Please allow me to introduce Jackson, our 10 month old lab mix. He joined our family just three days ago. We had been casually looking for a second dog for a while but none had really seemed to be the one. Our first dog, Molly a 2 year old lab mix, just seemed lonely. She loves playing with other dogs and enjoys the companionship but all the dogs of friends and family were much older and not interested in her style of play. Well last Monday I was browsing Petfinder.com and there he was staring at me. I showed my wife and kids his picture and Tuesday morning I was on the phone with the shelter setting up an appointment and by Wednesday we were adopting him. We brought Molly with us to the shelter to play with Jackson just to make sure they got along well. After a few sniffs they were playing like old friends, everything seemed perfect. He has the sweetest temperament and is so gentle, we fell in love with him immediately.
When we arrived home about an hour later Jackson and Molly went straight to the back yard and began playing and running. After about 15 minutes we noticed Jackson was limping and not putting much weight on his right hind leg. We were immediately concerned. At first we feared he had slipped in the snow or twisted it while running. We called the shelter and inquired about any previous occurrences, none were noted in his records. The following day we took Jackson to the vet for an exam. The doctor, who is a knee specialist, suspected a luxating patella so x-rays were scheduled for the following morning.
Late Friday morning I received a call from the Vet. Indeed he did have knee issues but it was inoperable. He proceeded to explain that at some point in Jackson’s first months he had incurred trauma to his femur causing a fracture. The fracture had obviously not been treated and therefore had heeled incorrectly. The right femur was about 25% shorter than his left and bowed inward. This was causing his knee problem and was the reason it was useless to operate. Our options were either a life of pain medicine everyday and his right leg basically withering away or amputation.
At first amputation seemed extreme and almost cruel. We could hardly bring ourselves to consider this as an option. After a good long talk with the Vet we were able to accept it and began to see the situation through Jackson’s eyes. What kind of life would it be to drag around a lame leg that only caused pain. As the Vet explained once the leg was removed so would the pain and Jackson would lead a normal pain free life.
So this is where we are now. Its Saturday, three days after we brought him home for the first time. He has found a permanent place in our hearts and home and nothing will change that. There is a reason he’s entered our life and us his. We have decided to go ahead with amputation and not look back. So this is Jackson’s story, so far. I will continue to update this blog through the days and months ahead as Jackson and his new family deal with the ups and downs of this journey. Please keep checking back and any word of encouragement are certainly welcome.
Jackson’s Dad
Hi Jackson’s dad,
I’m so happy to hear that you have adopted Jackson… that is going to be one lucky and very loved dog!!! It’s sad about the problem with his leg… but you will see that amputation is his best chance at a pain free and happy life! Do you have a surgery date scheduled yet? If you haven’t already, please be sure to post on our forum… you will get tons of tips to help prepare you for the post-op recovery… We’ve all gone though it! The first two weeks are the hardest… many ups and downs… But once they have healed and the stitches have come out… Life is great again. Luckily, you don’t have to worry about a cancer diagnosis with Jackson…
Looking forward to hearing more about Jackson and his new forever family!!! 🙂
Angel Jake’s Mom
Hi Jackson’s family
Jackson looks like a wonderful dog. I can see why you wanted to adopt him. It is sad you had this problem happen so quickly.
Most of us react the same way when we hear the word amputation, especially those of us with dogs with front leg problems. But you will see that Jackson will adjust fine. He is young and healthy so it really should not slow him down much or for long. And it seems easier to adjust to the loss of a hind than a fore leg, which carries more weight.
If you look around this site, you will find videos of lots of dogs with amputations. Gerry just had a hind leg amputation and looks about the same size. He has a blog with really cute videos.
If you have specific questions along the way, I suggest you check out the forums page.
Jackson is a lucky puppy!!! It must have been horrible to learn about his issue so soon after you brought him home. My dog, Jack is a front leg amputee, but you can see from his video that dogs on 3 legs can do wonderfully. He just celebrated his 8 month ampuversary. Best wishes to y’all!!!!!
captainjack.tripawds.com
<3 Laura and Jackers
Thank you for sharing Jackson’s story, and bless you for taking such good care of him and doing what’s best. We look forward to following his progress.
Jackson is so fortunate that your family chose him. You have made a good decision. Because he is still a pup, Jackson will adapt quickly. He will amaze you with all that he will be able to do. Thanks for joining us.
You are wonderful pawrents and Jackson is very lucky to have you! Amputation is a very hard decision to make, but you will soon learn how quickly Jackson adapts to three legs. As you watch him before the amputation you will notice him already learning to use only three legs. Dogs are simply amazing! You will go through some roller coaster days at first, but after about two weeks you will forget Jackson is missing a leg! Stay strong for him and keep us posted. He is an adorable boy!
Jackson is one lucky puppy to have pawrents like you! Amputation seems like it is extreme and cruel when you’re first told about it. Once you get over the shock of it, you realize how amputation is really the only option. We’ve all been down this long road and now I can say that we have no regrets whatsoever – it’s given life back to my dog in the most positive ways. Good luck with everything – before you know it, Jackson will be bouncing back with full force – you probably won’t recognize him cause he’ll be feeling so good!