Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So, we are coming up on our year angelversary. I try to not remember it. This time last year was way too hard. The "day" is really the day before Halloween, so next week. I want, and will make the best of next week, its just lately, I catch myself, remembering. I miss that big guy. He was pretty awesome. He did, however send us our fair share of awesome furry ones, and I cant be thankful enough that we have our new additions.
Every year, we did a "photo-shoot", if you will, of Chuck and my son, dressed up in their Halloween costumes. I know its silly..its just one of the many goofy things we would do with them. Last year, we didnt get the chance, so we made up for it this year with Ms. Bets, who very happily obliged to our nuttiness..
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Its funny, because after Chuck died..I really lost all interest in any of my artistic "stuff" painting, drawing, even taking pictures was almost, ,painful, because so much of what I did related to him. We're getting there. Most days it feels good to not have to worry about all the things cancer gives you to worry about, and to be "living" again.
This year brought us a crazy busy one. Bets is her own dog, thats for sure...but shes been doing great. shes calmed down soooo much from when we first got her. Im so proud of her and how far shes come.
And then theres Bob. holy moly hes awesome.
and the rest of the family. My son started school, is doing great. honestly, its been a great year. I have a pretty special angel up there making sure of it 
anyways..I really do think of you guys often. I stop by periodically to see how you all are doing. I love all the pictures, and the stories. Each of you have a special place in my heart
Heres to keeping on keeping on..
Lori, Bob, Bets, The fam, with Chuck always and forever in our hearts...
Awesome pictures!!!!!!!!!!! Love them.. and what memories you shall have in the years to come with your photos.. I can see that one of your son and Bets.. the first one.. on his slide show at his wedding!! lol
The one year anniversary is hard... it's like it's the end of a stage of our grieving process... we have survived the year of "firsts".. and we lived on. Don't get me wrong.. we still grieve.. but in a different level. We come up to the one year mark and we "remember" those days.. those weeks leading up to it... and we cry.... and if you are like me.. you might even talk to Chuck like I talked to Franklin... I held his memorial box with his ashes in my arms and I cried.. I told him I missed him... and I still loved him.. and then.. I was okay... I made it through... and you will too!
The one year passed.. and we were okay.... we still have moments.. sometimes when I look through pictures trying to find a new one that I have not shared here, I get teary. It's a good teary... and that is okay.
You'll get teary.. and you will smile... you'll feel chuck waggin in your heart.. and you'll smile some more..
Those are pretty big pawprints he left on your heart.. it's hard to ignore them!!
Christine... with Franklin in her heart♥
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
Well said Lori, well said!
I didn't realize Saint Chuck transitioned the day before Halloween. Loke you, I try and forget "that" date, but so often it's tied into something else that just won't let us forget.
Lori, these pictures are just delightful! I can see why you lost interest for awhile....your heart was broken and the void was huge. Creative people such as yourself create from your heart. And it was just hurting too much.
Slowly Chuck brought smiles back into your day. First through Betsy and then thr o ugh Bobby. I remember all the "false starts" Chuck put y o u through before he sent you Betsy...guess he just needed to make sure yo u were really ready...and you were!
I was so excited when you first started posting pictures of Chuck....he is so magnificent...so gentle! There was one of your husband walking him on the "trail". I couldn't get over how tall he was!!!
Your Big Guy is VERY AWESOME indeed! We miss him too Lori. But with every lost you make, he continues to be a very LARGE lresence and his courageous journey will always make him one of our UNFORGETTABLE heroes!
The Bridge became a bit more gentlemanly when Chuck moved in.....such a well mannered boy!
Sending you Saint Bernard sloppy kisses and a whole lot of gratitude for sharing such a heartfelt post and beautiful pictures!!! We love you Lori and pack and our beloved Aaint Chuck!
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!
Just read Christine's post.....got me all teary eyed! You always say things sooooo well Christine....full of heart....full of truth...and always wrapped so compassionately in love and kindness!
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!
Thanks so much for sharing and posting, Lori--and I love the pics with your son.
As usual, so much eloquence from Christine and Sally...I echo their thoughts.
Lots of hugs to you and your family...we'll be thinking of you. And I know Lexie, Happy Hannah, Franklin and all the other friends will be honoring their friend Chuck as they watch out for us over the bridge.
Deb and Alumni Angel Lexie
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
Wow, these are some of the most beautiful pictures ever. Chuck still lives on in every picture you take, your paintings, your drawings...anything you do with your heart, he's there. His paw prints are all over those pictures, I can feel them there in the love that is pouring out from them.
Sending lots of hugs to you and your pack
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Your pictures are just AMAZING! I hope you find your zest for your creative gift again...I know you mentioned you're just starting to get back to it with these pictures you took. I have no doubt the one year Angelversary is a tough one...I'm just coming up on 4 months since letting Leland go. I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts are with you.
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Exactly what Christine said ... the first year is the hardest to get through (I am going through it now still) but Chuck definitely lives w/in you - always! Beautiful photos ... thank you for sharing more about your story...
Hugs!
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart (and little Jasper too)
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
You say it very well Lori. I love all these pictures of you sweet babies. I love Betsy's costume. How fun. Just a good time as always.
Everyone has add the one year mark we make it through it. Yes, still grieving and you will continue to have days that just plain suck but over all the hurt isn't as much as it was. Chris always says it so well when it comes to this. Her post made me cry.
Hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
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."
Ohhh Lori. Wow when you were in the chat last night I had no idea that it was almost a year. We so miss your brave Chuck as well, and are so sorry that painful reminder day is coming up. It's hard.
And I completely relate with feeling lost and uninspired after such great loss. It just takes a while to find your bearings again once the rug is pulled out from under you. But boy it sure looks like you've arrived once again -- those photos are FABULOUS! Your kid just cracks me up, and I love how Bets is just playing along. Good kids!!!
{{{{hugs}}}} We're so glad you're still here and keeping us posted. That Bob Cat of yours sure is a smushball!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Such beautiful pics......everyone's posts are perfect.......Lori and family, this is a really lovely tribute to sweet Chuck, and I can completely relate when you said you have lost all interest in things you normally love....... This first year of loss I agree is the hardest, all the firsts of everything missing our beloved Tripawds. I agree with everything Christine said as well, and while our grieving process maybe goes to a different level, our Tripawds will ALWAYS be special in our hearts and minds forever....for me, I still cry at at the drop of a hat sometimes, and I do know that will cease in time......
Chuck will be with you always, in your heart and soul, and by your side.....
Thinking of you today,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Thank you so much guys..Its why I love this site so much. Its full of people who just..get it, when it comes to our animals Many thanks, and big hugs to all of you.
Lori and the fam
Oh how beautiful thanks for sharing. I know this time is difficult. Go easy on yourself and celebrate with your pack!
Lori, the pictures are beautiful! I feel like I could just jump in there and hug Betsy's neck. Your son is adorable! I have made it through one half of a year. It is hard and the focus on a lot of things gets lost. I think we focus so much on our pups and the meds, good days versus bad days, chemo, lab results etc. Then when they leave, it is just a very tough readjustment that just takes time. Keep on taking and sharing pictures, you are talented! Hugs, Lori and TY
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.
Hi Lori
I cannot imagine that it has been a year already since Chuck crossed the bridge!! One thing for sure - he will always be an important part of your life.
The pictures of your son with Betsy are beautiful....I'm so glad she came into your life - and, of course, Bobby too.
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
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