Tripawd rescue Chance benefits from free canine rehab evaluation and at-home therapy thanks to Tripawds Foundation Rehab Grant #192. The consultation, and rehab exercises help Chance stay strong and love life on three legs. Read his 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 Chance in February, 2020. While we don’t know his full history, we know his current story started November, 2019, when a concerned citizen reported to Dallas Animal Services that a neighbor’s dog, our Chance, was injured in a dog attack. When DAS assessed the situation, his owner said, “Just put him down.”
Tripawd Chance’s Rescue Story
After arriving at the city shelter, Cane Rosso Rescue took possession of Chance and rushed him to their vet, who determined blood flow to his right hind leg was compromised. They tried to save that leg, but unfortunately it was deemed necessary to amputate.
In late 2019, my husband and I were considering adopting a second dog. I love black dogs, so naturally Chance caught my eye. While we hadn’t been looking for a tripod, it caught at my heart thinking about how difficult it might be for a black dog with a disability to find a home. After a few meet-and-greets, we brought Chance into our family.
Chance’s ancestry is primarily German Shepherd, though it includes 11 other breeds, most notably Labrador, Chow Chow, Husky, and Golden Retriever. We don’t know exactly how old Chance is. Our best guess is that he was 5 or 6 when we adopted him, so he would be around 10-ish now.
Free Rehab Helps Tripawd Rescue Chance
Chance had his consultation with Dr. Robert Gaines (DVM, CCRP) at Heal Veterinary Hospital in Dallas on May 30, 2024. During the consultation, Dr. Gaines did a physical examination of Chance and reviewed his medical history to determine a suggested course of treatment for pain management and physical strength, including rehabilitation, acupuncture, and laser. I learned with tripods that often it’s not the remaining leg that is the biggest issue, but rather other structures: in Chance’s case, he has spondylosis in his lower back that is causing some pain.
On June 7, Chance returned to Heal for his first rehabilitation appointment. Chance’s first exercise was the underwater treadmill. He was confused at first, but once he figured out he just needed to walk towards Mom to get some treats and love, it wasn’t so bad!
After the treadmill, Chance learned how to step over cavaletti, which are several poles raised a few inches above the ground and spaced approximately two feet apart. He also was led in some figure-8 patterns intended to help strengthen his leg and core muscles. The visit ended with a laser session.
Rehab Continues at Home for Chance
At home, Chance must do some Cavaletti Poles work and the figure-8 exercise, starting with four to five reps at least four times per week. We are also doing “cookie stretches” twice daily, where Chance must stretch his head to the side and back towards his hip (and repeat on the other side). These stretches will help increase his flexibility and core strength.
Overall, it has been a positive experience, and we hope to see Chance thrive with Dr. Gaines’ help. We found the Tripawds community through a Google search and look forward to using it as a resource as well.
~ Katie and Chance
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At Home Rear Limb Tripawd Rehab Program