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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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How did you know it was time to get another dog after you lost your pup?
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Member Since:
22 December 2013
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26 March 2015 - 3:24 pm
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It has only been 3 weeks since sweet Lily crossed over the rainbow bridge. My heart aches for her. My sons (9 year old twins and an 11 year old) miss her terribly and keep asking for a dog. I have looked at the SPCA but I'm afraid I won't bond as well with an already grown dog. I have no idea. Then I think about getting a puppy and get excited but I would want a Golden again and that terrifies me because of the prevelance of cancer. I can't lose another one so soon! How did you all know when the time was right? Was it heart breaking? Did you expect the dog to be just like your pup you lost? I am afraid of all these things. I keep praying on it and thinking Lily will send me the right pup at the right time and just be patient. Any advice? 

Virginia
Member Since:
26 January 2014
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26 March 2015 - 3:47 pm
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I got Tanner 2 weeks after I lost my Jake. Jake had been with me for 12 years and when he passed away I told my family we were never ever getting another dog b/c my heart was just completely broken. For those two weeks it was really hard to come home to my quiet house. The quietness was almost too much to bare. I couldn't stand it and someone posted the poem about a dogs last will and testament; and, I knew that I could never ever not come home to a dog ever again.  At first I felt guilty but Christine on here said that when it's it turn she wants to be greeted at the bridge by a ton of slobbery wet kisses and I have thought about that ever since b/c that's exactly what I want too! I didn't expect Tanner to be like Jake, and actually he is the complete opposite. I personally think that helped me, that he was SO different because I didn't want to feel like I was trying to replace him. Lily WILL send you the right pup, everyone here believes in that. I just adopted another dog too and I know my Jake sent him too. Both my Jake and Roscoe are about 2-3 years old and they have bonded so well with my family. I don't think the age of the dog really matters, they WILL bond with you. Maybe you can go to your local SPCA and walk around, see if any of the dogs seem to have a connection with you or your kids. I hate to be so cliche but you will know when you find him/her. None of us know when it's our time or what's going to take us, the same with our pups....grief is the price we pay for great love and any dog is guaranteed to bring you great love! 

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”  

      

Member Since:
10 June 2013
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26 March 2015 - 5:00 pm
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I think it's different for everyone. I couldn't handle how quiet it was in my house. I think it was two months before we found another dog from a rescue. And yes. I compared the heck out of her. The boy we lost was our baby. She came with behavior issues that we never had to worry about. But now, a year and a half i honestly wouldn't have it any other way. .. she's still nuts but she amazes me how quickly she adapts. She just needs a lot of patience and persistence and I'm so grateful for her. no regrets! our guy would have wanted us to love again, to give another the life he had.
Honestly, you'll know what's right for you. hang in there! I'm sorry for your loss and hope you and your families heart finds peace.
Lori and her furry family

Westminster, MD
Member Since:
31 August 2013
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26 March 2015 - 5:44 pm
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Time for getting a new pup is so very different for everyone, like the others have already said......I am one of those dog moms that always has 2 dogs at a time, for many reasons. However, the loss of my Polly a year ago, was so beyond difficult, I decided I didn't want a second dog anymore, or get another yellow Lab again for that matter. Fast forward a year, I have added a new yellow Lab pup to my life that came along, and I am once again a happy 2-dog mom, already having my sweet 2 year old black Lab Pearl. I will never stop missing my Polly, ever, or my other Lab girls that have left me for that matter, but I can be happy again. Just takes some time.

In answering a few of your questions, yes, I have made the mistake of comparing a new pup to a beloved dog that I had lost a few months prior, many years ago....for me, I should have waited a bit longer to get a new pup, and finish my grieving process. And I know what you are feeling in regard to Goldens being a cancer-magnet... Labs are as well, and all my previous Labs have died of cancer, the last 2 including my Polly died within 2 1/2 years from the same ugly cancer, hemangiosarcoma, but I am NOT going to let that scare me from getting Labs again, I refuse to let canine cancer win. Lastly, you said the perfect thing, be patient, and Lily WILL send you that special pup, and definitely a Golden.

My only advice, is making sure ALL hearts in the family are ready..... that makes it much easier to open your heart back up to bring a new pup/dog home to start a new, happy, life-journey with him/her. When I got my new pup, Zuzu, I knew my heart was ready.

Bonnie, Angel Polly, and new crew

Los Angeles, CA
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26 March 2015 - 7:31 pm
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Shelby was the love of my life ... truly my soul mate. I was / am single and she was my entire world. I didn't know how to go on without her. But after about 2 months I started looking. I knew it was too quiet in this house.. I am meant to be a dog mom.

I found little Jasper Lily and at first I thought it was a horrible mistake. I couldn't bond with her. It was months before I felt anything like love for her. I liked her, she was a dog, she was sweet and a good girl. I was resigned to appreciating her as a warm body next to mine at night and that she was "just a dog".... somewhere / somehow, I grew to LOVE her. Really love her.

Do I still miss Shelby? Every single day. She is still the love of my life ... the best thing that ever happened to me. But she sent me Jasper because she wanted me to laugh and smile again. And I do. A lot.

So it's personal but I am grateful I took a chance on a rescue that I named Jasper Lily - almost 10 months ago! 

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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26 March 2015 - 8:20 pm
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Everyone has said its when you are ready.  I agree.  I got Snickers and Jazz 2 months after Sassy.  Was I completely ready no.  My boy Bosch needed someone & so did I.  The day I got Snickers I sat in the back seat with my sunglasses on with tears running down my face as I was holding her.  I missed my baby Sassy.  Sally told me that it was a sign from Sassy before she left for the bridge that Snickers & Jazz were born the day before she left. 

Do they make me laugh & smile yep they sure do.  Do I still miss Sassy oh yes.  But Sassy gave me these 2 to help me smile. 

 

Hugs

Michelle & Angel Sassy

sassymichelle-sm.jpg

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."

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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26 March 2015 - 9:23 pm
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Thanks for connecting with us tonight. We all care so deeply for our "family members" who are going through this gut wrenching grief. We all want to somehow help...knowing the ONLY thing we can offer is thst WE DO UNDERSTAND like no others can.

And we understand when Lily Bear starts to give you the tiniest little tug on your heart that shes got a dog in the works for you! So pay attention! Yep, that's what you're feeling. Lily is opening up a space in your heart for the kne she already has picked out. And we think it's "our" chioce...HA!!

ELIZABETH, ALISON, LORI, BONNIE AND MICHELLE have all articulated their process so beautifully!! Mich of it the same thoughts and feelings for all of us, znd yet with some differences too! I think Lpri and I had a few "fasle starts", even though we seemed to be getting clear "signs" each time! And yes, Michelle got a CLEAR sign from Sassy! She just didn't realize that Sassy had TWO "SIGNS" picked out for her!!!

Merry Myrtle came into my life about two months after Happy Hannah transitioned. As it turned out, I ended up getting her from the same family breeder I got Happy Hannah from. As it turns out, they share the same granddaddy (I think). Does it cross my mind that the same thing could haplen? Yeah! Do I take every precaution ppssible as far as nutrition, vaccines, etc.? Yeah. But as we know from being on this site, it can happen to ANY dog or cat. I have my senior rescues and my tripawd Franke, but I feel like my pack isn't complete without a snuggling, slobbering, sweet, Bull Mastiff!

For whatever reason, I've never made any "comparisons" and I've never thought of it as trying to "replace" my Happy Hannah. It has been simply because I cannot live without dogs in my life. Each predecessor has taught me how to love even deeper and how to be an even better companion for my dog each time. Each dog has taught me their own individual lrssons snd I become a better human being each time a dog comes in my life.

You are just beginning to open your heart. Try not and think about anything other than being open to having another dog in your life. The right one will come at the right time. What is the saying.."It may not be the dog you want...but it will be the one you need"! Just ask ALISON!

Sending lots of 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!

Orrtanna Pa.
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26 March 2015 - 9:43 pm
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Yep, totally agree with all of the above. I still had 2 when I lost my TY Guy. I was ready before my husband was. Funny thing is Daryl is more his dog than mine. Although, he is starting to realize that I am around. LOL Is he TY? No. Do I want him to be? Not at all. Ty was one of a kind. Does not mean I can't love another pup. There will just never be one exactly like TY. He had so many little quirks that just made him, him. I too was a bit afraid of the comparison stuff. Well to start with, Ty sent us a Black Lab mix exactly half his size. He does not steal shoes or dig out the trash. He does however, have that lab lean. May be just that he is trying to balance himself. Yep, Ty sent me another Tripawd. I was not planning this at all. I was looking on Petfinder for Lab puppies and this 2 year old popped up. I knew it was meant to be. You will know too! Everyone's timing is different. Kids make the decision a bit easier. They a can be persistent when they want a pet. Maybe they can help with picking it out. I will say, my 12 year old Border Collie mix was gotten because of my kid's begging. One of the best decisions I ever let them talk me into. Hugs, Lori, Ty & 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. 

Martinsburg, WV
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3 June 2014
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27 March 2015 - 7:56 am
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Your questions are ones that I think we've all asked ourselves after the loss of a furbaby.  For my husband and I it was around a month maybe a little past after Leland's passing when we brought Lucian into our home.  For us we are a one pup household and our home was too quiet after Leland went to the Bridge.  I hated being in the house and would do what I could not to be inside until time for bed.

Leland was a Doberman and we love this breed.  So we searched around for a breeder that we felt comfortable with that produced healthy puppies.  See, Leland was our first pup from a breeder and we really had no idea what to look for.  We believe Leland came from a back yard breeder and we should have known something was off when the breeder didn't want us to come to the home to see the puppies and parents.  We met at a restaurant to see Leland before we purchased him.  He was adorable and we fell in love.  But Leland had digestive health issues from day one when we brought him home.  That poor boy dealt with diarrhea for the majority of his 4 1/2 years of life and changing foods and adding supplements never seemed to take care of it for long.  Leland's amputation wasn't due to cancer but a failed TPLO to fix his knee.  However, we found out he was dealing with hypothyroidism and after the amp his health continued to decline due to an autoimmune disorder.

My husband and I always say it was a blessing that Leland came to our home.  We feel that if he had ended up with someone else that they probably wouldn't have put in the time and money to help him with his health problems.  They probably would have given him away or dumped him off at a shelter or something worse because of all the diarrhea accidents he would have in the house...my thinking is that's why we have steam cleaners.  Even with all his problems we would still want to have him with us today and we miss him terribly. 

But Lucian has brought smiles and laughter back into the house.  Even though he can be a little a$$hole sometimes (he's 10 months old) with all his antics we still have grown to love him.  Lucian hasn't replaced Leland in our hearts...our hearts have just grown to include him.  Lucian is a Doberman also and we believe he came from a good breeder.  They allowed us to come see the puppies and where and how they are kept.  We were also able to meet and spend time with Lucian's dad.  Lucian ended up costing a bit more than Leland but like I told my husband I'd rather pay more and get a healthy puppy than pay less and end up putting out piles of money in vet bills and the heartache of losing them way to early.

We're also doing things differently with Lucian.  We have no plans to neuter him anytime soon if at all.  I've done research and the breeder informed us that neutering early can cause health problems.  We're also going to be vaccinating differently than what we did with Leland.  Lucian won't be getting yearly vaccines...I'll have titre testing done to see if his immunity level is in need of a booster not just bombard his system with vaccinations that may not be necessary.  Because of what we went through with Leland we're going to do things differently with Lucian so hopefully he'll have a long and healthy life. 

All I can say is each person/family is different in when they're able to bring another furbaby into the home.  You just have to keep telling yourself that this new pup isn't replacing Lily and they won't be just like Lily.  The new pup's job is to bring some smiles and laughter back into the home.  And you'll notice a lot of us still carry on with the same breed of our lost precious furbaby.  After Sassy, Michelle still brought beautiful rotties into her home.  After Happy Hannah, Sally brought another mastiff into her life with Merry Myrtle.  After Polly, Bonnie had Pearl and has recently brought little Zuzu another little lab pup into her home.  Jim and Renee have Wyatt another shepherd after the great Jerry.  Heck I can go on and on.  What I'm saying is if you have a love of the Golden breed don't let your fear of the future what if's deter you from bringing another Golden into your life. All you can do is give another precious pup a happy home with lots and lots of love...that's all they really want in the end.

Hugs

Sahana and her Angel Leland

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!

Los Angeles, CA
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27 March 2015 - 8:42 am
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benny55 said

You are just beginning to open your heart. Try not and think about anything other than being open to having another dog in your life. The right one will come at the right time. What is the saying.."It may not be the dog you want...but it will be the one you need"! Just ask ALISON!

TRUTH!!!! However at this point, I no longer wish to trade little Jasper for Shelby... my world would be the most amazing place if time could stand still and I could have them both! They would be the best of friends and their antics would keep me smiling day in and day out! 

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

Virginia







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22 February 2013
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27 March 2015 - 9:33 am
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Well said Sahana, well said....as always! And yes, thank goodness you were Leland's forever home. Not everyone has the shared capacity for love you and your husband had for Leleand..and goodness knows that he had for you! And yes, ..."that's why they make steam cleaners"! LOL!!!way-cool

Lori and Ty....refresh my memory.....didn't Ty sort of start out as your husband's dog and then became your shadow? Hmmm...Daryl (I sooooo lpve that name for him) may be following the same plan!! Better start hiding your shoes!<img src="http://tripawds.....orum-smilewinker

Jasper has DEFINITELY found a place in Alison's heart, that's for sure! Being avle to follow the development of this "relationship" is auch a vlast!!

Lily has reached out in her life affirmingnway yet again!! Look at the great dialo she has started!! Still inspiring others!!! Good girl Lily Bear!!clap

But those of you who just have ONE dog......can't wait to see pictures of your second dog!!! The lpve multiples!! It's a beautiful thing!!way-cool

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!

Virginia
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26 January 2014
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27 March 2015 - 2:57 pm
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benny55 said

But those of you who just have ONE dog......can't wait to see pictures of your second dog!!! The lpve multiples!! It's a beautiful thing!!way-cool

hahaha, I agree!!!! 

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”  

      

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
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27 March 2015 - 5:04 pm
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I have always said it is a personal choice.  Emmi came to our lives 6 months after Trouble left. I was NOT ready, but it was time for Bob and Duke severely grieved after Trouble was gone.  He needed a sibling dog.  I relented. It was a big adjustment for me, and truly it took me a long time to love Emmi.  But Bob and Duke were committed to her, and my heart finally dropped it's guard and let me learn to enjoy her.

You will make the decision that is right for you. And that new member will have an awesome new family.

Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul.  Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.

Raleigh, NC
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29 April 2013
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27 March 2015 - 5:23 pm
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When I lost my poodle to lymphoma, It took me about 2 months to really be ready to have a dog.  There were other dogs in the house but Bear had picked me and losing him was tough.  Next was my Scottie Otis.  I didn't think he would handle apartment life well since he had always been on a farm so he stayed with my parents when I left home.  He passed from HSA.  By then, I already had my first greyhound, Miss Kitty.  When she was 10, we added an 8 year old hound, Reko Toughie.  Toughie died of acute liver failure and I was crushed.  For the first time in my life, I could afford pretty much any vet care he needed and there was nothing that could be done.  That just ripped me apart.  Kitty and I mourned very hard for a week.  Just layed in bed the entire time.  When I returned to work (I had already taken the week off prior to his death to go see family.), Kitty lost her mind and couldn't handle being alone.  It was one of the few times both my husband and I worked out of the home and she was alone from about 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.  I was not ready for another dog but she said she needed one.  So Nixon came into our life. 

The dogs took to each other immediately.  My husband took to Nixon immediately.  Toughie didn't like him so my husband liked having a dog who liked him.  It took me a few months to really enjoy him.  Now, my husband is jealous of the attention I give Nixon. 

Two years later, we lost Kitty to osteosarcoma.  At this point, I had read the poems, I was a little more prepared for losing her since she was 14 years old.  We waited a week before we went to go find Nixon a friend.  He needed that time to mourn.  Adopting a greyhound takes some time but we picked the Cookie Monster out that weekend.  We lost Kitty on August 15 and Cookie came home Labor Day weekend.  I was much more prepared to love this time around. 

We already had her tag collar ready to go with her tags on it when we went to pick her up.  We made a production of putting her tag collar on and telling her that she was joining our pack now and was going to be with us forever.  She just slipped right into our home life like she'd always been here.  We also knew more of what to do with a new dog in the house as it was our 4th time bringing someone home.  She has learned some of Kitty's behaviors but she is so unlike Kitty.  Kitty was a master manipulator and had a very high EQ.  Cookie is a very smart dog but doesn't quite have the whole manipulation/train your human thing that Kitty did. Nixon actually picked up those traits. 

All I can say is trust your gut.  Bringing a dog home too soon can be very stressful on all of you.  Putting any expectations on the dog to be just like the previous dog won't help.  I've had this problem with my horse.  I had an incredible bond with my first horse and even though he was 37 when he died, it crushed me.  I've had my third horse now for 15 years.  It took until this past year for me to let go and accept her for her and not compare her to how perfect he was.  She's amazing in her own right and I was too blind to see it.

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28 March 2015 - 12:48 pm
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THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! You all are the best. My heart is forever grateful for all my tripawd friends. Your responses spoke to my heart. I have been stalking rescue websites just seeing what is out there. I have seen some golden/lab pyrnese mixes that I am drawn to. Such beautiful dogs. I keep emailing them to my husband truly in a just looking phase. Then today I emailed him (only because he is usually asleep while I am stalking the dog sites ;)  I emailed him a profile of a 3 year old golden, male named Hunk. He is so handsome! I also emailed the rescue to find out more. He looks a lot like Lily so I am aware of that. I am truly just looking and not rushing. If the woman emails me back and things go smoothly, great. If not and someone else adopts him that is great too. At least he will have a home. I also did something else today...I filled out an application to become a volunteer at our local SPCA! I am excited but know that our house will be full of dogs before we know it. Yikes! My mom always said I have been bringing animals home since I was little so it is in my blood. :) THank you again. You all are helping me heal my heart. You all are another beautiful gift that Lily gave to me. That girl is amazing as are all of you! xoxox. Nicole and Angel Lily

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