Did your vet tell you about the benefits of animal rehabilitation (physio) therapy for a Tripawd? If not, you’re about to discover how a professional evaluation can help your amputee dog or cat. Check out how Tripawd Griffin got stronger and back into the water, thanks to Tripawds Foundation’s Rehab Grant!
Yes! Tri-kitties qualify for free feline rehab too. See all Tripawds who have received free rehab sessions thanks to your support.
Meet Griffin a 7-year-old Saint Bernard mix with a heart as big as his paws (and now, three of them to carry him forward!)
Here’s Griffin’s rehab therapy experience, as told by his mom Morgan
In November 2025, Griffin became a proud member of the Tripawd club after losing a leg to osteosarcoma. While he’s been bravely navigating phantom pain and rebuilding his strength, his determination has never wavered.
Griffin’s Pack Finds Hope Through Rehabilitation Care
So you can imagine our excitement when we learned that the Maggie Moo Fund through the Tripawds Foundation helps families cover rehabilitation costs. With a huge sense of relief and hope, we packed up Griffin and headed to Sumner Vet for his rehab adventure.
Learning New Skills to Build Strength
From the moment we walked in, Griffin was treated like the VIP he is, welcomed with plenty of pets and cookies to help him feel right at home.
His rehab specialist, Ken Woods, took time to carefully observe how Griffin moved, balanced, and adjusted to life on three legs.
Ken explained how small changes and targeted exercises could help Griffin build strength and confidence.
One of the main goals? Improving balance through his remaining back leg.
Since Griffin already knows the command “Shake,” we were taught to use it while he’s standing to encourage better balance and muscle engagement.
That’s smart and practical, just like Griffin!
Building Confidence on the Water Treadmill
Then came the main event: the water treadmill.
Ken pulled on his swim pants and hopped right in with Griffin, who quickly proved he’s clever as well as cute.
At one point, Griffin angled his leg off the treadmill in an impressive attempt to avoid using his solo back leg. Nice try, buddy.
Ken countered with a lineup of irresistible motivators: tennis balls (Griffin’s absolute favorite), peanut butter, floating treats, and even pool noodles.
With encouragement and positivity, Griffin soon figured it out and started walking confidently on all three legs like a total champ.
Better Balance and Endurance, Too
As we watched, Ken explained how the water treadmill helps build muscle, balance, and endurance without putting too much strain on Griffin’s body.
Even better? Griffin loves swimming, and we were thrilled to get the green light for him to start swimming again in our local lakes.
And Now for Relaxation and Recovery Therapy
The session wrapped up with some well-earned relaxation. Ken spent the final 20 minutes massaging Griffin’s remaining hind leg and stump while using laser therapy, with the hope of easing some of his phantom pain. Griffin soaked up every second of it.
Griffin and Furmily are Looking Ahead with Hope
We left Sumner Vet feeling hopeful, supported, and inspired. Griffin can’t wait to return for more water treadmill sessions, laser therapy, and to keep learning new ways to move confidently through the world on three legs.
His journey isn’t always easy, but with the right support, a little creativity, and a lot of tennis balls, Griffin is proving that Tripawds don’t just adapt… they thrive.
— Morgan and Griffin
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)