Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Alison, I didn't really get to know you and Shelby. My Roxie was diagnosed with bone cancer in her back left leg last March and we immediately had the leg amputated and then went through chemo with her. We were hoping for a year but lost her 6 months later, in September, due to lung mets. We'd only had her 15 months; a much shorter time than our previous dogs, and less time than all the wonderful years you had with Shelby. Much of it now seems a blur. My busy time at work started in October and ran through the winter and right into March (it's a suck job, LOL). I've only recently come back to this community on a more regular basis. So I apologize for not getting to know you but I've read your stories, and I wanted you to know that I share your loss, and celebrate with everyone else here the life you shared with Shelby.
This is the one place where your memories and sadness and joy can always be shared and will alwayrs be respected. I hope that, as time goes by, you will laugh more about those memories, and cry less. But it takes as long as it takes. I come back often and read others' posts about Roxie, and the videos that Jerry uploaded for me because I'm a technodolt, and it does get better. But I still cry, for Roxie, and for all those we love who complete their journey too soon. But I am also very grateful for all the generous and loving people we meet on the journey.
Hugs and hearts to you.
-Liz and Angel Roxie
Just thinking about you, Alison.
You had a few long, good days to mourn and be upset. Now that you're consumed with work, maybe that's good. It doesn't mean you're loving her any less or forgetting her. Let's be honest, though: mourning takes a toll and if not mourning means you're smiling (faking it, too), eating better foods, getting into a routine, and exercising a part of your brain that hasn't been worked for a while, then that can be healthy. We all strive to be in a place where we're healthy, happy, and smiling over the memories of our furkids. A hole will remain in our hearts. It should. But we hope that hole isn't filled with tears...all the time. Tears are good! And so are smiles!
Bring on the happy Shelby! We love happy Shelby!
~ Katy & Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
My beautiful girl has a banner!!!! Crying here .... OH how I love and miss that face!!! Thank you so much Tripawds! This was the best thing for me to see today. Pretty Shelby ... pretty girl.
This week has been a series of highs and lows ... I feel like a schizophrenic nut job today ... yesterday I engaged in impulse shopping, some binge eating (I was also really upset about Hannah so I over-dosed on bad foods) and this morning woke up on some weird, frenetic high. I think you are right, Katy - I am working SO hard to keep up a good front at work and in the world, I feel like am heading toward an epic crash. I felt out of my skin this a.m. on the way to work - hard to explain but I am sure that is part of the grief.
I had two dreams about Shelby last night ... one in which she woke me up, with 3 legs, and tail wagging, licking at me, happy times .. normal times. I felt that was her coming to tell me - it's OK to smile, Mommy.
Then I had a dream about her and Hannah playing in fields ... all four legs. Shelby was always an instigator ... she would pick and pick and pick at bigger dogs till they snapped out of frustration - not anger. I can so see her doing that to Hannah. I know Hannah's soul would be so gentle and patient but everyone has a breaking point! Shelby's like that kid on the playground that goes to far ... each and every time. Seeing her in my dreams restored to her former self brought me such joy. It's like she's coming to me in my subconscious and telling me it is OK to smile and laugh... and to be brave. Shelby is sending me her virtual strength.
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
This was the first banner that popped up this morning when I logged in and boy did it make me smile....it just captures her personality so wonderfully. I love it....
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
I just saw her banner... and not in your post but right at the top of the page!!! whoo hoooo!!
She's with all those crazy loveable lugs who pop across our page every time we log in!!! How special is that!!??
And as for keeping her blog.. please do!! I kept Franklin's... it helped me heal.. and share pictures of his life.. I still have pictures to add of him... and I will maybe next month on his one year anniversary at the bridge...
I think maybe one of my favourite posts of Franklin's blog was at Christmas where I posted all the pictures of Christmas past.... I can go back anytime I want and read his blog... and smile... and yes.. sometimes the memories roll down my cheeks... and that is ok..
And to be honest with you.. even though we had another dog.. it was still effing hard... Maggie did not lessen the pain of losing Franklin. He was a special boy... and Maggie is a special girl... don't get me wrong. But the hardest part of having the other dog at home was dealing with their mourning.
Her and Franklin had been together for over 8 years.. they bonded... they slept together... ate together... laid on the deck together... snuggled on the couch together... Sunday morning snuggle time was not the same without Franklin. They did things together... always. And she cried.. she whined.. she howled and barked when left alone... and she lay on his bed and cried... THAT was the killer. Soooo.. along came Wilson to keep Maggie company.. and it worked..
one day, when you are ready, when Shelby lets you know.. you will know what to do...
until then.. you will get back to your routine.. you will develop a new routine as well.. and you will cry. And that is ok... because you know we cry with you... and we understand... and nothing you do can be weird in our eyes.
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!
I'm so glad you like her banner, but even gladder that she has visited you already! Very cool, she's definitely sending you signals that she is happy in her new role as Tripawd Angel, and doesn't want you to worry.
There are so many emotional ups and downs at a time like this. Try not to label things you do as good or bad, it's all just processing, it has to happen and it's healthy. You are doing fine.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My Dear, Dear Alison.....I love you! I love Shelby! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her banner!!!!!! BEAUTIFUL! Soooooo Shelby!!!
To see the banner today and to hear about your dream with Shelby AND Happy Hannah...water-works over here!!
Rumor has it that my beloved Happy Hannah has a banner today too! I have yet to see it...and I'm trying to be patient.....for both our girls to be up in lights on te same day.....to be in dreams together...--all a good sign my friend.
Alison, it took sooooo much courage and raw vulnerability to write avout your grief...the agony of every nuance of trying to get through every minute of everyday. You have no idea how that has helped me "prepare"...if one can ever "prepare" for such unbearabe sadness......for the void, the silence, the emptness, the rattling arond mindlessly, rememberng to eat, not kowing what to do with yourself, ot cooking for "two", not grocery shopping for "two",...and, in my case, sharing mymice cream and candy with Happy Hannah, not taking pictures, and the list goes on. But there were so many things that you shared that I at least knew they would be "happenng" so it only hit me like one ton of bricks nstead of two.
Thank you for the courage of honesty and vulnerability.
With so much love.
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
You have a beautiful way with words too Liz...
Hugs to you and Angel Roxie...
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!
jerry said
I'm so glad you like her banner, but even gladder that she has visited you already! Very cool, she's definitely sending you signals that she is happy in her new role as Tripawd Angel, and doesn't want you to worry.There are so many emotional ups and downs at a time like this. Try not to label things you do as good or bad, it's all just processing, it has to happen and it's healthy. You are doing fine.
I love it!!! It captures by beautiful angel exactly how she was.
This week has been a roller coaster ... too many losses here ... work is insane. I am going a million miles a minute, I don't even have time to breathe. Or eat. But when I sleep ... Shelby comes to me in dreams. Last night she was there again - as a Tripawd. I am trying to remember if I dreamt a lot about my dad after he passed. I know that now when I dream of my dad, even if he is happy, he is in his cancer body (no hair, lean, weak). That is how I see Shelby - as a Tripawd but still perky. Right now, I long to go home and sleep so that she will come to me. I want to sleep all weekend so she will be in my dreams.
I also feel, strongly, that Shelby is sending me strength right now. Everyone around me is waiting for another epic meltdown but I've been fine all week. Miss her like crazy - all the time - but not as bad as last week. I really think taking last week off to let myself grieve epically is what helped me prepare for this week. And this community's love and support. I also think that I find comfort in sleeping with her toys. Having her remains home with me that I can talk to and look at it. And some days (not all) but most days I am able to accept that I was a pretty decent dog mom for ALL of her life (not just the last few years) ... I learned a lot about being a mom from Shelby and we made it up as we went along. I miss my girl so much but I truly believe she has welcomed the new Tripawd angels and is being playful, obnoxious and overall - "shelby" ...
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
benny55 said
Alison, it took sooooo much courage and raw vulnerability to write avout your grief...the agony of every nuance of trying to get through every minute of everyday. You have no idea how that has helped me "prepare"...if one can ever "prepare" for such unbearabe sadness......for the void, the silence, the emptness, the rattling arond mindlessly, rememberng to eat, not kowing what to do with yourself, ot cooking for "two", not grocery shopping for "two",...and, in my case, sharing mymice cream and candy with Happy Hannah, not taking pictures, and the list goes on. But there were so many things that you shared that I at least knew they would be "happenng" so it only hit me like one ton of bricks nstead of two.
PS - thank you for saying this Sally - my ability to be vulnerable and raw and graphic with my emotions is a double-edge sword. I definitely felt that I shared a lot (and still do) here - and sometimes it is hard to hear but in my mind, it was always better to get it OUT there rather than keep it in. Last week was so brutally raw and painful that there was no filtering me. It makes me happy to hear that something good (as in helping you) came out of my intense grief. That was all Shelby ... Shelby has always been in charge ... no matter what! OXOX
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
Shelby is in the house! Always!
I'm glad this week is better for you, that's definitely your girl still doing her job and watching out for her #1 human. You were/are/always will be a GREAT Mom.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
That banner is so awesome! What a face! It's such an honor to leave a piece of your baby here for us to see.
Hugs,
Amy & Spirit Libby
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Thank you Amy!!!
It's almost the weekend and today is the hardest day thus far this week. I am scattered, petrified of being on my own this weekend (my weekends always included lots of Shelby time as you all know, from sitting outside in the sunshine to going for coffee). And today is the first day that I have cried on the way to work (must get waterproof mascara). I miss my girl so terribly much.
And my body aches - truly aches. I can barely bend over. Which is odd since I was basically carrying Shelby for months (all 24# pounds of her). But I can barely pick something up off the floor. It makes sense that all the stress would go to my back and my legs. Going for a run, I am so slow and sluggish ... It's amazing how the mind can put on a 'fake it till you make it' but the body says, not a chance.
My cleaning lady left me a sweet note the other day when I left her a note about Shelby's passing... Shelby was SO loved. And she opened up my windows. I have kept my blinds SHUT since I got home after Shelby passed. I think she was trying to let the light in and to tell me it's going to be OK since she's never done that before.
I just miss my girl... what i wouldn't give for one last snuggle, one last kiss, one last smooch of her pretty ears ... I made roasted veggies the other night - oh how I wish I could have shared some brussel sprouts that my girl loved sooooo much.... I am thankful work was busy this week.... it was a good distraction. But I really want to crawl into my bed for the weekend and stay there. I truly miss being her mom.
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
Ah yes, waterproof mascara is key!
Just take this weekend one hour at a time. Go for a walk, look around, and you'll see Shelby's spirit is in everything, the beautiful sandy beach, the blooming springtime flowers, the sunshine. I know how much you miss her, it's not easy to come up with new routines on your own but little by little, you'll do just that and realize that she's always by your side.
Keep letting the light in your apartment and your heart, it's what Shelby wants for her momma.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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