Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So tomorrow after MONTHS of waiting, I am getting a new couch (which might means Jasper's forts will be limited w/the new pillows).
But tonight I am truly sad. And I think it is because as I strip this apt of things that were mine and Shelby's (the carpet, the entertainment center and now the couch)... it feels like less and less real that Shelby was a part of my world. Am I crazy? I know it is just a 'thing' ... but it was my first "real couch" as a grown-up and Shelby and I spent hours snuggling on this couch. For some reason, Shelby was bigger than Jasper but she and I fit much better than me and Jasper on it.
I really feel like I might cry and I've been wanting a new couch for a LONG time and now that it is finally about to arrive... I don't want it anymore.
I still have Shelby's bed in my car (the one she passed on and the blankets)... I don't know what to do with those. I can't give them to Jasper (Jasper does love one of Shelby's other old beds as seen in the below photos).
I am sure I'll be fine... just feeling sad and I know you all get it and get my crazy.
1. My sweet Shelby on my bday three years ago (tomorrow, the 27th is my bday - my first w/out Shelby which I am sure is also super hard on me).
2. Shelby last year .. as a Tripawd on her bed ... near the heater. Oh how I miss that sweet face!
3. Last year ... post run(for me) cuddles with my best girl. SO much love in those eyes...
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, Alison, Alison! You ought to know by now that "normal" is highly overrated!!! At least on this site it is!!
Yeah, you've got a lot of emotions going on right now. And btw, an early birthday greetinng to you!
I won't be much help because I am an absolute hoarder when kt comes to things "sentimental"...and pretty much everything is sentimental to me!!
Shhhh.......our secret......I DO understand your feelings for the couch...yeah, really! Do you have a place you could store it? Do you have a friend who you could "loan" it to? Is there anyother place innyour apartment you could place it? Maybe at the foot of your bed and you could use it to hold your folded blankets or sheets? I say find room for it somewhere! But that's just me.
OR .....Perhaps you could donate it to a shelter for their reception area? Maybe use it as a way to continue to do good in Shelby's honor.
Love the pictures down memory lane always. We love that Shelby too..and her momma.....and Little Jasper Lily too!
(((((((((((((((((Hugs!))))))))))))))))
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!
Hmmm I know it is crazy but get rid of the couch keep the cushions that JL builds her forts on. Then you still have some of Shelby. I am sorry this is hard on you.
Happy Birthday to you tomorrow.
I like Sally's idea of donating to a shelter. But still like mine of keeping some of the cushions.
Love all the pictures of Shelby
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."
Thank you all so much for 'getting my level of crazy'..... Oh Sally... if you saw how tiny my apt was, there is NO way I can keep this sofa... maybe if I didn't ever want to see the floor again! LOL ... Cali one bedroom apts are TINY!!!
I am donating the sofa to the Salvation Army and spent some snuggle time on it last night. I think I have to 'get out my emotions' and then I feel better ... so thank you both for indulging me.
I think I will keep a couple pillows for little JL. She has already 'eaten' part of one so it's hers! Great idea Michelle!
And thank you for the birthday wishes ... at least it's a day off w/my little Jasper ...:-) my new lunch date!
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
REALLY, REAL K Y LIKE MICHELLE's IDEA OF KEEPING THE CUSHIONS! Bingo! Covers all the bases! So keeping the cushion...or the pillow....good! Glad you did that Alison!! Win/win!
Okay....you and Jaaper Lilcelebrate the hecknout of your birthday! I know Shelby has a pawty going on at the Bridge...and is all dressed up for it!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU ALISO !!
"We love you!
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!
Alison,
I so much feel your pain with this new sofa thing......We replaced our sofa last summer, that Polly slept on all the time, and even spent her last day with me, on it. I have recently even replaced the comforter on my bed that she slept on her entire life with me, although I had no choice....we finally got a king size bed, from having a queen size, so I got the identical comforter in a king size.....it has all three color Labs on it, and some ducks, very outdoorsy. The comforter Polly slept on, is cleaned and sitting on my storage shelf downstairs......I will NEVER part with it. My daughter got our queen size bed, so at least I didnt have to lose that as well.
I still have many things in use that I will keep forever that was hers......her ortho bed, Pearl and now Zuzu are making use of it, and the Lazy Boy chair that Polly slept on as much as the sofa, that was recently replaced in addition to our sofa, is also stored downstairs in our storage room.....I cannot part with that, either. And I know this sounds crazy to, but her entire shelf of meds left over from her journey, are still on my shelf......and absolutely no way I can ever get rid of them....just can't.
Each time we made a change in our house that somehow involved Polly's life with us, it was very difficult for me for a lengthy amount of time. But I also know that moving forward is the healthy thing to do.
I do like the idea of you keeping a few cushions.....that may be the easing of your heart that will bring an easier transition.....
Keeping you in my thoughts, and in my heart, and Happy Birthday again, today,
Love,
Bonnie, Angel Polly, and new crew
Alison,
First off I want to wish you a Happy Birthday!!! 
Second, you know that nobody here will think you're "crazy" because of your attachment to the couch. You and Shelby shared your lives together on that couch. My husband has mentioned getting a new living room suit once we get Lucian past the chewing puppy stage. I know our couch is worn out...Leland would spend HOURS curled up on that couch. He also chewed off half the skirting around the bottom. That couch was where I would sit with Leland and just read in the quiet of the house on the weekend. Yeah it's probably not the best couch to look at and it's getting harder to get up out of it because the springs/cushions are worn...but that was Leland's and my couch and I would probably be sad if it wasn't in the house to see everyday.
So if your "crazy" for missing a couch I'll be right there along with you if we ever get a new living room suit...
Hugs
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!
Happy Birthday Alison!!! 
I Hope you go out and have a GREAT time tonight.
You are not crazy. I repeat, you are not crazy.
A couch, a blanket, an old shoe. All those things are material reminders of our pups and while they don't mean a thing to them, we humans place a lot of emphasis on their symbolism. Totally get why you're upset. Remember though, it makes Shelby happy knowing that you have the couch you've been waiting for, so you can bond even more with Jasper. Enjoy the day and have a snuggle fest with Jasper, she will help your heart feel better.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
And more proof of how, if this is crazy, I LOVE CRAZY...and I'm joined by THE most loving and compassionate souls in the land!!!
HAPPY HANNAH'S ice cream...still in thr feezer with her frozen drool. Sometimes she liked to lock it dtraight from the carton if it was taking me too long to put it on a spoon...........
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!
And of course, here are the remnants of here M&Ms....I also jave some shriveled up moldy and stale popcorn I found tucked in her bed a few days after...yep..it's saved!!
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!
I love this kind of crazy too! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALISON!!!!!!!
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”
Happy Birthday, Alison!!!
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
Happy Birthday Alison! Not crazy at all. I felt it trading my car in. TY and I took countless trips in that car. I would look in my rear view and there he would sit just like a person. Well until he got too sick to ride sitting up. I still have his meds, his half bag of Blueberry treats, his tshirts, and his blanket. I think it is ok to feel that way. Heck, if you are crazy, then the rest of us here are too.....right along with you! Hugs form, Lori, Ty & the canine 3
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.
4myty said
Happy Birthday Alison! Not crazy at all. I felt it trading my car in. TY and I took countless trips in that car. I would look in my rear view and there he would sit just like a person. Well until he got too sick to ride sitting up. I still have his meds, his half bag of Blueberry treats, his tshirts, and his blanket. I think it is ok to feel that way. Heck, if you are crazy, then the rest of us here are too.....right along with you! Hugs form, Lori, Ty & the canine 3
Lori,
This is another thing I cannot bring myself to do......My car will be 17 years old soon, and held every single Lab I have had since Duchess, my first Lab. Polly rode in my car the most of any of my pups, because when I worked for my veterinary clinic, I had gotten Polly as a young pup, and was allowed to bring her to work with me every single day.....that went on till I left the clinic in 2007. But for 3 years, Polly was with me everyday, all day, which is part of the reason we became especially close in our bond, and she learned to love car rides till her cancer journey started. My husband wants me to trade it in, but I don't think I will ever be able to.....it is still in excellent shape, but most importantly, holds the memories, plus holds the fur from all of my girls.....
I love readingnhow gloriously crazy we all are!!
Were we this "crazy" all along, or did this journey just through us over the edge??
Bonnie...KEEP THE CAR!!! Even if it means trading sweet hubby in! .....
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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