Little miniature Poodle Bertie recently got to enjoy a free canine rehab evaluation thanks to Tripawds Foundation’s Rehab Grant.
The consultation, and rehab exercises taught Bertie’s new human how to help her Tripawd 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.
Bertie is a Miniature Poodle, approximately 10 months old.
I am her third adopter from the Denver Municipal Animal Shelter where she was last turned in by a “finder” they said, unable to step on her back right leg.
Tripawd Bertie Undergoes Amputation Surgery
Ex-rays showed a serious break healed incorrectly, so the leg was removed on Dec. 3, 2025.
I met her 9 days later and took her home with 2 soft cones around her neck.
Unfortunately, she the surgery site was infected so we returned 2 days later for another surgery to clean out the wound and restitch.
Next Up: A Rehabilitation Evaluation Thanks to Tripawds Foundation!
This time she wore a plastic cone home which I removed for her initial evaluation on Dec. 31 with Lerin Linklater, DVM, CCRT, CVAT, Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Group, LLC.
Dr. Lerin was a huge help, and Bertie loved her immediately.
Tripawd Bertie Receives Nutrition and Recovery Guidance
She provided 5 handouts on feeding and supplements and referred me to my vet for the best information.
Her subsequent email contained the websites as well.
She also went above and beyond by using a class 3B laser on Bert’s stitches to speed healing and suggested I keep the plastic cone on until her spa day for bath and haircut on the weekend.
Bertie Practices Balance and Strength Exercises on Three Legs
We did several exercises like balancing with front legs on a raised, squishy mat.
One of her beds is 5 inches thick with layers of memory foam which she can use to duplicate that exercise at home.
She walked a plank with treats to practice balance – I may replicate that at home with a set of 4 steps.
One of the pictures shows Bertie standing still with Dr. Lerin’s hand under her hind end as she stretches out to get a treat.
This uses muscles to tighten her core while she’s stretching forward and to the sides as well.
They also did figure eights, again to help with balance and flexibility.
She Gets Massage Therapy on Spaw Day, Too!
Dr. Lerin did several massage techniques.
I have pictures and notes to remember them all.
One picture here shows the claw technique on her neck, and another shows massaging quadriceps on top of the inner thigh; hamstring massage tackles the back of the leg.
Dr. Lerin did her entire back and chest as well.
I’ll be incorporate massages with exercise 5-10 minutes twice a day – I already do a lot of massage around her ears and neck since she loves to stretch out on her back in my arms.
She’s Ready for a Long and Hoppy Life!
Most importantly, I learned how to increase the chances of that long and happy life available to three legged critters.
It’s not expensive or time-consuming.
We’re going back in a month for a 15-minute swim in the “endless pool”, a bathtub with adjustable jets that’s about 8 feet deep and warm.
Finding Support Through the Tripawds Community
I’m grateful to Dr. Lerin and her cohorts and so glad I found them through the Tripawd Foundation website.
We’re looking forward to a long association with both!
— Laura and Bertie
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)