Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Shelby and I grew up together (or rather I grew up with her from my 20s to my 30s to my 40s) ... she was with me through the toughest times (broken hearts from boys that I am the wiser because they walked away from me) and many moves (from New Orleans to Seattle to Los Angeles) .. the happy times (the trips to the wineries, the beach trips, the hikes) and the sad times ...(a broken leg to fighting numerous cancers to saying goodbye). My soul mate was with me every step of the day and I miss her like crazy right now. It comes in waves and right now is one of those really rough tides ... where the world doesn't make sense, where life without Shelby is a life without sunshine, where I am second-guessing every little move I make and did make with her (did I love her enough, did we have enough adventures, did I do enough)?!? Especially the guilt with bonding with Jasper Lily and my desire to go everywhere WITH Jasper as to not miss one moment of our short time on this earth together. It is like I am compensating for the time that I put my life in front of Shelby's (like when there was that ONE boy that took ALL my time until he didn't).
But Shelby always understood and she loved and she made me tougher, smarter and enabled me to love ... she was the best teacher and I miss her every day ... but some days more than others. I had a dream last night where I was walking and found a penny ... I know that was how Shelby came to me in my dream but I do wish she had shown her beautiful golden fur and velvet ears.
Enjoy! Soul mates aren't always people and I am glad that mine had 4 (then 3) paws!
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 sharing!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hugs to you today, my friend! I think furry soul mates are the best. They tell your secrets to no one, accept you for who you are, are quick to forgive and forget. We can all take lessons! As for what you did or did not do for Shelby......she knows you love her like no other and went to the moon and back for her. She knows, she truly does, 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.
Thinking of you. xoxoxox Thanks for sharing the article. Lori was right Shelby knew you would go to the moon and back. You completed her and she completed you. You did what you could and we all have those doubts if we did enough or didn't do enough. You know in your heart of heart you did. Shelby knows you did that is what matters. We shouldn't doubt ourselves.
I agree with furry soul mates are the best.
xoxox
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."
Years ago, when I was just a little girl, we got a dog that our family named Bozo because he was just such a clown (there was a clown on TV at the time by that name). We got him about 6 months after my mom died and my dad re-married (yep, just a couple weeks apart!). Bozo and I literally grew up together. When I turned 18 I moved out, and a couple months later my dad sold his house and was moving to an apartment where he couldn't have a dog, so I took him. Over the next 6 years Bozo moved with me 5 more times, I had a baby, left an abusive relationship, all the ups and downs - he was there. We moved to a not-so-great neighborhood, to a small 1 bedroom apartment, me, my son & Bozo. I'm not sure that I would have made it when I left if it hadn't been for him. But really, I was still just a kid, and when I look back now I feel bad because I really didn't give him the home he deserved. He had love, oh did I love that dog! He was the best dog! He loved everyone he ever met, he begged for ice cream from the ice cream truck and would carry it home and wait for it to be un-wrapped lol. But I barely had money for diapers let alone any extras like treats. I think every dog I've had since him I've tried to do better, to try to make up for my lack of with him. I think he saved me, so I know how you feel.
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Thank you ALL for your kind and comforting words - always! I love this community SO much!!!
Donna .. I wanted to thank you for sharing your story of Bozo... I think you articulated a lot of what I experienced with Shelby. We've never had a grand home with a yard (people called me selfish for keeping a dog in an apt even though she got lots of walks, beach time, park time, you name it). And I did the best that I could while I was 'growing up' and when our last year together came ... it was like I worked even harder to make up for those nights that I spent out and not by her side as she was a young dog.
So I am definitely over-compensating with little Jasper - canceling social plans to spend time with her so she is never really alone. I am going out of town this weekend for work and I am sick with anxiety about leaving her - even though she will be in a place she knows and loves.
Shelby was the alpha in our relationship and she most definitely saved me 10 times over ... it is so true when they say the only thing a dog loves more than himself is you and that was true with Shelby. She would have taken a bullet for me and I would have for her. Your words resonated and I wanted to thank you! You were able to articulate what I was totally feeling.
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
Just saw this! Geez, feel.like ever since all these site makeovers" this past hear I've been missing so e ppsts and blogs. Ugh!
You always articulate your feeling so well Alison.
I think the great gift dogs give us, is the opportunity to love from a deeper place of enlightenment, the ability to love in an all encompassing way that makes us even more compassionate human beings. They are constantly showing us how to Be More Dog on so many levels. They give us these gifts selflessly and willingly. I guess when they feel like their mission is done, regardless of what their earthly journey looked like or how hard it seemed to us, is when they transition. To continue tomlpve another dog or cat makes them knkw they have accomplished their purpose. Then they just sit by and watch us try and learn all the other lessons their hand picked protege' try and teach us.
You are Shelby''s prize student! She is so proud of you!. And it tickles her pink to watch the lessons Jasper Lily is trying to teach her!
Hopefully, Shelby taught you to move on from BOY'S and upgrade to MEN!!
Love you!
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!
PS...Donna...I loved reading about your sweet Bozo! Clearly he's still watching over you and so pleased he had such a wonderful impact on 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!
benny55 said
Geez, feel.like ever since all these site makeovers" this past hear I've been missing so e ppsts and blogs. Ugh!
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Hope this helps!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
benny55 said
You are Shelby''s prize student! She is so proud of you!. And it tickles her pink to watch the lessons Jasper Lily is trying to teach her!
Hopefully, Shelby taught you to move on from BOY'S and upgrade to MEN!!
Well let's just say I have kissed my fair share of frogs and have yet to find my prince ... Shelby might consider guiding us to a new zip code!
Thank you Sally... your words always comfort and are so insightful! As long as I make Shelby proud over the bridge, my work on this earth is complete ...
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 Lord this place always makes me cry!
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Aww . . . bless you my sweet friend. Jasper is so very lucky to have you and you, her. I know exactly what you mean when you talk about the ups and downs. But remember, there's so many of us riding in the seat next to you on that roller coaster.
Donna, your words struck a cord with me. Back in my very immature days, I just had to have this puppy I saw in the Kmart parking lot. I took her home and named her Amy. Since we rented, as was the practice back in those days, we (the ex and I) chained her in the back yard. I always made sure she had food, water, shelter, but I know she didn't get the love she deserved. I was young and stupid and Amy was my first dog. One day Amy got loose and I never saw her again. I knew I messed up. My only prayer was that she found a more deserving pawrent than me.
That was umpteen million years ago and I've wanted to make that wrong right. Amy haunts me. When I look at my fur babies, I think of how Amy got the short stick when I took her home from that parking lot.
With every kiss, every treat and every snuggle, I'm begging Amy's forgiveness. When I hold Mel in my lap, I sometimes think I'm trying to love my guilt away. When Meesha closes her eyes in sweet approval as she lays by my side, I'm wishing I had one more chance to make it right for Amy.
No, Amy wasn't my heart-dog, but then again, I never gave her that chance. This will be my burden 'til I get to ask her forgiveness at the Bridge.
xoxo
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
Oh Pam, don't you wish sometimes we could go back and re-do just some little things? Like if you knew then what you know now, you never would have left her out like that....I'm sure wherever she is now, she's long since forgiven you, and you've long since made up for it!
Hugs!
donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
And Pam...Amy KNEW you would love deeper and spoil harder as a result of her visit with you. If we dont learn and grow, then their time with us would have been in vain. I, like you, and I'm sure like everyone here, "wish" we had done better. The ONLY way I can get past those "regrets" (on a good day!), is to KNOW my capacity to love, to be more compassionate, to be kinder, expanded as a result of their time with me.
We all did the best we could, based on the depth of love and understanding we were capable of at that point and time. Dogs are such selfless, enlightened Souls. They accept whatever level of love and care we give them as the BEST in the world!!
I think all pf us here on this site, on this journey, are all excellent students of our dogs and cats. We have built upon the gifts that every single dog or cat has given us from our early childhood. Our humanity towards each other and our capacity for love gets stronger and stronger with every dog who comes into our lives and touches our hearts and speaks to our Soul.
And Pam, you make it "right" with Amy everytime you hug Meesha. Amy fulfilled her purpose, a d that's why she moved onto another human who needed to be "enlightened"!
Geez....enough rambling! See what you started Alison? Shelby keeps on giving to us!
Love ro all! And thanks to all my dogs who have, and continue to, help me be a better human being...
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie and Bob and Nellie
And Happy Hannah, Bodie, Lydia, Mickey Motto, Barney, Buckwheat, Benny, Howdy Doody, Donut, Pee Wee Herman, Bernie, Biscuit, Cornbread, Karloff, Wiley, Twinkie, Cupcake, Gorgeous, Daphne, Eloise, Justin, Temporary, Budweiser, Bulldozer, Chrissie, Jingles, Sammy Jo, Princess Grace, Clementine, Magnolia, Henry Jones, Cindy
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!
Pam, there isn't a soul here who doesn't have a story like yours about an animal in their life at some point, please don't feel badly.
We have all learned so much about our pets health and well-being in the last few decades, and every day we learn more and more. I know it's hard not to feel guilty about Amy, I too interacted with some of the pets in my life in ways that I never would today. But we didn't know what we didn't know. As we evolve thanks to the growth of animal sciences, we can do right by our animals of today.
The love and goodness we pass on to our pets today is a gift from our animals of the past, who understood even then that we dumb humans had a lot to learn. We always will but that doesn't make us bad people, in fact as long as we are willing to learn, it's all our animals want for us.
xoxo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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