Sorry to report our B was hit by a car. God bless the driver, she stopped in time and saved her life. We had to make the difficult decision to amputate but we are certain we made the humane and practical choice.

Finger waving and guilt aside, our dear Ella is healing nicely, and rather than saddle her with a long difficult road of healing, drugs, pain, and multiple trips to the vet, it was very important to us to maintain her sweet disposition. The skin and soft tissue were badly damaged and the vet could not give us much hope that our effort would pay off and that amputation was still not off the table down the road.

She is actually handling her situation better than us, and she is our champion. She insists on her regular schedule and habits, is alert and curious, follows the sun for naps, and sleeps in her regular spot on the bed.

When we meet people on our walks, we just say, 'sorry we can't play because we have stitches', rather than the negative, we are missing a leg and are still unsteady. We are focusing on what we have, rather than what we have not.

B strong on three pegs, and alive to tell the tale! B's rule!

So happy that she is alive and healing well, though I'm sure the accident was as traumatic for you as it was for her. I see 'tripod' dogs often at the dog park and some run with the rest, others are happy to just visit. Dogs are very adaptable and she will be fine I'm sure. Hugs to you all.

I'm so glad to hear that Ella is mending nicely. It must be hard emotionally, but it sounds like you are all handling it well. Ella is lucky to have such a loving, compassionate family. Warm, healing thoughts to Ella and her humans.

Pamela and Spencer

I also have seen lots of dogs minus one leg, and they seem to do just fine! I'm sure you are stressing about it much more than she is. Dogs don't do the "woulda, shoulda, coulda" guilt trip, and I know they are happier for it.

My aunt had a large tripod dog for many, many years. did just fine and never seemed to miss that "extra" leg. Tripods also make very special therapy dogs, if you're interested in doing that.

thanks anne, we accept your hugs and appreciate your thoughts. In the past I think that injured animals were simply put down, but we too are seeing more 'tripods' out there, and realize with suburban life, cars and dogs meet often and we are happy we still have her.

I had not thought of the therapy angle. After we are fully adjusted, and our new norm established, we will see where this goes. Happy to hear your aunts' dog had a long, happy life-this bodes well for us. Thanks for your thoughts.

Yes, it would seem that she is really living in the moment and does not seem to be haunted by any bad memories or PTSD. As you say, she does seem to be lacking the 'head trip' that her human pack members have gone through. For this we are grateful, but I noticed some over-protectedness on my part, which i hope to manage out once the sutures are out and she is less vulnerable. thanks ontario!

Truely the vet is very skilled, and her healing certainly is a testament to him. Thanks for sending the healing, we know just where to apply it!

Y'a know, anyone who has never had an oops needs a trophy or something. MOST of the time we mess up and we get lucky. If you just let your dog outside to play loose and unsupervised, willingly exposing her to the risk, then yeah you deserve finger wagging. I seriously doubt that was the case. So I won't tell you not to feel guilty cause we all know that's unavoidable, but really, never does the phrase "there but for the grace of G-d go I" apply.

I am sorry for the accident, sorry for the amputation, but like the others, I know many 3 legged dogs and some of them LARGE BREED ones. They adjust fine unless they have some injury/hip dysplasia etc in another leg. And you are right… no playing because of stitches. Once healed, play will resume. Bless owners who love and care for their pets. We had a neighbor years ago who had a kitten get its leg trapped in a fence and by the time they found it, needed to amputate. The woman came back home minus the kitten, said she couldn't stand to look at a 3 legged cat, had it put down. Try to temper the guilt with acknowledging all humans make mistakes and you are a good loving owner.

Very unfortunate, but as others have said, it could have been worse. You were fortunate enough to keep her around. These guys are tough and know how to adapt. Us humans however, have a much tougher time, and you should consider that before feeling bad about your B. Accidents happen, it's part of life.

The important thing is to help your B get back to 100%. She might have lost a leg, but her personality is still there, and isn't that what matters most with this breed? They are clowns and will continue to be, 3 legs or 4 legs.

Be proud that your Basenji survived such an event. Not all dogs get that opportunity. Basenjis are a tough breed.

Accidents are scary and unfortunate, but they are accidents so not need to take blame. I am happy for you and Ella…after all she is still with you and sounds like she is enjoying life no less.

Like everyone else here I have had the privilege of meeting dogs that have lost limbs and had other handicaps....They seem to mostly not even notice these "shortcomings". Dogs know how to live life to the fullest and how to make the best of it

You have a very optimistic attitude toward it all, and sounds like Ella does too. Hope you heal quickly and smoothly!
I've known some awesome tripods and biped dogs. Still whole, happy dogs!

Healing thoughts and as noted on other threads, accidents happen. Kudos to you for giving her a chance and I am sure she will do just fine

@bcraig:

I had not thought of the therapy angle. After we are fully adjusted, and our new norm established, we will see where this goes. Happy to hear your aunts' dog had a long, happy life-this bodes well for us. Thanks for your thoughts.

Yes well, you said she was a sweet girl, so if she has the temperament for it, therapy work can be very rewarding. And I'm sure you can imagine how delighted a child who is "disabled" would be to see a tripod basenji!

Christine Morgan has/had a tripod b/w basenji. (Car+icy road = 3 legged basenji) I don't know if she's still active in basenjis, but someone might have her email addy.

I'm sorry to see this. Great job on helping Ella to heal. Dogs don't sit there depressed that they have lost something or have a disability, as long as they're not in pain they just go. I've seen tripods run with the packs at the beach no problem.

So glad that the outcome is good for Ella. Basenjis are amazingly adaptable so I'm sure she is coping very well. Accidents are accidents and the result of this could have been much worse so be glad and not feel guilt in any way.

Love and hugs to Ella and you.

BEAR rescue in OH had a three legged B almost 20 years ago. If I remember correctly it was his front leg. He used to run around like crazy in the backyard, make all the dogs chase him and then he would plop down. He also used to allow the dogs to drag him around in the house across the hardwood floor.

Jennifer

Here's a video that shows the progression of a dog who had bone cancer and had a leg removed. It's amazing how quickly the dog bounces back and doesn't even seem to realize he's missing his leg (well, actually he looks like his leg pains him and he looks much happier with 3)

http://www.dogwork.com/hur9/