Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Although 2014 was an emotional roller coaster with Lexie's cancer diagnosis and amputation, the best thing that could have happened to us was finding the support and friendship through this community. Please reply with who you're missing this Christmas to honor and celebrate the ones who crossed over this year.
When the sadness hits, I think it will make us feel better to remember that our friends aren't alone and they're celebrating with each other. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you from our Angel Lexie!*
*Sorry it's her Halloween pic and not a seasonal one since I'm missing my flash drive at the moment. Pretend she has antlers and her elf collar along with her halo!
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.
This is a great idea Deb. My Jake loved Christmas morning. He loved to open his presents and his tail wagged non-stop all morning long. It does help to know that good things have come out of our loss. The friendships we've made are priceless. I know their friendship with each other at the bridge is priceless too. By the way, you couldn't have picked a better pic of Lexi..the angel costume is perfect!
My Jake in his favorite spot.
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”
Wonderful idea.... I am missing my sweet angel, Shelby Lynne! Our Christmas always involved (for the past 6 years at least) a long walk in the beach with her 'Christmas' outfit of the year - spreading joy to all we saw! She always got a ton of presents that she would open and play with ALL at once. Such a spoiled girl!
It brings me comfort and peace to know that our angels are playing together (shelby loved bigger dogs)! I am thankful forever for this community that will let me grieve as long as I need and celebrate the joy that I am trying to find with Jasper Lily! I am thankful Shelby sent me Jasper early enough in the year for us to bond so I won't feel as alone tomorrow.
Merry Christmas Tripawd family! Much love to you, your fur-babies and fur-angels! 
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
Thanks for starting a wonderful thread for us to remember our sweet Angels this Christmas. This will be our first Christmas without Leland. This month (12/30/14) will also mark 6 months that our sweet boy has been an Angel. It seems so surreal that Leland won't be here with us for Christmas. He always loved getting into his present of treats. I'd have to hide it at the back of the tree and put piles of Christmas presents in front of it so he wouldn't get to it before Christmas morning.
This will be Lucian's first Christmas so hopefully seeing his puppy excitement will take away some of the sadness of not having Leland with us.
Sahana and her very precious 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!
I know Sassy didn't cross this year and this is the 2nd Christmas without her. But I am going to share anyway 
This was Sassy's last Christmas with us and it was right after her amputation. She never let me take pictures of her in front of the tree. I am so glad I got this last one
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."
Awww I love this topic. I remember our first Christmas without Jerry and it was very, very difficult. In today's Tripawds News Blog post, there's a video of him unwrapping his presents. I love watching it.
Merry Holidays to all of our Tripawd Angels and their packs, you brighten each and every one of our days. Thank you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you Deb, for starting this thread, but I may be the Debbie-downer here today.....
I am having one of the worst Christmases of my life this year, in fact, probably in the top five of worst ever....I have tried so hard to be up and somewhat happy like I am most of the time at Christmas, but I guess with this holiday being my favorite one of the entire year, it is too hard this year. My sweet Maggie would have celebrated a birthday yesterday if she were still with me, but instead sending Happy Birthday wishes to her over the Bridge, and hope her, Polly and Duchess are happy and running free everyday.....I miss them all so much, especially my Polly.....But, there was a rainbow in the emotional storm of this last week of heartache...along with the heartbreak of deciding against taking this little black Lab pup with the severe heart defect last Monday, last Tuesday was the 10 month anniversary of losing my Polly, and on that awful day, I was showered with dimes galore, more than I ever have in my entire life in just one day, and her banner came up for me over 8 times that day...by evening, I was emotionally settled and even a bit content....my girl was helping me through my bad time....so please forgive me everyone, for my bad state of grief this Christmas, but if anyone understands, you all do, and always have, and I thank all of you for getting me through everything this past year and more....
These pics I posted are #1, of the Christmas card we created this year, from a beautiful accidental shot of Polly looking out my front door at me on Christmas day, 2012...I wanted a shot of the fresh fallen snow and our construction on our new front porch that wasn't quite finished...this was our last very happy Christmas together...I found that crappy tumor on her leg 2 weeks later......
Pic #2 is of the Christmas present Polly is giving to Pearl tomorrow...I bought a ton of Kong donuts for Polly many years ago, and had one left....Polly wants me to pass it on to Pearl.
Pic #3 was taken right before we had to take her into our vet in February to say goodbye to her.....but one of my favorite pics of her and so very emotionally attached to it.
I also posted a video which I pray comes through...this was Polly's very last time playing with one of her donut toys, her favorite of any toy I ever purchased for her (which is also why I purchased tons of them)....her last surgery was the next morning, after I shot this short video, and of course she passed away 2 weeks after this last surgery...
Love, and Merry Christmas to everyone....It will be a better day tomorrow.....
Bonnie and Angel Polly, Angel Maggie, Angel Duchess, and earthly Angel Pearl
(Sorry for the long post, but I needed to share all of this today to get it out of me.)
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Okay...okay....can't even get through Deb's first much without the tears, much less r ead everyone elses...but I shall!
BEAUTIFL sentiment Deb....This is the line that turned me into mush.....so endearing and so comforting.....
"When the sadness hits, I think it will makenus all feel better tomknow that our friends are not alone and they're cele b rating with each other."
I'm going to come back later tonight and read everything and post something about my Happy Hannah. I'll have a HUGE bowl of buttered popcorn on my lap, Merry Myrtle will be sitting in front of me staring and drooling...and yes, sharing in the popcorn. I shall tell her all sorts of stories about how when Happy Hannah heard the first "pop" of the hot air popper, she would sit by the counter and catch the stray poeces that missed the bowl. And when it finished popping...I would put in another cup full and aim it towards the floor so she could have a popcorn feeding frenzy.! I can't do that with Merry Myrtle yet....she keeps upjumping up on the counter and tries to eat the popcorn maker!!!
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!
WOW Sally.... that is a LOT of glitter and sparkle... you know that makes me and Spirit Shelby very, very happy~~~
Bonnie ... sending lots of hugs! Lean on Polly's strength! I promise she and Duchess (and Maggie) are sending it to you! Lots of it!
It is hard... I am trying to fill the void and be merry and I look forward to seeing little Jasper Lily open her gifts tomorrow ... I am sure she will be super bat crazy and channel her inner-Shelby... it won't be the same but as I am always reminded, the price we pay for loving so hard is the pain but try and channel the pain into those happy memories! Hugs!
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
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Missing my Ty Guy this Christmas! Yesterday was a difficult one. Was cooking in my kitchen, reached down to pet Chandler and all the sudden had the thought of What if he is not here next Christmas. This journey makes you think a little harder. Got a new internet router yesterday, which involved pulling my desk out and moving everything on Ty's shelf. Holding his box made me feel sad. He was in pain and limping last year, but I never thought that he would not be here with us. The picture on left (you have to look close) I was out taking pictures of my decorated house and did not see until later that I had captured the 4 little eyes looking out the door. If I did not take them outside with me, that is where they waited. Lucy is probably there also, but she is so short you cannot see her. The picture on right was taken shortly before his amp. That would have made it last December or early January. Does bring a bit of comfort to know that he is surrounded by all of his Tripawd friends. Merry Christmas to all. Lori, TY, Chandler, Lucy and Daryl
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.
Thanks so much for sharing the pics and special memories, everyone.
@Elizabeth, that pose seems so Jake in so many ways. @Alison, love the Shelby Christmas outfits -- especially her tulle skirt! @Sahana, Leland is extra handsome in front of his table. @Michelle, I'm so glad you shared your sweet Sassy. We know she was one of the greeters and welcomers of our 2014 Tripawds and told them they were all going to be fine. @Jerry/Rene, I need to watch Jerry's video. Lexie liked opening her presents too -- especially the ones with any kind of T R E A T...and I wish I had gotten video of that!
@Bonnie, thanks for those amazing pics and stories of your precious Polly. You never, ever have to apologize for your feelings -- and you're definitely not a Debbie Downer. You have every right to feel whatever you feel and just go with it. It's much healthier to know yourself and honor your feelings than try to pretend or cover them up. And you never have to apologize for a long post. (Totally off topic, thanks for your email, too. I'm sorry I haven't replied to it yet, but I will.)
The one of Polly in the window of the storm door reminds me so much of Lexie...something about the way those super-soft ears hang. I miss Lexie's ears so much.
I get American labs and English lab traits confused, btw, and I can't remember which line Polly would get her pretty ears from.
And @Sally, l love how you put everything so perfectly. That picture sums it up so well. Our girls and boys over the bridge will always be precious gifts. And of course, I can wait to see your Christmas round-up of Happy Hannah! 
Keep the pics and memories coming, y'all... And have another glass of wine and pass the chocolate!
Hugs to all...
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.
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.
@Lori, looks like we posted at exactly the same time. Thanks for sharing. Love the pic of Ty on his bed andof him and Chandler in the doorway. What a great shot...the most precious eyes and that sweet lab face. The two together remind me a bit of Lexie and Milo.
I can relate to Lucy being too short to be visible, btw. 
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.
Oh Lori! I see the four eyes! So cute!!! They definitely add the finishing touches to a beautifully decorated dorr! This would make a great Christmas card!!
Bonnie...that bag with the Lab puppies on it......no gift could be as great as the bag itself...adorable!! And your Christmas card...Hallmark is sooo enviois! They pay people big bcks for concepts like that!! I t kind of reminds me that Polly is ALWAYS watching over you!
Alison, I always, ALWAYS, marvel at how well Shelby wore her fashion and took it in stride! Yeah, my "tribute candle scene" really came out glittery and sparkly...Shelby may need sunglasses to look at it...and I'm sure she has a pair in her purse!
Sahana....I am always taken by surprise when I see a picture of Leleand....every single time his majestic and regal look take my breath away! He is sooooo handsome! love that you had to hide his presents!
Elizabeth...that sweet Jake sure knew how to make himself comfy! I'm pretty sure youll feel his presence tomorrow....perhaps even a brush of air against your cheek as he wags his tail furiously back and forth!
Deb...such a beautiful way to bring us all together tonight share some wonderful memories with TRUE FRIENDS....friends who get it! And I do believe I can see the antlers on Lexie right next to her halo! Did she borrow YOUR halo for that picture!!!!!
Michelle..Sassy is so beautiful under "her"tree. She know she your best present ever...as you are hers!!
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!
Okay, this was taen at Christmas time last year.....Happy Hannah on her favorite bed, by her favorite woodstove with her most lrized possession innthe whole world!! She often preferred sleeing with her food bowl over anything else...other than me
Gonna go look for some more.......
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!
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