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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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It has been a while but I'm still around
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Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
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7 March 2018 - 3:03 pm
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Hello Tripawds Family!!! 

Yes ... it has been a while since I have posted ... anything on Angel Shelby or the sidekick (aka Jasper Lily).  I am also coming up on the 4 year angelversary of Shelby's passing. It still amazes me that I went through all that and survived. And even further amazes me that I actually went through all that since that world feels so foreign to me. 

Things have gotten to their "new normal"... I am back running like a fiend, racing, being an athlete, doing what I love. The sidekick and I do our little booty buster walks and OMG does she had some bizarre traits. But I love her so dearly and I think back to when I first rescued her and I was like, nope, not loving her, will only like her ... ha ha! I love her to bits! 

So last weekend, I ran my fastest 10K (6.2 miles) ever! (44:56 in case anyone was curious). I have a great coach who pushes me to be great and knows that I am faster and stronger than my mind allows me to be. He also pushes me to leave the past in the past ... which for anyone on this journey is easier said than done.

So not knowing much about me personally (other than that I did lose my beloved Shelby years ago) he suggested I run a one mile race in Santa Barbara in June. 

Santa Barbara. I have not been there since Shelby passed. It was our last road trip together and while I have driven around it or through, I have not stopped. The coach always tells us we have to go through the stuff we want to avoid to get to the other side and the joy and happy that is life. 

There is no way he could know what those words in a text could bring up. I was like, sure, I can do that. Sure, I'll be fast. Whatever. 

But then I sat with it. I realized I have about 2 months to get my SHIT together and be brave.

So I am considering a mini vacation up there with the sidekick over our spring break in a couple weeks. Just a couple days ... just to see how it goes and get the emotional crap dealt with. Because there is no rooms for tears when you are trying to run your fastest mile ever. You need your head 100% in that game. 

I try and be brave - all the time - almost too much since I don't share much about my journey anymore or the pain that I still feel from time to time or the guilt that comes with loving Jasper as much as I do. And to take Jasper to a place that I took Shelby ... OMG ... the betrayal my heart might feel. It's all sorts of feelings ... all sorts I would love to stuff back in the closest.

But like my coach says ... you can try as hard as you want but you can't avoid the ugly stuff. You will always have to face it and go through it or you will forever be held back. 

So I am going to attempt to book this trip. I am going to allow myself to cry OR be happy or be whatever ... because we only have the present and perhaps it won't be awful or perhaps it will be and that will be okay. But I'll have the sidekick and the spirit of Shelby furever by my side.heart

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
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7 March 2018 - 3:04 pm
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PS  -OMG >>>> no joke... when I posted this, Shelby's banner popped up. I rarely see it!!! That is the sign I needed! 

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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7 March 2018 - 3:43 pm
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OOOOOMMMMMDDDDD!!!  IT IS SOOOOO GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!  ACTUALLY HEAR FROM YOU!!  Not talking about those little tiny "glimpses"  of you on facebooger!!!  This is where you belong too (and moreso...eh...hee...did I jist throw some "shade"?  Is that what they say in California?...throw some shade??)  because you always share so many pearls of wisdom and such good insight!  You DEFINITELY have "been through the eye of the storm" and came through unscathed and better and stronger and wiser as a result!!

mom2shelby said
Hello Tripawds Family!!! 

Yes .. But I love her so dearly and I think back to when I first rescued her and I was like, nope, not loving her, will only like her ... ha ha! I love her to bits! 

So not knowing much about me personally (other than that I did lose my beloved Shelby years ago) he suggested I run a one mile race in Santa Barbara in June. 

Santa Barbara. I have not been there since Shelby passed. It was our last road trip together and while I have driven around it or through, I have not stopped. The coach always tells us we have to go through the stuff we want to avoid to get to the other side and the joy and happy that is life. 

But then I sat with it. I realized I have about 2 months to get my SHIT together and be brave.

But like my coach says ... you can try as hard as you want but you can't avoid the ugly stuff. You will always have to face it and go through it or you will forever be held back. 

ill be okay. But I'll have the sidekick and the spirit of Shelby furever by my side.heart  

You do have your poopicon_png together and you ARE brave!!   Doesn't mean you have to be that way every second of every day.  But it does mean you now ALWAYS know hot to "step back into brave and step out of poopicon_png"

We, your tripawd family who have traveled this journey with you, give you a standing ovation for ALL your growth...physically, emotionally and spiritually!!

We cannot wait to follow your adventure further....every aspect...every step of the way...with Jasper Lily and Shelby by your side...And your tripawd family cheering you on!!

With love and light and always wishing the very best for you

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
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7 March 2018 - 7:52 pm
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AAAAANNNNNDDDDD... I just got an email from a CA "things to do" list and it was highlighting "what to do in Santa Barbara".... thanks Shelby ... signs heard... loud and clear! 

Thank you Sally... indeed you threw some shade! LOL It's good to know you all think I am brave when I feel far from it but it looks like we are making a trip north! I'll find us some hiking and make it a new adventure for me and the sidekick!  🙂 

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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5
7 March 2018 - 8:13 pm
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WHOA!!   That Shelby Lynne ALWAYS sends you THE BEST SIGNS EVVVVER!!! way-cool She clearly has her "pawprint of approval" all over this trip! 🙂

Yes!  A new adventure with your sidekick Jasper Lily is EXACTLY what your  Angel Coach Shelby has planned for you two!   She'll be watching with such glee as the two of you discover your own version of adventure in Santa Barbara, to ADD to the ones you and Shelby Lynne created!

CANNOT wait for the pictures....HERE.....NOT FACEBOOGER...throwing more shadewinker

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Green Bay, WI


Member Since:
18 May 2014
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8 March 2018 - 8:53 am
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Signs, signs, everywhere there's signs......sing it with me! I'd say Shelby is shouting at you loud and clear. Even the non-believers in the world (Tina, this means you), would agree. Looking forward to your adventure and the lessons you will learn, the emotions you will experience. 

Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro

Nitro 11 1/2  yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms.  Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"

http://nitro.tripawds.com

"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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8 March 2018 - 10:14 am
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heart

Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016.  Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016.  Lung mets August 25, 2016.  Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016.   Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.  

Wherever they are, they are together.

London, UK


Member Since:
15 December 2015
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8 March 2018 - 11:06 am
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Wow. I agree. Signs everywhere. And perhaps you are recognising them too because you are ready to face them. You have been brave from the start and you continue to be brave. Shelby's banner popped up to salute your courage, Alison. No doubt about it.

❤️

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
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9
8 March 2018 - 11:31 am
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THANK YOU! Courage is what it took today for sure to click "reserve" on the hotel. Of which I had a bear of a time finding as it is spring break in LA and I had to make sure I didn't stay at the same hotel as I had in the past w/Shelby (I am brave but not that brave). I think we (I) found us a good place! And I found lots of non-beach / non-winery things to do ... I want to create NEW memories w/Jasper.

But I already know ... walking down their main street to find dining will be bittersweet but I need to put on my big girl pants and "suck it up". 

This is actually much harder than I thought it would be ... onward!

PS - they have a boat that does sunset cruises along the harbor and is dog friendly ... is that just too much? I think that is a new level of crazy even for me! heart

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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8 March 2018 - 11:56 am
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YES!   We wa t pictures of you and Jasper Lily soaking up the sunset!..

Okay, this is just me.  Try not to have an "expectation" one way or another.  Well, obviously a great expectation in that you are away from work and with your side kick!!   Other than that, just let  the adventure flow.   If you have some moments of missing Shelby, just recognize it, send love, and let it flow tbrough you.

Let Jasper pick put the dining spot...see where she gravitates (assuming you jave more than o e dog friendly choice.

And ANYTHING you do with Jasper Lily will be NEW for the two of you!  She will jave her own experience with you, and you with her!  Cannot wait to see what unfolds!!

How many outfits will she be packing?  Will she need a lightweight jacket for the sunset cruise'''  

WAIT!!   No winery visit??????OMD!!  This really will be different from other trips!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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8 March 2018 - 12:45 pm
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Hey lady, it's nice to get an update! You are kickin' some running butt out there, congrats!!!

I love how the running coach has helped you with so many other difficult obstacles, like the last stages of grief and heartbreak. The words you shared with us are so wise:

you can try as hard as you want but you can't avoid the ugly stuff. You will always have to face it and go through it or you will forever be held back. 

Right ON!

And I think a sunset boat cruise sounds sooooo fun. Wish we could be there too!

Good luck with the training and let us know how it goes OK? We are cheering you on, running doggie mamma!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet





Member Since:
16 October 2012
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10 March 2018 - 6:59 pm
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Great job Alison.  Glad you posted 🙂   You can do this and got it.  Shelby has given you many signs in the past few days.  🙂

Keep us posted

xoxxoox

Michelle & Angel Sassy

sassymichelle-sm.jpg

Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013

05/04/2006 -  Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19  fought cancer for 4 months.

"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."

Orrtanna Pa.
Member Since:
25 January 2014
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12 March 2018 - 1:41 pm
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I think you should take the sunset 🚢 cruise. New memories with JL. Hey, they may even have wine and chocolate on board. I think Shelby is pretty darn proud of how far you have come in the last 4 years. I am pretty sure this trip will have her paw prints all over it. ❤️ Lori, angel Ty and the gang

TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed  and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater. 



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21 May 2016
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13 March 2018 - 8:31 am
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Shelby is right there with Jasper and your lovely self, no doubt about it 💗🐾💗

So happy you are doing this Alison 😃

But you know we gotta get some pics, right? 

Huuuuuge hug and cuddles and woof woofs from the sky 😘😘🐮✨💫🌟🌹

Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-) 

Member Since:
6 August 2016
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13 March 2018 - 9:31 pm
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Sweet Alison!  I loved your post and just want to say that you should go for it!  We all know how much you loved your darling Shelby...and we all know that you love Jasper too 🙂 - and it's okay to love them both! I loved MySweetTed just like Michelle loved her Sassy and just like Donna loved her sweet Murphy and Paula loved her warrior Nitro and Christine loved her sweet Otis and Tess, and on and on and on....and we all brought new souls into our lives - and we love them too...how can we not???  Go to Santa Barbara, bring your sidekick, and kick some ass. Own it girl, you got this!

w

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