What's in a Tripawd?

"It's better to hop on three legs than to limp on four."

This quote has been such a simple statement of what the past two weeks have been for us.  As most of our friends and family know, we have a beloved dog, Joey.

Hanging out by the lake 7/12

Joey spends time with the brand new Daddy! 4/7/12

I know I may be a little biased, but he is probably the friendliest dog that I have ever met.  I'm serious.  To be perfectly honest, I am not really a dog person.  Don't hate me, but I'm a cat person.  When I started dating Matt I realized that he was a package deal.  He came with Joey.  When I first met Joey, I wasn't impressed.  In fact, I wanted Matt to think that I DID like him but I couldn't bring myself to even pet him, so I pet him with my foot.  Yes, yes, I hang my cat-loving head in shame as I admit that.  My hands were too good for Joey. He only deserved my feet.  All kidding aside, I grew to love this dog beyond belief and he has made my heart grow a little softer.

examining the newest addition to the family

Marcello and Joey - best buds

While we were visiting friends and family not too long ago, Joey decided to practice his escape artist ways and jump a chain link fence.  Not his greatest moment, but I'm sure he was still proud of his ability to break free.  During his triumphant leap, Joey caught his toenail on the fence and began bleeding badly.  Matt took him to the emergency animal hospital (it was a Sunday) to have him looked over.  The vet there wrapped his paw, prescribed him some antibiotics and pain meds, and sent him on his merry way.  We were instructed to remove the bandage 3 days later.  

Thanksgiving 2012

Fast forward three days.  We were now visiting my family in Houston.  When we removed the bandage, his paw continued to bleed and became very, very swollen.  It actually swelled to TWO & HALF times his normal paw size.  We became nervous and proceeded to bring him in to my mom's vet who she has seen for years.  She informed us that the bandage was probably on too tight and restricted circulation.  She gave him a stronger antibiotic, an Elizabethan collar, and a type of bag to protect his foot but still allow room to breathe.  

We continued to check the paw and give him his antibiotics twice daily.  At times it seemed as if his paw was healing.  He began walking on it again.  Unfortunately, it started to develop a very strong smell.  I wouldn't even call it a smell.  It was more of a stench.  By Sunday night we could no longer deny the fact that something was wrong.  Joey was still the happy, energetic dog he always was, but I knew in my gut that it just wasn't right.  By Monday morning his paw had lost color.  Matt immediately took him to our local vet and we were told that Joey had gangrene in his foot.  Basically, it is a terrible condition caused by an infection in a wound that can lead to damaged organs and much more.  The vet said he had never seen a case like this one before.   His foot had to go before the gangrene spread. 
  

after visiting the second vet

The very next day Joey had his entire leg amputated.  The surgeon faced some complications, but Joey recovered very well.  We enjoyed daily visits with him while the vet monitored his pain and medicine.  Joey is finally back at home and is resting well.  The vet said he will have to be bandaged for a few more days and his sutures will be removed in about 10 days.  Now he is doing what does best....sleeping and receiving a lot of love and attention.  We are confident that Joey will make a full recovery and will continue to have the same quality of life as before. 

Joey, 3 days after surgery

I'm happy to say that Joey has maintained his sweet and loving demeanor.  My friend Holland said it best.  "If any dog can do it, Joey can."  Well, Holland was right.  Joey may now be a tripawd, but he is still the kindest dog I know. 

happy to be home!