Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We're baaaaack..... did you miss us?!? LOL
Jasper did amazing on her spring break holiday to Seattle, the Oregon Coast (yes, I said beach) and then back to Seattle. WHAT a great little dog she has become. She played on the beach, shopped in town, pouted in the car (yup, still hates that), chased/hunted squirrels in Seattle and had lots and lots of cuddles with me and my mom.
BUT the real reason for our trip was to release some of Shelby's remains into the sea at the Oregon Coast. Today - Tuesday - marks one year exactly (but tomorrow is her true angelversary) of when Shelby earned her wings. I am struggling (a lot). My heart feels heavy. I made two HUGE mistakes at work yesterday. I want to curl up and cry. And then, not thinking, I made plans to go out tomorrow and almost think I should cancel. Is that disrespectful to Shelby to go out and have a good time on her angelversary? I mean, the option is my sitting at home bawling my eyes out.
I didn't feel that full sense of closure but I did feel peaceful in Oregon ... reliving the memories that Shelby and I shared there. I felt conflicted most of the trip w/my desire and actual love for Jasper and balancing the guilt that I feel that I allowed another soul into my heart ... all Jasper wants is to be loved ... she doesn't need to be loved in the same way but I feel very bonded to her and that scares me on so many levels.
But this week, I'll honor Shelby as the princess, the queen, the true love of my life that she was ...
Thank you for all the love and support!
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
WELC O ME HOME!!!! 
YES! WE DID INDEED MISS YOU!!! And you better hurry up and post pictures when you can because we missed those too!
Remember, some of us posted to you earlier that "closure" was an unreal expectation,at least for some of us. That puts a finality on sadness, and sadness is never going to go away when we love this deeply. It does, however, dissipate. It is not omnipresent. It does start being replaced by happier memories more and more. This journey you were on with Shelby is like no other...the emotions, the intensity, the stress, the hope, the let downs...no, I don't think "closure" is possible. However, acceptance that you did everything possible for that girl...acceptance that the love you two shared can never be taken away...acceptance that our earthly journey will end one way or another for all of us and that is NEVER in our control. When it's our time, it's our time!! And NOTHING we could do will ever stop that. We can only make the best of each moment we do have...and boy oh boy, you and Shelby made THE most out of every single second you had together!!
And you've really done a good job not letting "guilt"prevent you from letting Jasper Lily be loved and letting you feel her lpve in return. Sounds like you have a "moment" every now and then, but that's okay...YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY BABY!! And that's exactly why Shelby Lynne picked Jasper Lily for you!!!
Are you kidding? Do you think for one single second Shelby woukd want you to miss an opportunity to go out for a glass of wine...or twelve???? Shelby loves her social outings with you! And that's where she'll be tomorrow...right by your side wanting to pawty in her honor!!
Sending lots of love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
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!
Hey Alison, welcome back. That sounds like a really, really nice vacay. What a bonding experience for you and Jasper! I hope we'll see some photos soon. I miss the Oregon coast. And what a beautiful way to honor Shelby by scattering her ashes on the beach in a place where she felt so free.
Today is officially Shelby Day. I know it's not an easy one for you and I hope you can feel the love that this community is sending you as you wrap your head and your aching heart around this milestone. A year is so long and it's not. But no matter how much time passes, Shelby's strength will be her gift for your entire life. Time may pass, but that will never fade.
P.S. I hope you do go out today. Remember, all that Shelby ever wanted for you (and still wants) is for you to be happy and spread your cheer and sunny personality around the globe. Go have fun and raise a glass in her honor. We will do the same.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome home we did miss you & JL. First of all Shelby would want you to dress up and honor her. So put your best dress on, go have a good time and even wear a Tiara in her honor. No one needs to know the reason why the tiara its her day. I think you need to celebrate her. She wouldn't want you to stay home and bawl your eyes out.
Sally always has such good advice. Time passes and I don't think there is ever "closure" that we think we should get. The firsts are always the hardest. I know it was for me.
I will be thinking of you today & tomorrow.
Smile and love on JL that is why Shelby sent her to you so you could be happy again. All JL quirks were picked for you by 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."
Welcome back Alison! I agree with Michelle. I think Shelby would want you to dress up and celebrate! She would not have it ANY other way!
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”
Welcome back! Yes, we did miss you! I agree with the others, you should go out. Shelby would want that. I agree with Sally on the closure thing. The pain lessens, but your heart remains a bit unravelled and sore. How can it not with that tail wagging so furiously in there. There is a paw print on there that will always and forever be there. No need to feel guilty about loving JL. Shelby sent her to you.she knew what you both needed at exactly the right time. JL is Shelby's gift to you. She wants you to love and enjoy her. Thinking of you, Lori, Ty and the gang
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.
Ohhh the tiara and dressing up! Great idea....and lots of bling and we want pictures of you dressed up on SHELBY DAY!!
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 rest assured.... there WILL be a blog w/JL's spring break adventures !!! She is such a confident little girl now. SO proud of her.
And Lori - I thought about that on my run this a.m. -Jasper was a gift from Shelby ... and I need to start enjoying my gift every day and not wait until it's too late.
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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