Life does not slow dogs down the way it can with people. Even after injury or loss, their loyalty and love often shine through stronger than ever. A moving video shared by an animal rescue captures one of those small but powerful moments where an amputee dog still reaches out to give his paw when asked.
Instagram video shows an amputee dog trying to give his paw
The touching video was posted by @countyvalleyrescue, an animal rescue organization that specializes in saving stray dogs and those at risk of euthanasia. In the clip, a three-legged — or “tripod” — dog is seen responding to the familiar “paw” command.
As the person behind the camera extends their hand, the dog earnestly lifts the side where his front leg used to be, trying to place a non-existent paw into the waiting palm. The scene is both heartwarming and a little heartbreaking, showing how ingrained basic commands and connections can be for a dog, no matter their physical limitations.
Many people in the comments admitted they felt overwhelmed by the dog’s sweet response. One user wrote, “You have to hug him now every time it’s the law.” Another commented, “I am not stable enough to see this right now,” perfectly summing up the emotional reaction many had. Others showed their love with humor, with one person saying, “You better make sure to shake his stump,” and another reacted dramatically, “He can have my arm. Take it.”
After amputation, tripod dogs typically redistribute their weight across the remaining three limbs and adjust their gait within weeks. Some may experience “phantom limb” sensations, similar to humans, where they still perceive the presence of the missing limb. This could explain why the dog in the video instinctively tried to offer his paw. With proper rehabilitation and physical therapy, amputee dogs can maintain a high quality of life like their four-legged counterparts.
