Learn how Penny the senior Tripawd benefits from free canine rehab evaluation and at-home therapy thanks to Tripawds Foundation’s generous donors who support our Rehab Grant.
The consultation, and rehab exercises help this 12-year old girl 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.
See all Tripawds who have received free rehab sessions thanks to your support.
We are so sad to announce that in early 2026 Penny earned her angel wings after a sudden illness. May she run free like a puppy once again, and surround her mom and dad with her loving, joyful spirit, for all time. She is forever missed.
Penny is our 12-year-old Tripawd dog.
She went to the physiotherapist for the first time one year after her amputation (osteosarcoma). We were living in different parts of the world for a few months, but now that we are together, we have managed to organise everything for her.
Thankfully, we got to find the Tripawds community online and among the many things we are learning from this community, we read about the importance of having professional guidance about the physical state of our tripawd and about the special oportunities like the Maggie Moo Fund.
Tripawd Penny Gets Expert Guidance from Physiotherapy
Our experience with the physiotherapist was great. She examined Penny’s muscles, joints, and posture to give a full overview of her condition, identify areas for improvement, and answer all our questions, thanks to her deep knowledge of canine anatomy and physiology.
Penny Receives a Full Evaluation
We first discussed Penny’s history, how she became a tripod dog, and our goals with physiotherapy.
Then she assessed Penny’s muscles (legs, spine, neck, abdomen) and joints through palpation and passive mobilization, gently moving the limbs as if walking while Penny lay on the floor. She carefully observed each reaction to detect discomfort.
Tripawd Penny Benefits from a Thorough Assessment
She concluded that Penny, although healthy, had tight muscles throughout her body, asymmetry between hind legs, hyperflexibility in the wrist of her remaining front limb, and slight restriction in the extension of one hind leg. She explained these were reversible consequences of postural adaptation after amputation.
Tripawd Penny Enjoys Massage and Mobility Work
Next, she massaged all tense areas. We could see Penny’s body relaxing as the physiotherapist continued, softly manipulating each joint, including the individual toes, while Penny clearly enjoyed the stretches.
She answered all our questions about harnesses, orthopedic accessories, walking routines, nail length, weight, supplements, and gave helpful tips to recognize discomfort signals.
Strength and Balance Goals for Tripawd Penny
Finally, she provided a home plan focusing on two priorities:
- Maintain health: perform gentle massages and passive mobilizations twice a week after daily walks.
- Improve balance and strength: add walks on soft surfaces (forest trails, sand) and simple home balancing exercises (shifting weight in all 4 directions while standing)
A Spa Day for Penny and a Lesson for Her Family
Overall, the consultation felt like a spa experience for Penny and an anatomy lesson for us. We went home confident we now have practical tools to support her well-being.
Guided Care Helps Tripawd Penny Stay Comfortable
Unlike a typical veterinary appointment, the physiotherapist spent 90 minutes giving a complete body assessment beyond vital signs. We left not only with reassurance but also with strategies to keep Penny strong and prevent future discomfort, rather than just managing pain.
Follow-Up for Tripawd Penny
We have a follow-up appointment scheduled in a few weeks to review her progress and continue the therapy plan.
Physiotherapist: Tierphysiotherapie Harburg
— Alfonso and Penny
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)