Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I promise to write a longer blog since I have so much to share about my non-tripawd and her journey to my home, Seattle, via plane. She did GREAT!!!
I was never able to fly with Shelby since she didn't fit in those under the seat carriers but Jasper just fits (albeit heavy when carrying her in it). She was a perfect dog on the plane there (and it was a long day, getting to the airport early to be safe, flying, getting a rental car and getting to mom's). She was a great guest in my mom's house (aside from some initial barking at a random dog statue my mom owns .... hilarious).
She adapted quickly, slept great, played, bonded with my mom. My mom kept saying what a "GOOD dog" and "SWEET girl" she was. My mom loved Shelby very much and she really took to Jasper.
Jasper and I became closer and there was that moment when I realized that I had indeed 'fallen in love with her'. she will never ever replace the love of my life and I will forever miss Shelby ... but the love I have in my heart for Jasper is great and big. And my mom looked at us and noted "you are just meant to be a dog-mom"....
Jasper would be so sad and depressed when I would leave which I presume she does at home but no one is here to see her sadness.
I cannot get over what a good dog she was ... with rain, snow, wind, brutal *(to us) cold.... She took it all in stride!
It makes me incredibly happy to know that I can travel w/her via airplane ... a world of possibilities has opened up to us... and as we enter the 'dreaded' holiday season... I think as a team, we are going to be OK.
While I still harbor a lot of guilt as it relates to Shelby's passing and getting Jasper, i know Jasper is meant to be in my life. We bonded ... it's hard to explain so I'll share one of our photos from the trip. Right before we said goodbye to Seattle ... 
Much love ... I thought about you all my entire trip and how thankful I am to have you in my life.
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
I'm just smiling so much over here after reading your post...
I'm so happy for you and Jasper and that you have truly bonded during this trip. I think it's great how Jasper's world has opened up for her and she's just taking it all in stride.
So happy that you guys had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you both had safe travels!!
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!
Thank you!!!! We're smiling pretty big too!!!! 
It really was great to spend so much time w/her! I think we are both going to be super sad tomorrow when I go back to work.... ahhhh... to be a dog! Life must be a vacation ALL the time!
Hope you, Lucian and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well.
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
What a cool thing to take your dog with you. I always wanted to but my dogs are always too big and I would never send them in cargo. Sounds like she was an angel and how wonderful your Mom likes her, that really does make a difference. Did she have a raincoat for that awful Seattle weather? Maybe she will get one for Christmas?
Penny, Blink, Hank and Spirit Maggie
WELCOME HOME!!!! WE MISSED YOU!!!!
So glad you had such a wonderful time with family and little Jasper Lily too!
Your mom made some great distinctions about Jasper Lily. There again, Shelby knew your mom would help validate her choice for you!
I'm really glad you had a wonderful trip...and aWONDERFUL bonding experience with Jasper Lily! I cannot believe how well she traveled and how comfortble she was with all her surroundings. She was with you...and that's really what gave her the confidence and security of your love.
Great picture! BOTH of you look so happy!
Glad you little sunbathing beauties were able to stand the "frigid" Washinton weather!
Again, welcome home!
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!
I am glad you had a great trip. Bonding is wonderful and JL was meant to be in your life. (of course Ms Shelby would not pick a wrong baby for you.) I am so glad to see the HUGE smile on both of your faces. Fly all over with Ms JL she will do great
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!!!! I tried to keep it brief but I did update her blog (http://jasperli.....o-seattle/)
@ Sally - you are so right ... my mom is very intuitive and Shelby knew i needed someone else to see it and tell me! She was so comfortable around me! It was amazing to see how much she felt safe with me!
@ Penny - we had rain, snow and wind! It was awesome!!!! Jasper did have several coats that helped her 'weather' the conditions.
@ Michelle... thank you for your support... it is a good reminder ... Shelby of course knew what she was doing. She was the wise one in our relationship - always!
Much love!
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
This was a great post (with a great pic). I'm so glad to hear that your relationship with Jasper Lily is growing. Know that it in no way diminishes what you had with Shelby.
Sonya & "Millie"--born Feb 1999, diagnosed with OSA 8/27/14, set free 9/27/14
(RIP baby girl)
So for your viewing pleasure (and if you read the blog you know that Jasper was terrified of my mom's wooden dog)... a couple videos of my "non-barking" dog!
Everything is ALWAYS new for her and scary until she gets to calm on her own terms.... the barking at the wooden dog was hilarious though. And then she sat w/the low growl on my mom's lap... we were both thinking it was going to be a LONG trip if Jasper didn't 'cool her jets' on that one.
Not a lot of places to hide at mom's either but she did try and tunnel her way between the washing machine and dryer (which would have been so hard to get her out) when we were popping bubble wrap for fun. Silly girl!
I do wonder if she ever - since dogs live in the moment - could have imagined this is the life she would be living. Happy Jasper = happy Ali!
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,
What a wonderful adventure for sweet little Jasper, and you as well......reading your words of new-found deeper love for her has me sitting here sobbing......all I can think of is, Shelby did good, REALLY good. All the pics, and videos, and words, have definitely proved how much your love has grown in a relatively short time. I know that NO pup will ever replace Shelby for you, or your forever bond, nor Polly for me and our forever bond, but just to know we can love another dog again is pure joy. Oh Lord, I cannot stop crying.....but happy crying.
The continuing adventures ahead for you and Jasper are limitless!! <3
Much Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
JASPER LILY!!! You are a SILLY GIRL!!! A SILLY, SILLY GIRL!! And we all love you so!!!
You get that wooden dog Jasper! Good girl!
I @ove in the third video how you came back to your mom and looked up to her for an extra shot of courage!
You make us smile....this whole journey of self discovery for you and your mom makes us all smile! Thank you!
Hugs and 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!
Welcome back, Alison and Jasper. The wooden dog, too funny! You will have to check, but I am pretty sure they make rolling pet carriers. I bet Skymall has them. So happy you had a good trip. The bonding, priceless! Sometimes, it takes a 3rd person to see what we cannot. Hugs form, Lori! TY, Chan, 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.
Well look at that, you and Jasper found a great way to have more adventures! That's really great Allison, I'm so glad things went so well and your Mom had fun with her too. A new world for her, and you, indeed!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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