March 3rd (3/3) is Tripawd Awareness Day! While Ziggy was truly a three-legged dog, I managed to unintentionally capture an optical illusion moment.
Years ago, well before meeting my husband, I walked dogs as a volunteer at a local shelter. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to walk a three-legged dog. I was amazed at how happy that dog was – because he was three-legged and in a shelter.
Ziggy and Cookie, December 2021. Photo Credit: Jill Nero
When it was recommended that Ziggy’s hind leg be amputated, it was a hard adjustment, but having seen the joy and ease with which that shelter dog moved on three legs, it was an easier decision than for many.
I was fortunate to have found the Tripawd community online, which helped prepare us for Ziggy’s surgery and recovery. The resources in that community led me to find all of the other wonderful canine cancer and canine health resources I reference today, as well as recommendations for harnesses and more.
If you ever find yourself confronted with the prospect of amputation or adopting a tripawd, I strongly encourage you to turn to this community for support. They are truly priceless!
Tripawds is an online community supporting pawrents of three-legged dogs and cats. Every year, they ask for photo submissions for their calendar. I never saw the requests in the past, but this year I did!
Cookie and Ziggy are featured in April as part of calendar #47.
This is one of my favorite photos because of the optical illusion. I didn’t even notice when I first took the photo. A friend commented when I posted the picture on social media!
It was hard to find a good picture of Ziggy that clearly showed him as a tripawd.
Tripawds has three calendars for 2024 – two canine and one feline. Ziggy and Cookie are featured in calendar #47. A calendar purchase helps support the Tripawd community, including the financial aid they offer to support those who struggle to opt for an amputation for their furbaby.
Some days, when I stop and think about the accounts I follow and the resources I lean on, I wonder how I got here. But there are a few essential resources that led me to where I am (before the algorithms took over).
Where it all Began
I don’t remember how I found Tripawds. I suspect in reading material Ziggy’s diagnosing veterinarian shared when amputation was initially mentioned.
Once we decided on having the surgery, I read all I could about amputation and how to support Ziggy. Tripawds’ e-books and web community were invaluable.
Most tripawds are three-legged due to cancer. Naturally, my next stop was the book Dog Cancer Survival Guide, a book recommended within the community.
Dog Cancer Deep Dive
The Dog Cancer Survival Guide is authored by a veterinarian, Dr. Demien Dressler, and veterinary oncologist, Dr. Susan Ettinger. I began with the first chapter, and despite repeated recommendations to read the book in sequence, I jumped around based on what was most pressing, given where we were in Ziggy’s journey. I don’t remember exactly the sequence, but I recall focusing on the suspected cancers to learn about treatments, what to expect, etc., then focusing on nutrition and nutraceuticals while ending on other alternative therapies.
Cookie posing with my copy of Dog Cancer Survival Guide
My copy is well-highlighted and flagged. While it started with Ziggy, when Cookie had her own encounters with cancer (more on that in a future post!), it was helpful to reference and learn what to expect with her cancer.
Note
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In addition to resources on the site, they have an excellent podcast, newsletter, and Facebook support group. In the beginning, I listened to EVERY podcast episode – even ones that didn’t seem particularly relevant to Ziggy. With time, I learned to be more selective of which episodes I listen to for the sake of my emotional health.
Similarly, the Facebook group can be heartbreaking, seeing how many lives are touched by canine cancer. But, it can be incredibly helpful to lean on a community that can relate to the rollercoaster of emotions you experience. Sharing the wins along the way can also bring so much joy, or even asking for ideas and suggestions when you encounter challenges (just be sure to consult your care team before making any changes).
And more!
Thanks to DogCancer.com‘s podcasts, I was introduced to many great resources that led me to even more. I often start following many accounts, and with time, I may choose to unfollow some that may not align as well with my values or are otherwise not a fit. Visit the Pawrenting Resources page for more recommendations.
Tips
Don’t take my word for it. Your experience or views of a particular resource may differ from mine based on your journey and values.
As you start following different professionals, assess if they’re one-sided, if they address counterarguments, and how they align with your views.
The more you follow, the more viewpoints open your mind, and the more likely you will find some that rub you the wrong way. Don’t write them off because there’s one bit of content you disagree with. It’s hard. Who you follow should bring you joy or expand your knowledge. If they do neither, unfollow them.
Always consult your real-life pack (vets, specialists, trainers, groomers, and beyond), and remember – you can unfollow people in real life, too. (More to come when I tackle being your pup’s advocate!)
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