Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I went to get Jasper as a certified "emotional therapy dog" mainly so I could take her freely most places, not have to pay to fly with her and because I truly believe I am a better person when Jasper is around me. I had no idea how easy it would be OR that the form where you had to list your symptoms would be so "me". I guess as much as I try and be brave and put on a happy face about my spirit soul mate watching over me... it's a lot of lip service. I am far from over that loss ... and I don't know that I will ever be the same. I've said that before and it was true today as I was talking about Jasper and how I needed to have her around me.
Jasper isn't even a cuddle dog like Shelby... it is rare she wants to sit on the bigger (now) couch with me. She doesn't react when I cry. I would think after a year together, she would have a bit more of a sense on my emotions.
But she's a happy dog and I've worked really hard on HER to get her to a happy place, a fearless place, a safe place. I guess it's time to work on me.
I am so excited about our road trip this summer ... the places we'll see and explore. the bond that will strengthen.
I hope this isn't offensive to anyone who has an ESA or medical therapy dog - I truly do believe Jasper's presence around me soothes my soul but I also know that I need to start stepping outside my comfort zone and interacting with 'real' people again. I've been closed off emotionally since Shelby first broke her leg over 2 years ago and determined NOT to let anyone in so I won't get hurt and it's becoming painfully aware to me that I might actually need to deal with that ... Sigh.
After our summer vacation~!
Thanks for always listening .. it's easier to express myself here than with my friends. You all just seem to get it.
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
No judgement from me. I am glad it helped. 🙂 Was it just a form you filled out or what? Will she have a vest that she can wear?
xoxoxox
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."
That is really cool! Maybe I should register Daryl. My husband was battling with depression before we adopted Daryl. I think he had a lot of repressed emotions from losing his brother very suddenly at the age 50. As he bonded with Daryl and Daryl with him, I slowly saw a change come about. Daryl now goes most days to the office with him. He has his own place set up with a bed etc. hubby is self employed so this works. They are best buds. Anyone who does not think dogs are great therapy does not own one. Some are more in tune with us than others, but they keep us going, make us smile. I have a funny story, the other day hubby called his Dr. To get some blood work results. As the receptionist was pulling them up on the computer, Daryl stuck his head up to snuggle with the hubby. Smooch, smooch, I love you, my boy.......oops, receptionist was hearing all of this. Too funny! Enjoy Jsper's company on your travels. Lori, Ty & 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.
Well.. this is California so we're a bit more laid back here so these things are pretty simple! I went to a place that also gives cards for pot for 'medical' reasons. They asked if I thought that would help too (the upsale) and I said no... just the ESA! But I filled out a form, talked to a doctor and said I was anxious and depressed and Jasper made me calm (true). It is very hard for me to admit that I suffer 'depressive' feelings since I want to be strong and do it on my own but I believe that to be true and for now, being around Jasper helps me. Weekends are the best and I find myself blowing off plans (or lying about having plans) to avoid going out. I do not and will not bring JL to work with me (she is a super PITA in that respect) but I will take her places where she might not be allowed (the beach - she's not allowed in LA, stores if I am out running errands and need to stop, the library...).
She will have a little card that I'll have to show if asked and I can get her a vest so I will probably do that for the airlines ... but mostly, I just wanted the card to have the option to bring her where she might not be allowed.
And Lori - that's awesome that Daryl has helped your hubby... I know you mentioned he was not really ready to get another dog after Ty and I am glad to see they have bonded and helped heal the pain of the loss...
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
CONGRATULATIONS JASPER LILY! Your momma has you as her Emotional Therapy Dog and you have her as your EmotionalTherapy Human! I think you both should have matching vests for each other...and matching pot cards!
I didn't know there was such a thing. I'm glad she was able to get her certification. Goodness knows, she has certainly been the best therapy in the world for you. Shelby licked out the perfect dog for you.
Now we have to get DARYL his card and vest! Lori, it's heartwarmkng to hear how much joy Daryl has brought back into your lives. He's such a sweet boy! LOL about your story of your husband talking to Daryl while the receptionist is listening! Too funny!!
!
Love to all!
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!
That is super duper cool Alison! I had no idea ESA dogs were even a certification but it totally makes sense. Who/where did you get certified?
Offensive? Are you kidding? No way! For those of us who love them, dogs make us whole, they bring us out our comfort zone and give us the guts to reach out into the world. If that's what it takes for you or or anyone to feel good and happy, then do it. Talk about making the world a better place. This world needs as many happy people as possible. Totally ROCKS! I especially love how she's got an official job now. Very cool.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am all for this. Some of the people at my work and I had talked about doing this for Rosco, so he could come to work all the time b/c he lit up the place. I think it is fabulous. If our dogs make us better people, then why not?!! I think it's pretty darn awesome!
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”
Thank you everyone! Yup - we are both "emotional" support animals now. Jasper really has come out of her shell and I am SOOOOO proud of her. And I am working on mine through JL.
Rene: We went to a place that asked us fill out a form if we had stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD and I could honestly answer yes. I told the doctor that might life was better with Jasper by my side and boom - she approved it.
Rene - pretty much anyone can get one, from what I can tell. I am sure there are people who abuse the system but I really wanted the freedom to bring her with me when I need to have her; I am not going to bring her into the Whole Foods by our house! I understand people aren't always as dog friendly as I am (and those people are a mystery to me).... but anyways .. she is my child and deserves to be able to support me as I need!
For example. .. Today I spent the a.m. at a gym w/my friends and then took jasper on a 3 mile booty buster beach walk... the latter was definitely the highlight! And the views can't be beat! 🙂
I realize every day won't be like this with these views but I'll try and remain "more dog" .... and enjoy EACH day as the gift that it is! And I think that is an actual smile! 🙂
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
You "think" that is a smile?? That defines SMILE!! Jasper's eyes are even smiling!! She is just so cute Alison. And very nice "background"!
Yeah, people who aren't dog friends are definitely a mystery!! LOL!
This is such a great certification. It really does open a lot of doors for both of 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!
That is so neat!!! Congrats Jasper on being an honest to goodness ESA!!! You sure do help your mama more than you probably know!!
And Jasper definitely needs a special vest and we need pics of her cuteness while spreading emotional stability to all she meets!
And it's too funny that the doctor is trying to "upscale" your application to marijuana (for medical reasons of course) with Jasper's ESA certification. Yes you Californians are the best!
Hugs
Sahana and her Angel Leland and Lucian too
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!
This is great news! I didn't know an ESA certificate even existed. I'm so happy for you both! It's a shame (even though I understand why) you have to get a certificate to take your fur-child with you wherever you go.
Yay!
pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Congratulations Jasper Lily for passing your certification. I know it's no easy job to go through the training and passing the certification. Most service and therapy dogs take many months if not years of training by accredited trainers and and not all dogs pass.
Where is this type of service dog training offered and how long did it take?
Kerren and Tripawd Mona
kazann said
Congratulations Jasper Lily for passing your certification. I know it's no easy job to go through the training and passing the certification. Most service and therapy dogs take many months if not years of training by accredited trainers and and not all dogs pass.Where is this type of service dog training offered and how long did it take?
Kerren and Tripawd Mona
Actually, Jasper is an emotional service dog so the rules aren't the same as for a service dog. While she is allowed to accompany me in places that otherwise might not allow dogs (grocery stores, public places, etc) and qualify me for housing that is not otherwise dog friendly, she is not considered a necessity to my overall health or well-being (i.e., I don't need her to alert me if I am going to have a medical condition). It is a very grey area but definitely not something that i take lightly. I definitely do find my stress level and overall emotional well-being in a much safer place with Jasper around (i.e., driving with her in the car calms me).
However, most people don't really know or research the difference and when she has her vest on, she will be considered working and those rules will apply for her. 🙂
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 explaining how the process works. If dogs don't qualify as emotional therapy I don't know what does. Yay for you two. May you have more sunny days ahead!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So as promised ... here are photos of Jasper Lily and her vest ! She's official now!!!
We've been away lately ---- got hit with a huge summer work project and I've been coming home at night exhausted. I've also been plagued, again, with some serious sadness relating to processing Shelby's passing and the last couple of years in general (I had a lot of negative energy in my world and sometimes it rears its ugly head). But y'all aren't here to listen to me be sad about my life!!! 🙂 So basically I've told myself to "suck it up buttercup" and "Be More Dog "... Some days it works .. most days ... not so much.
Anyways... this little dog and all her random quirks calm me and give me purpose. She's come so much out of her shell (she was prancing - yes prancing - on the beach this week) and if she can let go of her demons, then so can I! But until then, it's about time for an EPIC "madre and jasper lily road trip adventure" and Jasper is vest-ready!
Hugs and love you all!!!!
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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