WEBVTT NOTE This file was generated by Descript 00:00:00.789 --> 00:00:06.320 Welcome to the Soul Touched by Dogs Podcast, the show for dog lovers who 00:00:06.340 --> 00:00:12.000 see dogs not as toys or tools, but wise souls worth our respect and care. 00:00:12.580 --> 00:00:14.559 I'm an Herrmann, and I'm your host. 00:00:15.320 --> 00:00:20.560 I talk to poor some humans, people who do great work for dogs and their people. 00:00:21.099 --> 00:00:23.360 So come and join us for today's conversation. 00:00:25.625 --> 00:00:27.775 Anke: Hello and welcome, Renee and Jim. 00:00:27.775 --> 00:00:28.075 I'm 00:00:28.235 --> 00:00:29.515 Rene: super excited to have you here. 00:00:30.335 --> 00:00:31.905 It's great to be here. 00:00:31.915 --> 00:00:32.825 Thank you so much. 00:00:32.825 --> 00:00:34.225 This is Renee, everybody. 00:00:34.575 --> 00:00:34.815 Jim: Thank you. 00:00:34.815 --> 00:00:35.985 I'm Jim from Tripawds. 00:00:36.005 --> 00:00:36.605 Thanks for having us. 00:00:37.720 --> 00:00:38.140 Anke: Awesome. 00:00:38.410 --> 00:00:38.760 Awesome. 00:00:38.780 --> 00:00:43.470 So the name already gives a little bit away, but before we, well, what, 00:00:43.510 --> 00:00:46.560 what we're talking about today, but before we go there, give us like 00:00:46.560 --> 00:00:47.980 the two minute bird's eye overview. 00:00:48.210 --> 00:00:51.600 So where are you based and you know, what are Tripawds all 00:00:51.600 --> 00:00:51.980 Jim: about? 00:00:52.740 --> 00:00:57.100 So Tripawds is a virtual organization that's based on your desktop. 00:00:57.150 --> 00:01:00.480 It's around the world, and we'll get into the story of why. 00:01:00.810 --> 00:01:05.310 Um, we traveled full RV for 16 plus years. 00:01:05.740 --> 00:01:09.480 But currently, we're based in Willow, Alaska. 00:01:09.670 --> 00:01:13.060 We have never experienced winter in Alaska, so we're currently 00:01:13.070 --> 00:01:14.610 in Alaska for the winter. 00:01:14.870 --> 00:01:19.015 Technically, uh, our foundation is formed in Texas, United States. 00:01:19.855 --> 00:01:23.715 Rene: And it's funny because dogs are what brought us to Alaska. 00:01:24.075 --> 00:01:28.605 Um, we are here because one of our members had a three legged husky 00:01:29.045 --> 00:01:31.945 who was a competitive sled dog. 00:01:32.295 --> 00:01:35.265 And, uh, they have always come up here for winter and they kind 00:01:35.265 --> 00:01:38.975 of talked us into coming up here after knowing them for many years. 00:01:39.005 --> 00:01:40.385 And we're so glad we did. 00:01:40.385 --> 00:01:43.985 We're having a blast just living life, being surrounded by dogs and 00:01:43.995 --> 00:01:45.485 helping people through Tripawds. 00:01:45.760 --> 00:01:46.810 Normally we go south. 00:01:46.860 --> 00:01:47.230 Yeah. 00:01:49.370 --> 00:01:50.740 Anke: That sounds, that sounds amazing. 00:01:50.740 --> 00:01:51.750 I'm like, wait, wait, what? 00:01:52.310 --> 00:01:52.560 Alaska? 00:01:52.590 --> 00:01:52.850 Jesus. 00:01:52.980 --> 00:01:54.755 Like who would go there in winter, right? 00:01:54.755 --> 00:01:58.710 If you're not a husky, let's say. 00:01:58.710 --> 00:01:59.275 Right. 00:01:59.275 --> 00:02:03.700 So tell, tell us a little bit about Tripawds. 00:02:03.720 --> 00:02:06.270 I like, I can see like, you know, if you're watching the video, you 00:02:06.440 --> 00:02:09.630 can see it, but there, so it's like, well, it's like tripod, but with bows. 00:02:09.650 --> 00:02:11.570 So what, what, what's this all about? 00:02:11.570 --> 00:02:11.882 Yeah. 00:02:11.882 --> 00:02:12.195 Yeah. 00:02:12.635 --> 00:02:18.675 Rene: Well, way back in 2006, our dog, Jerry, he was a German Shepherd 00:02:18.675 --> 00:02:22.145 mix, he lost a leg to bone cancer. 00:02:22.415 --> 00:02:27.215 And at the time, we did not know that three legged dogs could be happy. 00:02:27.215 --> 00:02:29.045 We didn't, we had never seen a three legged dog. 00:02:29.465 --> 00:02:33.775 So when vets told us that the best way to help him get rid 00:02:33.775 --> 00:02:36.975 of the pain from the cancer and hopefully live out a longer life. 00:02:37.690 --> 00:02:40.340 was to amputate his leg, we were shocked. 00:02:40.380 --> 00:02:44.690 And we went ahead and did it after being inspired by seeing a three 00:02:44.690 --> 00:02:49.000 legged Great Dane who lost his leg to the same cancer, and that was way 00:02:49.000 --> 00:02:52.250 back when YouTube was still a baby, and we saw this video of this Great 00:02:52.250 --> 00:02:55.750 Dane, and we're like, hey, if that dog could do it, our shepherd could do it. 00:02:56.230 --> 00:03:02.680 So, we decided to go ahead with amputation and wanted to chronicle how he did. 00:03:02.730 --> 00:03:05.940 Just for our own mental health, you know, just to write down the 00:03:05.940 --> 00:03:07.210 highs and the lows and things. 00:03:07.590 --> 00:03:15.350 So Jim started a little blog and he named it Tripawds, T R I P A W D S, because we 00:03:15.350 --> 00:03:22.160 found out that vets, veterinarians, call three legged dogs Tripawds and P O D S. 00:03:22.780 --> 00:03:28.010 So Jim took that word and empowered it because it sounded so like, oh, 00:03:28.010 --> 00:03:29.670 my dog's not a piece of furniture. 00:03:29.670 --> 00:03:31.490 What's, what's up with that name? 00:03:31.990 --> 00:03:36.810 So he started this blog and we started writing about how Jerry was doing. 00:03:37.280 --> 00:03:41.320 And then before long, uh, the blog grew because people 00:03:41.320 --> 00:03:42.900 started asking us questions. 00:03:42.900 --> 00:03:45.460 They started finding it and we found out that we weren't the only 00:03:45.460 --> 00:03:46.720 ones out there with a three legged 00:03:46.720 --> 00:03:47.180 Jim: dog. 00:03:47.480 --> 00:03:51.640 But at the time, we were operating our own business and we worked from home 00:03:51.640 --> 00:03:53.800 and Jerry was our chief fun officer. 00:03:53.840 --> 00:03:57.840 So we, he would save us from the stresses of everyday life. 00:03:58.130 --> 00:04:01.230 And when he got cancer, Renee said, I got an idea. 00:04:01.270 --> 00:04:02.620 Let's sell the business. 00:04:02.620 --> 00:04:03.560 Let's sell the house. 00:04:03.775 --> 00:04:05.845 Let's buy an RV and travel the country. 00:04:05.845 --> 00:04:08.655 So we were going to give Jerry this road trip of a lifetime 00:04:08.675 --> 00:04:09.945 to pay him back for everything. 00:04:10.245 --> 00:04:11.675 And he ended up living two years. 00:04:12.375 --> 00:04:15.855 So we traveled around the country and here we are 16 years 00:04:15.855 --> 00:04:17.725 later, still traveling in an RV. 00:04:17.995 --> 00:04:22.745 I'm not currently in Alaska in our RV, but, um, we operate remotely. 00:04:23.455 --> 00:04:23.965 I love it. 00:04:24.065 --> 00:04:24.615 Anke: I love it. 00:04:24.615 --> 00:04:30.755 So, so, so what's the, what's Tripod grown into over the years? 00:04:31.465 --> 00:04:34.155 Because it's not a blog, it's not just a blog now, right? 00:04:34.335 --> 00:04:34.885 Correct. 00:04:35.025 --> 00:04:38.825 Jim: So it was a blog just talking about Jerry and my amazing three legged 00:04:38.835 --> 00:04:41.915 dog, and we started getting lots of emails from people with different 00:04:41.925 --> 00:04:45.595 types of dogs, different cancers, cats that we knew nothing about. 00:04:46.025 --> 00:04:49.705 So I started the discussion forums, and then I added a live chat. 00:04:50.020 --> 00:04:53.940 And then, once we were starting to burn through our savings, we 00:04:53.940 --> 00:04:57.560 decided to start selling helpful products for three legged dogs. 00:04:57.880 --> 00:05:00.440 And we had all sorts of information developing on the 00:05:00.440 --> 00:05:02.580 website, so we created e books. 00:05:02.810 --> 00:05:03.630 So at Tripos. 00:05:03.670 --> 00:05:08.890 com, we have loads of resources available for anyone facing amputation, 00:05:08.930 --> 00:05:12.920 recovery and care, the type of gear they might need, how to prepare, and 00:05:12.920 --> 00:05:14.440 most of all, a sense of community. 00:05:14.800 --> 00:05:17.450 Because everyone feels lost and alone like we did. 00:05:17.830 --> 00:05:21.000 And we want them to know you're not alone, but we only had one 00:05:21.000 --> 00:05:22.630 type of dog with a certain cancer. 00:05:22.630 --> 00:05:28.380 So now we host more than 2000 three legged dog and cat blogs on our network. 00:05:28.380 --> 00:05:31.680 So people can share their own stories, connect with others 00:05:31.700 --> 00:05:33.070 and get the help they need. 00:05:33.330 --> 00:05:37.180 And eventually it evolved into the Tripawds Foundation. 00:05:37.200 --> 00:05:41.110 So in 2014, we established a nonprofit and now we are helping. 00:05:41.375 --> 00:05:44.315 People pay for amputation surgery for families in need. 00:05:44.705 --> 00:05:48.885 We will reimburse anyone who takes a three legged animal to a certified 00:05:48.885 --> 00:05:54.625 rehab therapist, or to get some, uh, physio, as they say in Europe. 00:05:54.955 --> 00:05:59.315 Um, we have a toll free helpline people can call and free brochures 00:05:59.315 --> 00:06:00.585 that we will send to any vets. 00:06:00.595 --> 00:06:04.355 So that the people, when they're handed that bag of medicine and 00:06:04.355 --> 00:06:08.285 discharge papers and sent home with a dog with a massive scar. 00:06:09.490 --> 00:06:11.890 They do panic and they Google, but now they can find us 00:06:11.890 --> 00:06:12.800 and know they're not alone. 00:06:13.850 --> 00:06:14.060 That's 00:06:14.060 --> 00:06:14.790 Anke: incredible. 00:06:15.170 --> 00:06:18.780 So, so who, is that funded by donations or, or how does 00:06:18.780 --> 00:06:19.240 Rene: that work? 00:06:19.950 --> 00:06:24.650 It is funded by, the Tripawds Foundation is a donation based non profit and 00:06:24.650 --> 00:06:29.820 so donations that go there help to fund our programs for physio and, 00:06:29.890 --> 00:06:33.725 um, we pay for amputation, surgery for people who can't afford it. 00:06:33.725 --> 00:06:35.421 We chip in towards that. 00:06:35.421 --> 00:06:39.490 Um, And then as far as, uh, the gear and things like that, that's 00:06:39.490 --> 00:06:43.780 what helps support us and, uh, also helps to keep the website 00:06:43.800 --> 00:06:44.140 Jim: running. 00:06:44.450 --> 00:06:47.460 But also in the Foundation, we have campaigns throughout the year 00:06:47.460 --> 00:06:50.930 for fundraising, but an annual event that's going on its fourth 00:06:50.930 --> 00:06:55.850 year now, or fifth year, is, um, our annual Painting Dogs Auction. 00:06:55.910 --> 00:07:00.450 And this is literally dogs Who paint, not paintings of dogs, but we've got 00:07:00.450 --> 00:07:04.300 all sorts of fun videos of dogs who are painting with brushes in their 00:07:04.300 --> 00:07:06.170 mouth and creating these beautiful 00:07:06.360 --> 00:07:07.520 Rene: abstract artworks. 00:07:07.520 --> 00:07:09.120 I know, it sounds kind of crazy. 00:07:09.120 --> 00:07:09.526 I've seen 00:07:09.526 --> 00:07:10.210 Anke: videos of that. 00:07:10.290 --> 00:07:11.220 I've seen videos. 00:07:11.240 --> 00:07:12.410 That's just hilarious. 00:07:12.940 --> 00:07:16.570 Rene: Yeah, if you can train your dog to hold an object, 00:07:16.580 --> 00:07:18.010 you can train them to paint. 00:07:18.270 --> 00:07:20.290 It's, it's really a cool thing. 00:07:20.300 --> 00:07:22.790 And the people who started it, uh, the woman who started it. 00:07:23.325 --> 00:07:27.265 She was one of our members and her dog was a really well known trick dog. 00:07:27.495 --> 00:07:32.565 So her dog could do all sorts of things, um, you know, acrobatics 00:07:32.565 --> 00:07:35.265 and open refrigerator doors and she's a very well trained dog. 00:07:35.945 --> 00:07:38.765 She taught her how to paint and when that dog passed away from 00:07:38.765 --> 00:07:43.195 cancer, this member, Natasha, wanted to do something to honor her dog. 00:07:43.195 --> 00:07:46.640 So she started holding this auction for us every year. 00:07:46.920 --> 00:07:50.870 And it's, it's grown into a worldwide collaboration community 00:07:50.920 --> 00:07:54.650 of dogs who will do this each year and the proceeds go to the 00:07:54.650 --> 00:07:55.320 Jim: foundation. 00:07:55.330 --> 00:07:57.600 So, uh, the dog's name was Kizerin. 00:07:57.610 --> 00:08:01.160 So we established the Kizerin Cancer Care Fund. 00:08:01.670 --> 00:08:06.955 The proceeds from this auction go to help The pets and the parents with helpful 00:08:06.995 --> 00:08:09.915 devices and nutritional aids and e books 00:08:09.935 --> 00:08:13.355 Rene: and Just things that make life easier for when your dog has cancer. 00:08:13.395 --> 00:08:17.045 Jim: They help both the person and the animal get through the recovery period. 00:08:18.245 --> 00:08:19.265 And how many dogs last time? 00:08:20.315 --> 00:08:20.685 Painting? 00:08:20.695 --> 00:08:25.425 Rene: Yeah, oh, each year the auction is anywhere from 14 to 16 dogs. 00:08:26.135 --> 00:08:29.365 Jim: And this year it'll happen in when? 00:08:29.475 --> 00:08:30.955 Rene: Oh, we're going to have it at the end of May. 00:08:30.965 --> 00:08:31.485 It's coming up. 00:08:31.495 --> 00:08:35.295 And we, every year we choose another species to help us. 00:08:35.745 --> 00:08:39.585 So, um, we, we've had a, a capuchin monkey. 00:08:39.805 --> 00:08:42.645 We've had, um, a sloth. 00:08:42.685 --> 00:08:44.885 And this year we're going to have a painting pig. 00:08:48.740 --> 00:08:49.280 I know. 00:08:49.880 --> 00:08:50.540 Anke: That is so cool. 00:08:50.960 --> 00:08:55.550 So when, when somebody comes, when somebody finds you and somebody comes, 00:08:56.360 --> 00:08:59.810 so there's obviously two parties there that have a bit of a problem, right? 00:08:59.810 --> 00:09:01.220 So there's the dog. 00:09:01.220 --> 00:09:01.221 Mm-Hmm. 00:09:02.550 --> 00:09:05.130 Rene: Dog or cat, just for, you know, for cat out there. 00:09:05.130 --> 00:09:05.940 We do have cats too. 00:09:05.940 --> 00:09:06.660 So, so the, 00:09:06.660 --> 00:09:08.760 Anke: the, the animal itself. 00:09:09.060 --> 00:09:09.240 Mm-Hmm. 00:09:09.245 --> 00:09:09.325 you know. 00:09:09.985 --> 00:09:12.365 Do you find, who suffers more? 00:09:12.365 --> 00:09:13.365 Who struggles more? 00:09:13.625 --> 00:09:17.765 Because sometimes I feel actually the dogs are so much more resilient. 00:09:18.235 --> 00:09:22.255 I mean, I've got like, you know, a friend of mine, she's got, she's got, uh, well, 00:09:22.595 --> 00:09:26.205 her little cocker, like she passed, she had some sort of knee and leg problems, so 00:09:26.205 --> 00:09:28.155 she would use like her little wheelchair. 00:09:28.900 --> 00:09:33.890 And she was just the happiest, like she just didn't have any, um, you know, 00:09:33.890 --> 00:09:38.320 there's no dislike, oh my god, and there's no overthinking, you know, so they just 00:09:38.320 --> 00:09:41.640 kind of, well, if they have physical pain, they have physical pain, but anything 00:09:41.650 --> 00:09:46.310 beyond that, they don't, that's more the people who kind of have all these 00:09:46.310 --> 00:09:48.070 kind of emotional struggles around that. 00:09:48.320 --> 00:09:49.270 Is that 00:09:49.270 --> 00:09:50.970 Rene: your experience? 00:09:50.970 --> 00:09:51.820 Absolutely. 00:09:51.820 --> 00:09:55.570 It is always harder on the people than it is on the animal. 00:09:55.740 --> 00:09:59.945 You know, we have so much emotional baggage when it 00:09:59.945 --> 00:10:01.435 comes to something like this. 00:10:01.465 --> 00:10:05.415 And it's not just about the fact that our dog's gonna lose a leg, but it's about 00:10:05.605 --> 00:10:10.705 we're mourning the fact that we can't go on longer walks like we used to with that 00:10:10.705 --> 00:10:12.805 dog anymore, which technically you can. 00:10:12.815 --> 00:10:15.815 We recommend gear that can help you do that, like dog 00:10:15.825 --> 00:10:17.305 buggies and things like that. 00:10:17.585 --> 00:10:20.645 But People have a really hard time processing it. 00:10:20.925 --> 00:10:25.675 So we tell folks, we are your emotional support community. 00:10:26.085 --> 00:10:29.945 We are here because that is the hardest part to get through when you find 00:10:29.945 --> 00:10:32.305 out your dog is going to lose a leg. 00:10:32.535 --> 00:10:33.515 That's what we're about. 00:10:33.705 --> 00:10:34.395 We offer. 00:10:34.695 --> 00:10:38.465 input that they can take to their veterinarian and discuss, but really 00:10:38.465 --> 00:10:40.245 we're an emotional support community. 00:10:40.465 --> 00:10:40.795 And 00:10:40.795 --> 00:10:43.475 Jim: like you said, the dogs are incredibly resilient. 00:10:43.485 --> 00:10:46.435 They adapt and overcome and recover. 00:10:46.445 --> 00:10:50.555 They'll wake up with one less leg and they adjust their stance, they adjust 00:10:50.555 --> 00:10:52.315 their gait, they get on with life. 00:10:52.345 --> 00:10:56.105 And as we say, the dogs are born with three legs and a spare. 00:10:56.115 --> 00:11:00.395 So they now have lost a spare leg and they can't afford to lose another. 00:11:00.570 --> 00:11:04.110 So we're there to help people understand that rehab is very important. 00:11:04.140 --> 00:11:05.860 Weight management is very important. 00:11:05.870 --> 00:11:09.850 Nutrition, because you want to keep those remaining limbs healthy and strong. 00:11:09.970 --> 00:11:10.260 And 00:11:10.310 --> 00:11:13.940 Rene: that's also not to say that it's always easy for the dog. 00:11:14.000 --> 00:11:16.800 I mean, they do have highs and lows during recovery, just 00:11:16.800 --> 00:11:19.570 like a person would, but they. 00:11:19.880 --> 00:11:23.360 absorb our emotions and our energy when they're going 00:11:23.360 --> 00:11:24.550 through those highs and lows. 00:11:24.760 --> 00:11:30.120 So it's up to us to help them through it and not pass along 00:11:30.180 --> 00:11:31.920 what we're feeling to them. 00:11:32.020 --> 00:11:35.120 It's in their best interest for us to, you know, just stay as 00:11:35.185 --> 00:11:38.495 Encouraging and optimistic as we can, even when things get tough. 00:11:38.625 --> 00:11:41.895 Jim: You know, real quick, one of the best things we ever, best advice 00:11:41.895 --> 00:11:45.845 we received from a rehab therapist, a canine rehab therapist, was a 00:11:45.845 --> 00:11:47.685 little tough love goes a long way. 00:11:47.965 --> 00:11:52.165 Because you do want to focus on the recovery, but the worst cases I've seen 00:11:52.175 --> 00:11:55.265 have been from people who are doting on the dog and feeding them by hand and 00:11:55.265 --> 00:11:57.155 sleeping on the floor and coddling them. 00:11:57.585 --> 00:11:59.945 And the dog needs to know that this is a new normal. 00:12:00.595 --> 00:12:04.505 And if all of a sudden you're acting different, you know, 00:12:04.505 --> 00:12:06.075 they turn to us for leadership. 00:12:06.405 --> 00:12:09.405 We need to be there to help them know that this is our new 00:12:09.405 --> 00:12:10.845 normal and life's going to go on. 00:12:11.805 --> 00:12:12.115 Yeah. 00:12:12.115 --> 00:12:12.315 That 00:12:12.315 --> 00:12:12.575 Anke: makes sense. 00:12:12.925 --> 00:12:16.285 I mean, to be honest, like people are just like that, you know, I think, I 00:12:16.285 --> 00:12:20.155 think it's the same with, you know, if a person ends up in a wheelchair, 00:12:20.365 --> 00:12:21.575 it's exactly that same thing. 00:12:21.895 --> 00:12:22.145 Right. 00:12:22.465 --> 00:12:28.245 So, yeah, actually, you know, what pops to mind, I've seen things where 00:12:28.325 --> 00:12:30.505 people would use like 3D printers. 00:12:30.980 --> 00:12:36.960 to create, um, is that something that you've played with or explored to kind 00:12:36.960 --> 00:12:40.570 of say, well, you know, especially if you can, if you can catch it before 00:12:40.610 --> 00:12:45.620 the amputation, you know, to have like a 3D model of the leg to use as a 00:12:45.760 --> 00:12:46.700 Rene: prosthesis or something? 00:12:47.510 --> 00:12:52.530 Well, um, you know, the technology has come so far in the last few years, 00:12:52.560 --> 00:12:54.480 and there's some really good options. 00:12:55.050 --> 00:12:58.160 for people if they want to explore the possibility of an 00:12:58.160 --> 00:12:59.500 artificial leg for their dog. 00:12:59.790 --> 00:13:03.630 Um, they can be really beneficial for the right dog and the right person. 00:13:03.960 --> 00:13:11.280 So, uh, a 3D printed, uh, prosthetic is great if it's done in conjunction 00:13:11.290 --> 00:13:16.230 with a physiotherapist and a veterinary surgeon because you really have to think 00:13:16.230 --> 00:13:21.880 of these things before the amputation and also be prepared for what to expect. 00:13:21.890 --> 00:13:24.760 It's not a one and done, um, a prosthetic. 00:13:24.955 --> 00:13:27.825 We'll always need a certain level of maintenance over the 00:13:27.825 --> 00:13:30.655 years and training for the dog. 00:13:30.745 --> 00:13:36.025 Uh, it's up to the owner to really get the dog used to it and see where 00:13:36.025 --> 00:13:38.525 they're headed as far as are they going to accept this thing, aren't 00:13:38.525 --> 00:13:42.135 they, you know, what can we do to encourage the dog to use it more. 00:13:42.395 --> 00:13:45.415 It's a little bit of a process that, that people should be aware of. 00:13:45.415 --> 00:13:48.885 And that's one reason why we have the, uh, Rehabilitation Therapy 00:13:48.885 --> 00:13:54.695 Fund for new tripod parents so that they can meet with a therapist. 00:13:55.040 --> 00:13:57.860 And say, hey, is my dog a good candidate for this? 00:13:58.120 --> 00:13:58.420 And you 00:13:58.420 --> 00:14:01.230 Jim: said something very important there about considering a 00:14:01.230 --> 00:14:03.370 prosthetic before the amputation. 00:14:03.420 --> 00:14:06.210 Because one of the best orthopedic surgeons out there in the veterinary 00:14:06.210 --> 00:14:10.640 world told us that for a prosthetic device to work best, you really should 00:14:10.640 --> 00:14:13.290 have two articulating joints remaining. 00:14:13.570 --> 00:14:15.970 Um, one possibly, but preferably two. 00:14:15.980 --> 00:14:20.330 Otherwise, it's more of kind of like a pogo stick that the dog might hop along 00:14:20.330 --> 00:14:22.590 on and it's not going to adapt well to it. 00:14:22.845 --> 00:14:25.645 So just because it's available doesn't mean you should necessarily use it. 00:14:25.645 --> 00:14:26.975 It could actually throw off gate. 00:14:26.975 --> 00:14:30.985 So always consult with an expert before, um, turning on your 3d printer. 00:14:30.985 --> 00:14:31.419 Yeah. 00:14:31.419 --> 00:14:31.853 No, 00:14:31.853 --> 00:14:35.335 Anke: I was just curious because I thought maybe, maybe it's 00:14:35.465 --> 00:14:39.135 technologically technically possible, but not really a good idea. 00:14:39.585 --> 00:14:42.845 Maybe it's like, well, actually, you know, they get on better 00:14:43.945 --> 00:14:45.395 on three of their own legs. 00:14:45.695 --> 00:14:50.215 rather than that full thing that's like, you know, like a spanner in the wheels. 00:14:50.275 --> 00:14:53.745 You know, I don't know, like, it's just kind of, I think it's, you have to 00:14:53.745 --> 00:14:56.135 decide it on a, on a case by case basis. 00:14:56.275 --> 00:14:57.175 Rene: Absolutely. 00:14:57.215 --> 00:14:57.285 And 00:14:57.285 --> 00:14:59.505 Jim: the same thing goes for wheelchairs and carts. 00:14:59.535 --> 00:15:01.945 Oftentimes people think, oh, my dog's locked a leg. 00:15:01.945 --> 00:15:05.105 He needs a wheelchair without consulting to an expert who might. 00:15:05.680 --> 00:15:09.850 prescribe some exercises instead, but if you do a wheelchair out of 00:15:09.850 --> 00:15:14.760 PVC because your husband's handy and it's not perfectly fit to the dog, it 00:15:14.760 --> 00:15:16.510 could actually do more harm than good. 00:15:17.680 --> 00:15:22.820 Anke: Yeah, so what are some, what are sort of typical questions 00:15:22.850 --> 00:15:26.500 and issues that people come, come to us, look for support with? 00:15:28.305 --> 00:15:31.815 Rene: You know, the number one question people ask is how is my 00:15:31.815 --> 00:15:34.175 dog going to go to the bathroom? 00:15:34.545 --> 00:15:39.095 Because they think of a dog using all four legs either to lift one leg 00:15:39.105 --> 00:15:45.005 or to get down and Believe me, they figure it out, but people, people don't 00:15:45.005 --> 00:15:46.585 believe it until they actually see it. 00:15:46.595 --> 00:15:51.745 And normally a dog will not, um, will not poop for at least 00:15:52.185 --> 00:15:53.985 a couple of days after surgery. 00:15:53.985 --> 00:15:56.505 So the whole time the person is like super nervous. 00:15:56.535 --> 00:15:58.095 I don't think my dog's gonna know how to do it. 00:15:58.325 --> 00:16:00.155 And when they do it, they're so happy. 00:16:01.565 --> 00:16:05.425 They do a little dance and yeah, I mean, dogs totally figured out. 00:16:05.990 --> 00:16:06.870 That's a really common 00:16:06.870 --> 00:16:06.900 Jim: case. 00:16:06.910 --> 00:16:11.760 So it can be because of the pain meds, uh, and this, you know, different gait. 00:16:12.310 --> 00:16:16.000 But as our vet told us, he said, when they gotta go, they'll go. 00:16:16.150 --> 00:16:16.310 Rene: Yeah. 00:16:16.950 --> 00:16:19.970 And the other question is, is my dog in pain? 00:16:20.010 --> 00:16:22.800 So that is the biggest challenge during recovery is to 00:16:22.800 --> 00:16:24.600 manage the dog's pain levels. 00:16:24.920 --> 00:16:28.040 And a lot of people aren't sure if their dog is getting too 00:16:28.040 --> 00:16:29.670 much medication or too little. 00:16:30.225 --> 00:16:35.365 So it's one thing we really help a lot with is let's look at all of the behaviors 00:16:35.365 --> 00:16:39.835 of your dog and figure out how we can help you have a conversation with your vet 00:16:40.155 --> 00:16:42.325 about adjusting their pain medications. 00:16:43.055 --> 00:16:46.205 Jim: Another question that we often get is, will my dog ever swim again? 00:16:46.215 --> 00:16:50.445 And the answer is yes, and no, they won't swim in circles, but a life vest 00:16:50.445 --> 00:16:52.595 or a float coat can certainly help. 00:16:53.345 --> 00:16:57.115 And or they say, my dog's a hunter or a hiker, when are we going 00:16:57.115 --> 00:16:58.545 to go on 10 mile hikes again? 00:16:58.865 --> 00:17:01.195 And well, it comes back to that new normal. 00:17:01.335 --> 00:17:05.275 Um, they may or may not go that 10 miles, but it's definitely 00:17:05.275 --> 00:17:08.505 going to take time and it's going to depend on the dog's condition. 00:17:08.785 --> 00:17:13.155 And most importantly, you want to focus on recovery and core strength 00:17:13.165 --> 00:17:14.975 to compensate for the missing limb. 00:17:16.390 --> 00:17:21.270 Anke: Do you find, um, because I don't know, like, you know, I've been 00:17:21.270 --> 00:17:22.920 interviewing people for the summit. 00:17:22.920 --> 00:17:26.720 So I've talked to a lot of like holistic vets and all kinds of people. 00:17:26.970 --> 00:17:31.730 So my mind is going so well to kind of off to sort of compensate 00:17:31.730 --> 00:17:33.090 for these sort of off balance. 00:17:33.510 --> 00:17:38.830 Would they benefit from, you know, body work and massages and things 00:17:38.830 --> 00:17:40.615 like that going on to sort of just. 00:17:40.935 --> 00:17:44.705 Kind of help them, you know, not getting tense because you know, it's 00:17:44.705 --> 00:17:48.465 like, I mean, I don't know, like, you know, when your knee hurts, all of 00:17:48.465 --> 00:17:52.245 a sudden you start walking funny and then you have lower back pain and it'd 00:17:52.245 --> 00:17:53.275 be the same for them, wouldn't it? 00:17:53.835 --> 00:17:55.215 Rene: Absolutely. 00:17:55.255 --> 00:18:01.195 Three legged dogs have such a different gait after they lose a leg. 00:18:01.215 --> 00:18:04.855 Their, their body is moving in ways it was not designed to move. 00:18:05.115 --> 00:18:10.530 So anytime you can help a dog with Physiotherapy and hands on work like 00:18:10.530 --> 00:18:13.230 massage, it's a real benefit to them. 00:18:13.370 --> 00:18:16.140 Some dogs are very accepting of it, as you know, and some dogs aren't, 00:18:16.170 --> 00:18:20.490 but the more you can get your hands on the dog and get somebody to show 00:18:20.490 --> 00:18:24.460 you how to do that, the better and healthier they're going to be over time. 00:18:26.000 --> 00:18:26.830 Does it impact 00:18:26.890 --> 00:18:29.760 Anke: like lifespan or can they be, you know, I mean, obviously 00:18:29.760 --> 00:18:32.400 if it's cancer, then the cancer might be somewhere else, right? 00:18:32.400 --> 00:18:35.220 But if it's like a physical thing, like, you know, that the dog you 00:18:35.220 --> 00:18:39.000 mentioned earlier where, okay, it's just literally a mechanical, like 00:18:39.000 --> 00:18:42.510 they fell and it's broken, but other than that, the dog's just fine. 00:18:43.410 --> 00:18:45.290 Does that impact up the health in other ways? 00:18:46.185 --> 00:18:49.955 Jim: It can if we don't moderate their activity. 00:18:49.975 --> 00:18:53.555 So if we just go let them be a dog and all of a sudden they end up blowing 00:18:53.555 --> 00:18:58.805 out a cruciate limb, a cruciate on the other limb, or what I'm getting at is 00:18:58.805 --> 00:19:01.045 it comes to the other comorbidities. 00:19:01.065 --> 00:19:04.545 Of course cancer is going to, you know, limit the lifespan. 00:19:04.905 --> 00:19:08.365 But if you lose a leg, it doesn't necessarily limit the lifespan 00:19:08.615 --> 00:19:11.325 unless the dog is overweight. 00:19:11.550 --> 00:19:15.230 And all of a sudden has, you know, arthritis seriously develops 00:19:15.230 --> 00:19:15.700 Rene: and such. 00:19:15.830 --> 00:19:19.120 The veterinarians tell us that three legged dogs are more prone 00:19:19.120 --> 00:19:22.630 to osteoarthritis and all of the conditions that follow that. 00:19:22.980 --> 00:19:27.870 So if a dog is overweight, it's going to impact their life over 00:19:27.870 --> 00:19:32.230 time, which may, you know, these conditions may shorten their lifespan. 00:19:32.530 --> 00:19:37.210 But If you have a dog, whether you adopt a three legged puppy or your 00:19:37.210 --> 00:19:41.030 dog loses a leg very young like our second dog did, he lost a leg to 00:19:41.030 --> 00:19:43.450 neglect at about eight months old. 00:19:43.860 --> 00:19:48.850 He was a German Shepherd and we had him until he was 12 and he, uh, 00:19:48.890 --> 00:19:54.000 eventually got just so tired from being on one back leg and he had, 00:19:54.030 --> 00:19:56.950 um, IVDD, Invertebral Disc Disease. 00:19:56.990 --> 00:19:57.590 And severe. 00:19:57.600 --> 00:19:59.560 And severe osteoarthritis. 00:19:59.995 --> 00:20:02.735 from the compromised gate over his lifetime. 00:20:02.905 --> 00:20:06.045 So he lived out his normal lifespan that a shepherd would. 00:20:06.490 --> 00:20:11.680 But there were challenges that he had during that life that were probably 00:20:11.700 --> 00:20:14.160 exaggerated because he was on three legs. 00:20:14.320 --> 00:20:17.650 So that's just things that, that pet parents need to be mindful of as 00:20:17.650 --> 00:20:19.020 they go through life with their dog. 00:20:19.110 --> 00:20:24.150 Jim: And we attribute Wyatt's lifespan, the longevity, to the regular 00:20:24.150 --> 00:20:26.035 rehab and conditioning that we did. 00:20:26.035 --> 00:20:28.765 We were exercising with him All the time. 00:20:28.765 --> 00:20:32.375 So that gets back to what I was trying to point out is that if you aren't 00:20:32.375 --> 00:20:36.015 on top of it and stay on top of these things and just go let them be a dog 00:20:36.015 --> 00:20:41.155 and sprint around, it could possibly have affected Wyatt much earlier. 00:20:42.125 --> 00:20:44.275 Anke: So what kind of exercises are we talking about? 00:20:44.275 --> 00:20:45.615 So what would be typical? 00:20:47.850 --> 00:20:52.260 Rene: It's really interesting how much their needs closely 00:20:52.290 --> 00:20:54.270 follow our needs as humans. 00:20:54.580 --> 00:20:58.700 It's all about core strength and, you know, strengthening those 00:20:58.700 --> 00:21:04.590 abdominals and back muscles so that your body can move as it should. 00:21:04.910 --> 00:21:08.030 Um, a lot of people think they need to strengthen their dog's legs. 00:21:08.355 --> 00:21:09.805 But that's not the case. 00:21:09.815 --> 00:21:11.045 It's just like with people. 00:21:11.065 --> 00:21:13.535 If you have a good core, you're going to sit up better. 00:21:13.545 --> 00:21:16.975 You're going to walk better, not feel lower back discomfort. 00:21:17.215 --> 00:21:23.855 So a lot of exercises like standing on a balance disc, um, or BOSU ball, people 00:21:23.855 --> 00:21:26.775 have seen those in human exercise classes. 00:21:26.825 --> 00:21:28.925 Um, same kind of equipment for dogs. 00:21:29.215 --> 00:21:34.870 Um, Even something as simple as having your dog walk on a sofa cushion that 00:21:34.870 --> 00:21:38.960 you put on the floor, because that surface is uneven, it's strengthening 00:21:38.960 --> 00:21:43.380 their core muscles, and it's also teaching them proprioception, which 00:21:43.380 --> 00:21:45.840 is awareness of the body in space. 00:21:46.060 --> 00:21:50.690 So they're, they're learning how to place their paws on the ground 00:21:50.710 --> 00:21:52.390 and not fall over, basically. 00:21:52.810 --> 00:21:57.135 Um, little things, there's, Once you go to a physiotherapist for 00:21:57.135 --> 00:22:01.075 your dog, you learn these little exercises that you can do at home. 00:22:01.075 --> 00:22:03.425 You don't need to buy a bunch of equipment. 00:22:03.595 --> 00:22:07.715 There are things you can do on your walks, like Helping your dog walk on and 00:22:07.715 --> 00:22:14.415 off curbs as you go down the street, um, step over little objects, just things 00:22:14.415 --> 00:22:19.275 that keep them balanced and, and always moving in a different way to challenge 00:22:19.275 --> 00:22:20.905 their body and their mind at the same 00:22:20.905 --> 00:22:21.395 Jim: time. 00:22:21.455 --> 00:22:24.505 Weight shifting, weight bearing, but every dog is different. 00:22:24.505 --> 00:22:27.355 You know, the exercises might be different if you're missing a front leg 00:22:27.365 --> 00:22:30.015 versus a rear leg and the type of dog. 00:22:30.225 --> 00:22:33.105 That's why we always recommend rehab, rehab, rehab, and why 00:22:33.105 --> 00:22:34.245 we'll pay for the first visit. 00:22:35.105 --> 00:22:35.235 I 00:22:35.235 --> 00:22:35.645 Anke: love that. 00:22:35.895 --> 00:22:36.375 I love that. 00:22:36.855 --> 00:22:43.325 I mean, it feels like it's very similar to, you know, to what we'd go 00:22:43.325 --> 00:22:46.025 through if as a person you lose, right? 00:22:46.485 --> 00:22:46.875 Absolutely. 00:22:47.275 --> 00:22:51.445 You know, there's the physical part to look after and there's the emotional 00:22:51.745 --> 00:22:54.205 part where, you know, obviously here we look more on the other end 00:22:54.215 --> 00:22:57.055 of the leash, but at the end of the day, it's not that different, 00:22:57.055 --> 00:22:57.495 Rene: right? 00:22:58.185 --> 00:22:58.795 It's not. 00:22:59.015 --> 00:23:04.685 The only real difference is that dogs just do so much better emotionally than 00:23:04.685 --> 00:23:06.455 people do in a situation like this. 00:23:08.145 --> 00:23:11.475 Anke: Yeah, and that's, that, yeah, totally, I can totally get that. 00:23:12.015 --> 00:23:16.625 So, so what's the easiest way to find you, to get in touch, 00:23:16.625 --> 00:23:21.275 to ask questions, to donate, to You know, submit a dog painting. 00:23:21.275 --> 00:23:22.995 Of 00:23:22.995 --> 00:23:23.035 Rene: course. 00:23:23.035 --> 00:23:24.085 Yeah, thank you. 00:23:24.095 --> 00:23:25.495 Well, Tripawds. 00:23:25.515 --> 00:23:28.225 com, so t r i p a w d s. 00:23:28.645 --> 00:23:30.565 com is our main community. 00:23:30.895 --> 00:23:35.475 Um, if you go to our discussion forums, uh, you will find lots and 00:23:35.475 --> 00:23:40.035 lots of conversations from people who have adopted a three legged dog 00:23:40.035 --> 00:23:41.795 or their dog lost a leg to cancer. 00:23:42.605 --> 00:23:43.905 That is the heart of our 00:23:43.905 --> 00:23:44.205 Jim: community. 00:23:44.205 --> 00:23:44.905 The resources. 00:23:44.905 --> 00:23:48.285 That's where the podcasts, the resources, the interviews, the blogs, 00:23:48.315 --> 00:23:49.505 the e books, that sort of thing. 00:23:50.135 --> 00:23:51.115 Tripawds. 00:23:51.135 --> 00:23:56.245 org is where people can find information about the rehab program, the reimbursement 00:23:56.245 --> 00:23:59.755 for amputation, and the helpline and things like that, and where you can 00:23:59.755 --> 00:24:05.230 find links about the And the one thing we didn't mention is, um, we kind of 00:24:05.230 --> 00:24:09.700 tell this whole story and how Tripawds evolved in our book called Be More 00:24:09.700 --> 00:24:11.570 Dog, Learning to Live in the Now. 00:24:11.800 --> 00:24:13.770 And that's available at BeMoreDog. 00:24:13.780 --> 00:24:14.050 net. 00:24:14.635 --> 00:24:15.025 Love it. 00:24:15.115 --> 00:24:15.515 Anke: Love it. 00:24:15.715 --> 00:24:17.045 We all got to be more dog. 00:24:17.445 --> 00:24:17.545 Yes. 00:24:17.865 --> 00:24:18.225 Jim: We do. 00:24:18.445 --> 00:24:18.665 Absolutely. 00:24:18.675 --> 00:24:23.465 Or at Tripawds everywhere on Facebook and then at Tripawds Community on Instagram. 00:24:23.495 --> 00:24:25.395 So it's not too hard to find us. 00:24:25.735 --> 00:24:26.125 Anke: Awesome. 00:24:26.255 --> 00:24:30.745 Well, thank you so much for coming and sharing this incredible story and this 00:24:30.975 --> 00:24:36.045 resource you've created to help other people, you know, balance the tripod. 00:24:36.825 --> 00:24:37.715 Rene: Aw, thank you. 00:24:38.025 --> 00:24:39.115 It's great being here. 00:24:39.175 --> 00:24:39.755 Our pleasure. 00:24:39.755 --> 00:24:40.245 Jim: Thank you. 00:24:42.497 --> 00:24:43.727 Thanks so much for listening. 00:24:44.247 --> 00:24:48.547 If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe, and leave a review so 00:24:48.647 --> 00:24:50.427 other dog lovers can find the show. 00:24:51.217 --> 00:24:54.707 If you haven't already, head over to soul touched by dogs. 00:24:55.137 --> 00:25:00.707 com and sign up for weekly doggy cuteness tips, recommendations, and personal 00:25:00.807 --> 00:25:03.177 stories to warm your dog loving heart. 00:25:03.177 --> 00:25:06.907 And if you know a pawsome human you think I should interview, 00:25:07.327 --> 00:25:08.467 I'd love an introduction. 00:25:08.947 --> 00:25:10.777 Email me at Anke. 00:25:11.047 --> 00:25:15.282 That's A N k E at Soul touched by dogs.com.