawds Foundation website as well as joining Tripod groups on Facebook.
Tripawd Kalvin Gets Support from a Certified Rehabilitation Therapist
I was fortunate to have a certified rehabilitation therapist in my area so got an appointment one week after adopting so as not to waste any time. Also while we were both working on establishing a routine this was the best time to incorporate nightly exercises as part of our normal day.
Learning About Activity and Stretching from Professional Evaluation and Home Care
We had our first initial evaluation a month ago today. She stressed the importance of stretching exercises, massage, balance tools like Fit Paws makes and underwater therapy.
I left that appointment with a broader understanding of the importance of the time investment I needed to put in in order for him to prosper and live a healthy pain-free long life.
Kalvin’s Daily Exercise Routine Builds Strength and Balance
We now do exercises every night at home such as:
- cervical neck massage
- biceps and triceps stretch
- shoulder extension
- stretching step
- stretch sit to stand
- front limbs on balance desk
…and so many more. These are just a few of the 20 exercises I was given to help his coordination balance and relieve any muscle tension there would be in the remaining front limb, shoulder, bicep /tricep, neck and back from his hopping.
Tripawd Kalvin’s Road to a Pain-Free, Happy Life
It’s quite a workout for both of us! However the steps that I’m taking now will let him grow to be a happy, well-balanced, pain-free, normal dog just like any other dog.
Tripawd Kalvin and Kathy Appreciate the Tripawds Foundation and Community Support
I appreciate the Tripawd Fundation for all it’s useful information, videos, blogs podcasts and resources to help us navigate this new road together! ❤️
The rehab where I go is:
For the Love of Paws
Christine Bihler, MSPT, CCRT
Naples, FL 34116
— Kathy and Kalvin
How to Find Rehab Therapy for Tripawd Dogs and Cats
Check Out the at Home Tripawd Rehab Program
(created by veterinary rehab therapist Dr. John Waterhouse)