Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Alison,
It's ok that you're still struggling, your life will get back to normal when you are ready. One day you'll notice that you didn't cry that day, or maybe even for a few days. You'll catch yourself smiling or laughing and you'll think, could I be healing? YES, I am!
Workouts definitely seem to be what calms you down and helps you manage stress. That's awesome, you are lucky to be disciplined enough to follow through even when you don't feel like it. All that serotonin has got to get you back into a regular, happy and healthy routine before you know it. Right now though it seems like your body still needs rest. Remember that emotional stress is draining, sometimes a lot more so than physical stress. Healing takes time.
Wishing you a good week with minimal sad moments. Thinking of you, always.
Claudia and Angel Jersey Girl
Thank you Claudia - yes the exercise does seem to soothe and calm me. I put a lot of my evening workouts on hold because of rushing home to care for Shelby so I went back to them tonight. I used to do double-cardio daily (run in the a.m. / spin/yoga at night). Tonight I took an evening yoga class... two weeks ago tonight I was setting Shelby's spirit free.
It hurts ... don't get me wrong. But I am riding the wave. I am letting my body do what it needs to do. I am crying freely when I need to (at home)... I am loud and ugly and letting it all out... and then I take ALL of Shelby's babies and I put them in my bed and we snuggle.
I love my Tripawd family. I love all of you for bearing with me being a horribly weepy single girl right now ... I feel Shelby holding me STRONG.
I know in my heart of hearts THIS will get better and this pain shall pass (as I read in a grief book somewhere) but right now I am trying to be kind to me ... as best that I can.
The silence is paralyzing ... the lack of focus / purpose is hard ... work keeps me busy during the week but weekends suck rocks! I think I will make mini goals - like my goal to eat one real meal a day on weekends, this weekend I will attempt to go to the beach we loved so much.
Hibernation works for me.... it's not the real "alison" but it's working, I think. And i need to be kind since it's only been two painfully long weeks...
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
Alison,
You're doing it right...step by step getting through the days and weeks, letting yourself grieve when you need to and functioning because you have to. Shelby is proud of you! We're all proud of you!
Sending you love and hugs,
Carol
I agree, be kind to you! You weepy, no I think I hold the top prize for that. Horrible, never. 2 weeks is still so fresh. The only thing I have to compare this to is my 14 year old dog I lost about 12 or so years ago. I know it does get better, just takes time. I swore after I lost her I would never let myself get that close to a dog again......well as Sally says, best laid plans. I am also trying to do all my crying at home. It can get pretty ugly. This forum helps. Keep writing. Thanks again for the chat the other night. Somehow, it does lighten the sadness a little bit to know that someone truly understands. That is the beauty of Tripaweds. And to think I stumbled onto here by accident......Hang in there, Lori and Angel-dog 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.
Alison: you're doing so well! Yeah, there are some really ugly moments. Really ugly. But day by day, you're getting there. Or rather, maybe it's more like week-by-week? It's still so soon. Oh geez, this is tough. So tough. I miss her, too. I love the image of your cuddling with her toys, though! That's bittersweet, but it's the next best thing, right? I know that if I tried to do that with Jackson's stuff, my hubby would freak out!
Just know that I read these posts and entries and am so thankful we're all here for each other. Keep posting and keep the memories flowing. We can't get enough of dear 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!
Hi Alison, Today is the first day for quite a long time I'm in here. I've cried so much today. First when I red about Hannah and now Shelby 
. My heart breaks for you! I'm so so sorry for your loss! Like many others here I also SO MUCH recognize how you feel. I think you can't describe the pain and how much it hurts. To loose a dog is not just to loose a loved animal, it's to loose your best friend. Dogs really loves us unconditionally. I don't know you, but in a way I really can feel you are such a wonderful person who gave Shelby the best of lives! And so beautiful how you arranged her last time on earth! I just love your avatar picture! You look so nice and cute together! Thank you for all you have given us here at the forum! I wish I could relieve your pain but you just have to go through it. It WILL be easier in some time. I almost didn't believe that, but it will. It sounds like you are taking small steps every day. That's really strong. And remember Shelby's soul will always exist and she will always be there to help you! Sending lots of love and thoughts from me and my dogs!
Gunilla, Wilbur, Bellis and angel Penny
Thank you everyone ... we are two weeks, two days into this new lifestyle and it flipping sucks rocks! (and that is me being PC).
Work has been busy which keeps me OFF this site and out of my head which is good. I am slowly adapting to my new 'lifestyle' (as in I don't have to get home for any reason - ever).
I was feeling a bit weepy this morning and desperately need my 'game face' for my auction/gala for work this evening so I asked Shelby to send me some strength.
My friend got me a little trinket made out of limestone for my bday and gave it to me last night (of Shelby as a quadpawd)... she said she also got me a Tripawd Shelby but it's not ready yet. I can't wait to see it. I have a little Shelby shrine going on in my house ... her remains, photos, trinkets ... It is peaceful yet still so sad. I miss seeing that cute little face when I make my lunch. She used to stand in the kitchen and when I would cut stuff on the cutting board and funnel it into the bowl, she would cock her head as if she thought when I was scraping, it would fall to the floor. I miss that so much... I even miss finding coffee grinds ALL over my floor if I forgot to close the pantry where the trash is. I miss forgetting something before leaving for work and running upstairs and seeing her slinking out of the kitchen (guilty as sin) because she would go in there to shark for food. I miss her so terribly much.
BUT I am using my loss as my new platform. Every year for the past several years I have done a 3 hour spin-a-thon for cancer. In the past ,I have used my dad's story to fundraise. This year I am using Shelby's story and being thankful for advances in modern chemotherapy medicines for humans that helped my girl fight her valiant fight. I was approached today by the executive director of the org for a possible media piece about the canine angle. Shelby's spirit, hopefully, will live on in this year's spin-a-thon and I am dedicating this year's ride to Shelby. I will wear her bandanna. And I will continue our fight for all those still going... I am hopeful this will help give me the purpose I seem to be desperately missing right now.
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
Hi there Alison,
I sent my sympathies via Facebook when I heard about Shelby, and I realized that I didn't comment on Tripawds.
I"m so sorry to hear about this. I know getting used to this new life without her sucks, but it's great that you are taking things one step at a time trying to get everything going again.
I'm thinking of you and Shelby.
Sending you lots of love,
Anna and Tyson
Aw, Alison I feel like I'm right there with you, experiencing all the same feelings. There's so much to miss about our pups. We even miss the naughty things they did.
Please share a pic of your friend's gift when you get it? A friend got me a Willow Tree figurine of an angel holding a lab I have it right next to her ashes and it just completes the whole thing. I guess that's my little shrine too.
Dedicating your ride to Shelby and canine cancer awareness is soooo cool! Good for you. What a wonderful way to honor her memory.
Love,
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
That is so wonderful Alison, to dedicate your ride to Shelby and I really hope you get to do a media piece. People tend to forget that cancer affects ALL of us, not just humans. I'll be doing a triathlon this weekend in my Tripawds shirt. The dog on the front looks just like my Jake. I hope everyone asks me about it 🙂
HUGS...Shelby would be SO proud of you!!
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”
elizabeth said
That is so wonderful Alison, to dedicate your ride to Shelby and I really hope you get to do a media piece. People tend to forget that cancer affects ALL of us, not just humans. I'll be doing a triathlon this weekend in my Tripawds shirt. The dog on the front looks just like my Jake. I hope everyone asks me about it 🙂
HUGS...Shelby would be SO proud of you!!
GOOD luck on your Tri! That's not something I have quite gotten around to attempting yet (I am more of a marathon girl and shy away at riding a bike outside and one that's not attached to the floor)!!! But I am definitely going to get some more Tripawd 'swag' for my next running events and I hope everyone asks me about. Keep us posted! Jake will definitely be with you!
And Amy - yes, as soon as I get the new figurine, I'll snap a photo. Ups and downs ... more downs that ups this week but Shelby guides me ...
And thank you Anna - I saw your kind support on FB! I was overwhelmed by so much love on so many social media outlets ... it helps ... so much. Kind words and good friends - locally and cyber - are helping hold me strong. I am so grateful...
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
FINALLY coming up for air after the most intense two weeks of work of my LIFE. I was at an event for work last night and at the end of the evening when I went to get my car from the valet (at midnight with no line) they couldn't find my car. I panicked - not over the thought of losing my car but that Shelby's beds are still in my car from when she was on them when she passed. And her leashes. I can't bear to bring them into my house with her other beds. I am sure that my cleaning lady must think I am nuts since I have left her toys in the box exactly the same (except for the ones that I snuggle with and she probably thinks that is odd too) and her living room beds are still by the heater. And her favorite bed - in my car.
So I lost it - I told the valet that my dead dog's stuff was in my car and they HAD to find it. Literally - 6 guys ran to look for my car and I've never been so happy to see my filthy car. I think they might have thought I said her 'remains' where in the car (which obviously I would never drive around her w/her ... or maybe I would).
So grief comes in waves ... I was up yesterday but because I am exhausted from 16 hour work-day ... I am way down today.
Missing my Shelby girl.
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
Sending you hugs dear Shelby...sendingnyou hugs, love and understanding..complete u derstanding.
You make that media event happen, okay? Shelby's story needs to be told! Her life matters!
Love and more love. Love to each of you on here.
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!
Oh Alison, I am sorry that happened. I hope your day got better. Exhaustion definitely makes it harder to control the waves of grief. I completely understand the need for her "stuff" Ty did not play with toys, he had shoes. I wish now he had a stuffy to cuddle. Nothing anyone does in grief is weird. What ever helps us plod through it. I was thinking of you yesterday, I went to get stuff to do a scrapbook of Ty's pictures and thought how big yours would be with 800 pictures. Hugs from me to you: Lori and Angeldog 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.
That's a very reasonable freak-out to me! I'd be THE SAME.
~Katy & Jackson...HUGS
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!
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