Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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It's been a while since I've posted some Jasper Lily cuteness...we've been busy (well I've been busy). But it's spring break and on Friday, we're jetting off to Seattle, again. for about 10 days.
We will spend some time in Cannon Beach at my family's beach house. Shelby and I used to run off to Cannon Beach every time life got hard and we needed an escape. It was one of our favorite places!! Shelby LOVED the beach. Jasper tolerates the beach. But I am going to bring a pill bottle full of Shelby's remains to scatter at the beach... it will be about a week out from her angelversary and I need to celebrate her life and hopefully find some closure on the pain.
Jasper ... the little spitfire... has found her confidence (for the most part). I am hoping she isn't barky-bark on the plane (she will have her doggy xanax and her snoozy carrier). She spends time, now, in her carrier all on her own.
I took her yesterday to Petco to pick out some toys for the journey (my mom LOVED the fluff last time)...And then, working on our dining outside manners, I stopped for a glass of wine. She was better behaved than last week when we went out to eat and she got a bit barky.
I am always fascinated w/how expressive her ears are and I can tell what she is thinking / feeling by her ears. Some idiots in our neighborhood decided to set off fireworks this weekend and Jasper got spooked and ran under the bed. I couldn't get her to come out for HOURS. Finally when she did, only in her mama's arms did she feel some what safe but you can see she's still spooked by those ears. Those are her "I'm scared of everything" ears ...
She's a good little dog and I'm excited that she's coming back to Seattle with me and that she and I can create some new happy memories ... I still find myself missing the "love of my life" more than ever but when I saw a dime on the floor at Petco yesterday, it warmed my heart and reminded me that Shelby is fur-ever in my heart and always with me!
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
Loved your post Alison, as always!
I think it's splendid that you are using some of this time to celebrate the wonderful memories you and Shelby shared at the beach hoise...as wee@ as allowing yourself to creat new memorieq with Jasper Lily. Nice balance!
For me...just me...trying to find "closure" or "completion" are not words that work for me. I think they denote a certain high expectation that is almost impossible to reach. Sometimes...for me...finding differeny words so I don't set myself up for disappointment makes all the difference in moving forward. Releasing some of Shelby's ashes in such a special place and in such a special way may not "end the grief", but it allows you to continue to move through it and make even more aware of that glorious energy of Shelby thst still surrounds you! And I bet you find something sparkly on the beach too!!
Seeing Jasper Lily pick out her toys...knowing how happy she is now...knowing she is becoming more and more confident in herself and her forever home.... akes me soooooo happy!!!! She is just so cute Alison, so darn cute!
And yeah, her poor little scared look just breaks my heart. But the fact that she knows she is safe in your arms, that melts my heart too!
You know we will be expecting pictures while in Seattle! You do know that, right?
Sending you 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!
I am with Sally, for me closure is an unattainable thing. The pain will ALWAYS be there, no matter what there will always be something that jolts your memories back to Shelby. Our hearts love so much, its not something we can ever let go of, it's impossible. I think spreading Shelby's ashes with little Jasper by your side will bring you an enormous amount of peace. To give Shelby a resting place that is full of great memories is beautiful.
HUGS
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”
Awww! She is a great dog!
I think her fur looks extra shiny. How's her itchiness these days?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
<3 I think spreading some of Shelby's ashes are a good way celebrate her life. Have a little ceremony and let them go. It's not saying good bye it is saying until we meet again.
I love all the pictures of JL. I am sure she really didn't like the fireworks. I hope your mom loves all the fluff again
Have a good time on your trip
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."
Love, love, love little Jasper Lily. I hope you make some new memories in Seattle. I am with everyone else on the closure thing. Somehow, I am thinking......after the one year mark, it will be easier. I don't think that will happen, but you know how the mind plays tricks. The other night, I swore I saw a movement and tail wagging in my living room. It was dark in there, it was just a few seconds. The other3 were in my bedroom. Crazy?? Maybe, I would never admit seeing this any place but here. Gave me a kind of happy feeling. I like your idea of taking some of Shelby's ashes to her favorite place. Very meaningful. Hugs from, 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.
LORI! I love that Ty made himself visible to you!! Energy...a "feeling"...a spirit...a vision...a physical lresence...it doesn't matter what you call it...it was Ty!!!!!!
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!
jerry said
Awww! She is a great dog!
I think her fur looks extra shiny. How's her itchiness these days?
Her itchies are much better!!! Her new allergy meds really help (albeit pricey) and her weekly baths. She also gets 1/2 a hard boiled egg daily which gives her extra shine!
LORI - that was definitely Ty! I have had experiences like that when I feel / sense Shelby in my room. It has to be her since her 'weight' was much more than Jasper and I feel her on me. I know others would think I was crazy but you all seem to get it.
Thank you everyone... will be a cold and wet trip but fun nonetheless and yes, Michelle, my mom is SOOOOO looking forward to fluff all over her floor again! LOL ... she's still finding it was from our last trip! The gift that keeps on giving.
There will be many photos and I'll do a blog when I get back. Jasper is a really good travel buddy but the four + hours in the car from Seattle to Oregon will be her longest car ride to date. We shall see. Oh and she's coming to the office w/me tomorrow so we'll see how that goes 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
Oh fantastic to hear that she's feeling better, especially as warmer weather sets in. That's awesome!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I love looking at Jasper's pictures...she's just precious picking out the new toys she wants to have. It's amazing how we pick up on our furbabies body language and know exactly what they're thinking. That just shows the bond and love that is shared between human and animal.
You and Jasper have safe travels to Washington. Shelby will definitely be right there with you.
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!
I just LOVE those ears!!!
She may have her quirks... we all do. But.. the main thing here is.. she is much happier.. and so are YOU!!
Nice to see...
Christine.. with Franklin in her heart♥
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
Have a wonderful trip! Cannon Beach is one of our favorite spots on the coast.
Kathi and Murphy
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!
Thank you Sahana, Christine and Kathi!
We are excited and are working on tiring her out. She's at the office w/me today and chewing on one of her FAVORITE antlers (wink, wink, thank you again) and being a decent pup. She's been a royal PITA lately but I blame spring fever and her terrible twos ... life is JUST more interesting with little Jasper Lily... she keeps on me my toes!
And for some fun.... on our walk this a.m. (walking on the pavement is not for little JL - muddy paws!!!)
and last night .... the low growl is now the loud whine as she watched the neighbor boy outside ...
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
Jasper Lily, your little "Jasper Lily specific" nuances make me laugh! You are one unique little PITA,x
And your pictures.....you are just adorable...just adoravle!
Shelby knew you needed someone to keep you on your toes...enter Jasper!!
Can't wait to hear about your Seattle vacation with her (and Shelby 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!
Sounds like a great trip and I think it will indeed be healing for you to spread some of Shelby's ashes in a place you had such happy times together. Have a wonderful time with Jasper Lily by your side and Shelby in your heart!
Woohoo! Tripawds Rule!
Regulator of the Oaktown Pack, Sheriff of the Oaktown Pawsse, Founding member and President of the Tripawd Girldogs With 2 Names ROCK Club, and ... Tripawd Girldog Extraordinaire!
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