Stereotypes and Misconceptions

So the first thing i want to say to people who are considering adopting a three legged dog or have recently undergone an amputation, it this: Three legged dogs are exactly the same as 4 leggers.
That being said they do of course need some extra care and consideration, but three legged dogs live normal, healthy, active lifes just like any other dog.
The thing that i get all the time while walking Finn is "poor dog!" and people are always asking how he manages on only 1 front leg. He manages just fine. He can still run like the wind (faster than some dogs at the doggie park!) he can go for normal walks, he can play in the water (although he hasn't worked his way up to swimming), he plays just fine with other dogs and his energy level is the same as any other normal 2 year old dog. Owing a three legged dog is just like owning a four legger, you can still do all the same activities and play the exact same way! the only difference is they go about their life on 3 legs!
The thing to keep in mind when getting a three legger is that these dogs are NOT DISABLED! they live with a disability, but are completely able to lead normal lives. This is a concept most people can't seem to get their heads around. they see use walking and automatically go to the disabled placed and they feel sorry for finn and they praise me for taking in a disabled dog. Meanwhile finn is straining on his leash, walking faster than me! I'll be honest, i am getting VERY tired of people stopping me about Finn, there comes a point when you just want to walk your dog and not get pity and sympathy all the time - which is another thing to keep in mind when getting a three legged dog - you will be stopped ALL the time. you will REPEAT your story at least 2 a walk. You must be prepared for this as it can be quite frustrating when you know your dog is just fine, but everyone else is convinced otherwise.
When we first got Finn we were under the impression that he was a slow quite dog. Staff at the humane society assured us he needed a quite home, somewhere he could putter around. Well as Finn adjusted to his lost leg and his strength and stamina increased, he has evolved into a normal 2 year old dog. He needs the same amount of exercise and play time as any other dog his age. He gets 2 walks a day, a midnight pee break and many play breaks in the backyard. His mental health depends on these.
My Biggest advice when considering a three legged dog is to examine and evaluate your potential best friend based on the same factors as a normal dog - look at their breed, their temperament, personality. First you need to decide if you can handle the breed you are choosing and THEN look at the extra considerations for a three legged dog.
Finn is an alaskan husky and typically the breed info websites say they are not necessarily suited for a housepet life. And i belief it. Finn does have a high prey drive (he will chase anything that runs), he has an insane amount of energy and has a very strong desire to roam. combine this with the fact that he is very smart and he tends to get bored easily. which is why in spite of the fact he has lost a leg he needs so much work, attention and exercise. Which of course we weren't anticipating but of course absolutely love every minute of our walks :)