Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Well this was something that Shelby and I always did ... it was our favorite (well maybe mostly mine) time of year. I loved the dresses, the outfits, ... So I decided even if I don't share Jasper's santa photos with many people lest they think I have simply moved on and forgotten that was something that Shelby and I do together, I wanted to at least have photos of Jasper from our first Christmas together. There will never be another dog in a pretty Christmas dress... no more 'Christmas beach walks spreading cheer in her dress' ... nothing. It is absolutely heartbreaking and since Monday is the 8th month anniversary of Shelby's passing ... I am feeling sad.
Jasper was a good girl though. I got her antlers (cat ones since her head is actually too small for dog ones). And as I was paying, what did I see - two pennies by the register! Shelby was with us today. She is always with us, of course, but she was really with us!!!
And Jasper was great. She wore the antlers no big deal - she sat pretty on Santa's lap and she smiled a bit (tongue out).
While my heart aches and breaks for the days and years I would do this with Shelby, I am really trying to create some holiday cheer for little Jasper ... and every just thinks she is so pretty and shiny! 
So here are her photos:
The top has the pennies, Jasper w/her antlers waiting and Jasper with Santa!
I am going to do a whole Shelby blog on her Santa photos because some are just so amazing but this was Shelby last year ... fighting cancer but still a trooper! Missing my best girl so much right now.
Shelby on the beach spreading holiday cheer, Christmas 2013 and then her photo with Santa last December.
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
Oh Alison, you jave the best ability to make us laugh and cry all at the same time!!!
Im sooooooooo glad you decided to let Jasper Lily have her first Christmas with you and Santa photographed!! You will be sp glad you are chronicling her joirney with you this way.
CANNOT believe she didn't freak out at the site of Santa Claus! I'm. pretty sure Shelby Lynne must have enlightened Jasper Lily on exactly who Santa is and told her she needed to be on her best behavior. Yep! Those pennies let you know she was right there with you both!!! One for you to feel her presence...one for Jasper Lily to feel her presence so she wouldn't be scared!
And as far ss what others might think if you post pictures of Jasper Lily and Santa.......R U kidding me? ANYONE WHO KNOWS YOU WELL....or heck...just a little....knows you will NEVER forget Shelby! And a few adorable photos of a dog who has EARNED your love does NOTHING to dimie your bond with Shelby!! The only thought that may...may...cross their mind is they need to go to a shelter and see if there's a dog there as cute as Jasper they can adopt!
Shelby with Santa....she looks sooooo content and sooooo pretty in her Christmas clothes! Cannot wait to see the blog you do on all her Christmases! Those will be so much fun! She looks so very pretty and feminine...so pretty.
I jave to say....seeing Jasper waiting to see Santa with her antlers on....she HAD to be the star of the show!! Thos ears...those antlers....and those eyes...that look....PRICELESS!!
Ive showed these to Merry Myrtle so she won't be scared if I take her to see Santa! Seeing these pictures sure are pushing me in that direction!
Thanks for sharing thenjoh!
LOVE TO YOI!!!
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!
Alison,
I love it. You & Jasper did a great thing together today. Yeah, its not the same but Shelby said its ok mom. I am here you can enjoy this a little bit with Jasper That is why the 2 pennies.
Thank you for sharing each one of these special special memories
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."
Alison,
Yep, laughing and crying at the same time......what wonderful pics these are, and even more heartfelt memories with your best girl Shelby......she was a beautiful girl.....Sweet Jasper is doing her Christmas thing awesomely, and I know those heart-tugging memories are pulling you in another direction as well......Don't forget, Shelby's spirit is helping to guide you along the way with little Jasper. Enjoy all these new special times......
Much Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Alison,
Yeah this time of year is going to be tough for a lot of us...no doubt about it. But what you did with Jasper was a good thing. Jasper doesn't need to be dressed up like you did with Shelby. She looks totally precious is just her antlers sitting on Santa's lap. And she looks HAPPY and that's because of you and all you do for her. You've opened up her world so much in such a short amount of time. Shelby was definitely letting you know it's ok to have Christmas joy with Jasper and do some fun things.
You can still hold onto all your Christmas memories with Shelby but it's ok to add to your memories by making new ones with Miss Jasper. With her rough start and where she came from she definitely deserves some Christmas cheer!
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!
leland4 said
And she looks HAPPY and that's because of you and all you do for her. You've opened up her world so much in such a short amount of time. Shelby was definitely letting you know it's ok to have Christmas joy with Jasper and do some fun things.You can still hold onto all your Christmas memories with Shelby but it's ok to add to your memories by making new ones with Miss Jasper. With her rough start and where she came from she definitely deserves some Christmas cheer!
Hugs
Sahana and her Angel Leland
Thank you for the reminder of her humble beginnings and how far she has really come! She wasn't scared at all - just wanted love and cuddles from Santa!
I tend to forget all that Jasper has been through and while she doesn't have the same memory recall as I do, she does have baggage still and I want her life to always be filled with love and compassion and feel special. Because she is.
It will be hard ... I find myself falling into the 'dark' side .. the holidays aren't my favorite but even more so this year but I'll rely on Shelby's spirit to continue to guide me ...
Thank you all ... Your support lifts me up and helps me more than you will ever know!
BTW - I changed the text tone on my phone - to a ding, similar to the beep when I turn on the dishwasher .. Jasper ran into my closet and won't come out. I think that sound must either be too high pitched for her ears OR reminds her of something. I changed the text tone but nothing I can do about the dishwasher. .. sadly! Oh Jasper Lily... how I wish you could talk!
Much love friends!
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
"......Oh Jasper Lily...how I wish you could talk!"
Ohhhh she's been talking alright! You are now able to listen with an open heart and Jasper Lily size ears!!!
Not sure "exzctly" what she was telling you about the soundnyour ohone made....regardless, you "heard" her loud and clear!!!
Such a precious soul...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!
Sally .... you always know JUST what to say... what a gift you have!!! thank you!
I was just playing on the floor w/Jasper and I saw a single rhinestone. ... Shelby always knows how to send me the signs when I least expect it and most need it. I know what the stone fell off of BUT that I found it today.... almost 8 months since she passed and when the "8th" is the hardest for me ... especially on her 8th angelversary... thank you Shelby Lynne... mommy needed that!
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
+11111 to what everyone else said...especially Sally and Sahana. And agree with everything you said in your last comment. Your precious Shelby absolutely sent you those pennies...and she sent you Miss Jasper Lily, who has come so, so far thanks to you.
And props to you for cleverness, Alison! I never would have thought of cat antlers. How smart! Both of your girls are adorable in their different antlers.
I'm sorry Monday will tough day. Like Sahana said, many of us will have different holidays this year missing our extra special angels. Just ride it out and savor the memories of the many wonderful years together. Toast Shelby Lynne with some egg nog -- or something stronger!
Love to you and both your girls...
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.
OMG!!! I LOVE her with these ears on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cant stand it.
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Way. Too. Cute! Now if that doesn't get you into the spirit!
These girls, I tell ya, they are sooooo good to pose and wear those adorable costumes. What fun memories that will ALWAYS be a part of you. And as your relationship with Jasper grows, the more her language will become that much clearer to you. She SO wishes you could speak dog.
Thanks for sharing with us!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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