Your impressions of a 3 legged dog

When you see a 3 legged dog, do you react with pity and sadness? Maybe curiously ask the owner what happened? Would you adopt a dog with 3 legs?

I found this gorgeous girl who lost her right front leg due to an accident but is otherwise typically Labwonderful:



I asked DH if he would consider a dog without four legs first, because we make all these decisions together obviously. He said absolutely.

Shows I've seen on tv have said that there's really not much difference but I figured I'd consider what life would be like with her. If her left front leg would have to be watched closely for too much stress, or anything else I didn't consider.

We are really leaning towards special needs dogs, whether that means victims of neglect or abuse, fear submission, missing limbs, whatever. I feel like we have a unique opportunity to make their lives the best they can be, since they would receive so much attention with our 2 adult/1 dog household.

Anyway, I was just wondering what your impressions were of dogs like this, or if you had any insight. Thanks.

Re: Your impressions of a 3 legged dog

well, i'd say that if DH and i were ONLY going to have dogs and no children, i would absolutly consider having a special needs dog.... but just the fact that we do plan on having kids, i dont think i'd be able to handle all that

OF COURSE godforbid if hershey ever came down with any type of disease, we WOULD NEVER EVER EVER get rid of him, but i dont think i would choose to adopt a special needs dog, does that make sense?

that being said, i wouldnt look at a dog with 3 legs in disgust... nor would i have pity on the dog, i would think "awwwww he/shes so cute, i wonder what happened"

Re: Your impressions of a 3 legged dog

My dog has 3 legs. He is missing a back leg, which I'm told is worse than missing a front leg as dogs carry most of their body weight on their hing legs.
He really is not different than any other dog. We don't treat him differently or baby him when he's around other dogs.

I wouldn't consider him special needs, he needs nothing more than your average dog. People think we are saints for adopting him, I just laugh because he is the most well behaved, low maintenance dog I have ever encountered. I do think some people 'pity' him, but that's silly. He's perfectly healthy and has a great life.

He lived a good part of his of his youth at the shelter simply because he looked different than the other dogs. These dogs are often overlooked and I feel awful that he suffered because he wasn't the norm, but he doesn't think about, so I try not to either.

I do think it takes a big heart to adopt a dog with an amputated limb, but I don't think they are really special needs dogs, unless the limb was just recently ampuated, they need nothing special.

Sorry this is long - it's just something I'm very passionate about. I couldn;t imagine life with my Tank :)

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Re: Your impressions of a 3 legged dog

I think you should absolutely get her. It takes a really special person to adopt a special needs dog and she would be so lucky to have you and your DH as owers.

You have to take into consideration that it will be a little more work, but at the end of the day it would be worth it.

I would never look down on a 3 legged dog. I would give him/her a lot of credit and call him/her a real trooper and a surviver.

Good Luck in your decision.

Re: Your impressions of a 3 legged dog

My sister's dog (Trinity) only has 3 legs and I spent a lot of time with her when she was younger (the dog, not my sister). She doesn't even realize it. She runs around and plays just as hard as the other dogs (she has 4 total). My sister is the worry wart who always tries to keep her from getting hurt. I'd be happy to get you two together if you want I love having a special needs pet, for some reason, they just get more love.

Re: Your impressions of a 3 legged dog

I think its wonderful you are looking into getting a special needs dog! They need love too and I am sure that dog will give back to you 10 times more than you can ever give it...

I say go for it! It's a great thing

Re: Your impressions of a 3 legged dog

My friends adopted a dog who was missing a leg. He is a great dog and has no issues with getting around at all. I think it's a wonderful thing to do. Just be sure if you have stairs he can get up and down them. My friends dog does just fine with that.

Re: Your impressions of a 3 legged dog

Re: Your impressions of a 3 legged dog

One of my neighbors has one - TRIPOD and he is the happiest, most energetic doggie I know, my Sophie LOOOOOOVES when we run into him, and Tri can definitely hold his own when they roll around. It's awesome you're considering this, I don't feel pity or disgust for 3-leggeds but that may be because I know one... Life is life, and I am just amazed at how HAPPY and able-bodied this dog really is.

Re: Your impressions of a 3 legged dog

I don't know any dogs with only 3 legs, but I think if they were running and playing like any other dog I wouldn't think any different of them. I really admire you and your desire and willingness to give a special needs dog an amazing life.

Personally, I do not have the time or resources to properly care for that type of animal, but I do have the desire to, especially if they come from neglect, abuse, etc. I wish I could - and if I could I absolutely would.

The OP's stories about 3 legged dogs are heartwarming.

Re: Your impressions of a 3 legged dog

I remember going to pick out a dog with my parents when I was little. There was a three-legged puppy there who I absolutely wanted to adopt. I think now, as an adult, I would still have to say I'd consider it although I would like to know how much "special care" the dog would actually require. Is that her only problem? If so, I believe she can live a normal doggie life :)

ETA: You are a wonderful person for considering special need dogs and rescues first!!

Message edited 11/18/2009 1:03:05 PM.

Re: Your impressions of a 3 legged dog

A man of my block has one he is so adorable, and the funniest thing is the dog walks himself, the man never holds his leash the dog holds the leash in his mouth.. Its adorable.....

Re: Your impressions of a 3 legged dog

My neighbor across the street has a 3-legged dog. I didn't even realize it at first because she behaves just like any other dog. She is so sweet, very friendly and well behaved.

When I see a 3 legged dog I would have to say that I usually just smile - because I am seeing them with a loving family, having fun and just being a regular dog.

Re: Your impressions of a 3 legged dog

Posted by greenfreak

When you see a 3 legged dog, do you react with pity and sadness? Maybe curiously ask the owner what happened? Would you adopt a dog with 3 legs?

I found this gorgeous girl who lost her right front leg due to an accident but is otherwise typically Labwonderful:

IMAGE

I asked DH if he would consider a dog without four legs first, because we make all these decisions together obviously. He said absolutely.

Shows I've seen on tv have said that there's really not much difference but I figured I'd consider what life would be like with her. If her left front leg would have to be watched closely for too much stress, or anything else I didn't consider.

We are really leaning towards special needs dogs, whether that means victims of neglect or abuse, fear submission, missing limbs, whatever. I feel like we have a unique opportunity to make their lives the best they can be, since they would receive so much attention with our 2 adult/1 dog household.

Anyway, I was just wondering what your impressions were of dogs like this, or if you had any insight. Thanks.

Message edited 11/25/2009 9:32:54 AM.

Re: Your impressions of a 3 legged dog

I think they are absolutely beautiful! Adopting a special needs dog is just wonderful! You are really giving that dog a chance that other people wouldn't. I secretly think that adopted dog especially special needs know the second chance you give them and love you even more for it

Re: Your impressions of a 3 legged dog

My mom's dog still has all of her legs but 1 is so severely damaged and deformed that she can't put weight on it so we consider her a 3 legged dog. My mom adopted her. She was just brought to the shelter with a serious injury (they think she was hit by a car or tortured...not sure) and she needed surgery and a cast for 3 months. She gets along fine, runs, jumps, leaps etc.

Do it!!! I think you'd regret it and wonder where she was if you didn't.

Re: Your impressions of a 3 legged dog

My girlfriend has a pit that had one leg amputated. Everyone told her to put him down but she wasn't having it.

He is the happiest 90 lb pittie you would ever see. Loving, happy and has no clue that he has a handicap.

Go get him and shower him with your love.

Re: Your impressions of a 3 legged dog

What a cute dog

From everything I have seen/read, 3 legged dogs function incredibly well and don't seem to have many special needs.