Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So I have seen this dog on Petfinder for a couple of weeks. I keep going back to her photo and her description sounded like what find of furry buddy I would be looking for (friendly, loves everyone upon meeting, happy). So I emailed the rescue to see if she was even still available and she was. I went to visit her this afternoon and they let me take her on a walk.
First, she's much larger than Shelby was - she's 38 pounds but mostly just tall and lean. She was a stray and is about 18 months. She's pretty good on a leash. She's very sweet and definitely, as they described, affectionate. She doesn't bark (like Shelby didn't). She's a Jindo mix. Shelby was either part Shiba Inu or part Jindo.
She has beautiful eyes and a pretty pink tongue (Shelby's was purple and dark her whole life). She was clean and well mannered.
But she was calm. She's about 18 months and living at a doggy daycare/boarding. While she was sweet and kind, I didn't feel a connection. But I didn't feel a connection when I first met Shelby either.
Now I was absolutely not going to bring her home today but rather meet her, etc. She's been there about 7 weeks and I wonder why she hasn't been snatched up. She's so sweet and well mannered and would be great w/kids, I am sure.
So how do you know? Is it all a crapshoot? I definitely want a breed similar to Shelby and no dis-respect to little little dogs but I don't want a yappy dog. I would like a dog that I can hold (this one was hard to hold) and snuggle but also be a decent size.
Sigh... I guess that was a good step in the healing process ... I didn't cry. I just held my necklace after I left, close to my heart, and asked Shelby to continue to look out for me and to understand that she will always be the love of my life and to send me some guidance and a sign.
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 how weird... when I posted this, guess who's banner popped up?!? My Shelby ... just letting me know that she's still here for me! Oh my baby girl... your mama misses you so much.
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
Hi Alison, it's never easy to include another dog in your life after you lose one that became such a vital part of you for so many years. I still firmly believe that if an animal is meant to be with you then you will find your way together, no matter the distance or time. I've never felt that complete instant connection upon sight with any of my babies, that takes trust and some long walks. I kind of look at it like dating: if you keep going back to the picture then there's something there, a spark. Carefully developed over a couple dates or one long one, that spark can become a roaring fire. If you really feel that spark of interest then take her for a walk and see if you feel anything deeper for her. If you don't, you still gave that dog some valuable social time and hopefully it can help you heal a little more as well. Hugs and support,
Mandy and Mav
Maverick is a wonderful miniature australian shepard born with a malformation of the front right radius/ulna, amputation performed on 11/4/13 at 6 months old. Follow his story at mavericksjourney.tripawds.com.
Alison, I had to look up what a Jindo was! One thing you have to remember is that no dog is going to be like Shelby. She was a one of a kind, and if you look for another pup wanting them to be even somewhat similar to her then you will only be disappointed. Each dog is as unique as each person on earth. Tanner is absolutely the polar opposite of my Jake. My Jake was a 55lb black furry, laid back, giving kisses all day kinda dude. Tanner is a 30lb, tan, short hair, high strung and has no idea how to give kisses kinda dude. The fact that they are so different I think helped me. Had I had a pup that was similar to my Jake I think I would've compared them (even if subconsciously), and that's sure not fair.
Now, I'm not saying that this sweet little Jindo mix is not the pup for you. You just have to look at her for who SHE is. Every dog has the potential to be a great dog if given the chance 
Calm, friendly, happy, loves everyone...those are all great traits.
Love the "date" analogy ^^ ^^ so true!
Love and 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”
I agree with Elizabeth. But I also look at Shelby's banner popping up when you posted this as a sign. Maybe she led her to you. There will never be another Shelby, Sassy, Hannah, Jake, Brendol, etc. Each dog is their own personality. When I first got Snickers I wanted her to sleep with me just like Sassy did. Well, Snickers starts out on the floor then in the middle of the night will get on the bed. It takes time. They each develop their own personality. Spend some time with her if they allow it. See how you get along. She maybe the right one
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."
I think the true connection comes with time. I agree, if they look too much like our other guys or girls, we would probably compare. I do however, want a pup like Nia. Have you all seen her. She is a female TY. So sweet. I am thinking though when the time does come of a Lab mix or a different color Lab. I look at the pictures of Nia and think of how the same they look, but they are probably very different. i am afraid I would want an exact replica of Ty and he cannot be replicated. I have to say though, her picture gets me. So if you keep going back to her picture, there may just be something there. By the way Nia's Mom, I am just admiring your pup, I am so happy that you found her. I am smiling because I see a bit of healing happening and it is a good thing. Does not mean you are forgetting, just starting to heal a bit and that would make Shelby girl happy. Love from, Lori and TY
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.
Thanks you all! I knew this was the right place to come. I was looking for some feedback since this really is the first time I am going through this as an 'adult'. As a child, we always had 2 dogs. None like the others. I don't know how we came upon them or when we felt the time was right. I do remember one dog was Gypsy - she was my dad's 'heart' dog for sure. That much I do know. After she passed it was a few months before we got 'Ginger'. She was never a replacement but definitely my daddy's girl.
I know that there will never be another Shelby .. there are so many particulars of that breed that I adore ... the non-barking is one. The independent, strong-willed is another.
Like I said, I will think about it. They said I could come and visit her as much as I want (unless she gets adopted). I do love the dating analogy as well... very true! I find it very hard to connect w/people - rarely does it happen on the 'first date' (not to say that it hasn't).
She was also the first dog that I reached out and looked at so I am viewing this as a step in the right direction... toward healing. And that today didn't end in epic tears. I think volunteering for a rescue is where I need to be right now. It feels safe. It feels comfortable.
I did see another adorable dog that didn't look like Shelby but seemed to have similar traits. She's in Colorado. Not sure why Petfinder thinks that is less than 100 miles from my zipcode! LOL
This is another one of those life lessons Shelby is still sending me from the beyond ... I feel her support with me and that brings me such peace.
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, it makes my heart happy that you are entertaining the idea of a new fur love.......she sounds like a lovely dog......and those instant connections sometimes only happen once in a lifetime. You said it yourself, that sweet Shelby and you didn't have it right off the bat, and most of the time, that deep love and bond comes over time. My only instant bonding connection in my life, was my Polly.....and I mean instant mutual love and connective hearts. I will ALWAYS consider myself so very fortunate to have that kind of pup bonding, and having that precious girl in my life. My other girls took a bit more time but we all became very bonded.....my pup Pearl has already climbed into my heart a great deal and will continue to do so, I'm sure of that. But I will and do recognize that I will probably never have again, what I had with Polly, and that is ok.
Give yourself time, I think you will know in your heart when the right pup comes along.....Shelby is doing her thing and conducting interviews and searching all around for her mom.....I just believe you will know......
Much Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Alison,
I couldn't agree more with everything everyone has said here so far. To take a different perspective on things, when I worked at the sanctuary, we had so many adopters that came with their hopes so high for that eyes-meet-across-a-crowded-room-and-the-world-stops kind of connection that they would end up completely stumped and disappointed when it didn't happen that way. And on more than one occasion, an adopter thought they had found that kind of connection and adopted the dog who ended up being returned or rehomed. I think it is great that you are taking your time with this. When I first volunteered and interviewed at the sanctuary I had a whole list in my head of dogs that I would adopt when I came back if they were still there (it was a completely unrealistic list mind you, but still fun to fantasize). There was a waiting period for new hires to adopt and I don't think any of the dogs on my "fantasy list" on day one even made my list on day 90. As it turned out, I worked there for three years and two months before I adopted my first dog.
I will also say, don't be discouraged because a dog hasn't been snapped up right away. I can not tell you how many amazing, near-perfect dogs were overlooked for months and years at the sanctuary for no reason at all. My Amy was on at least four or five short lists for adopters but they always picked somebody else instead of her. It isn't necessarily that there is something wrong with one dog, just that the other dog is maybe a little better fit for some small reason.
Bottom line: Take your time, know that Shelby is helping you on her end, and don't over think it - you'll know when it is right even if it your eyes didn't meet across a crowded room and the world didn't stop. The question that sealed the deal for me with Amy was "Is it okay with me for her to not be in my life anymore?" And when the mere thought of that nearly broke my heart, I knew.
-Allison
martiall4 said
"Is it okay with me for her to not be in my life anymore?" And when the mere thought of that nearly broke my heart, I knew.
This couldn't have been put into anymore perfect words
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”
elizabeth said
martiall4 said
"Is it okay with me for her to not be in my life anymore?" And when the mere thought of that nearly broke my heart, I knew.This couldn't have been put into anymore perfect words
Yes.......exactly what I was thinking and could not put into words.
Allison - I cannot thank you enough for your long and heartfelt response. yours and all the others that commented here are reason #456 that I absolutely ADORE the Tripawds family. You all exhibit such wisdom, such hope and such insight w/out judgement. The collective feedback here has really helped me in the past and overnight.
Cayenne, while adorable, is not the right dog for me - on many levels, her size being a big one. I tried to think if I could imagine her in my bed w/me last night and it didn't feel right. And I am OK with that. I do believe she will get snapped up as she is a lovely girl.
And perhaps, like you suggested Elizabeth, that maybe I look outside the box and look at a different breed/mix. i saw a beautiful dog on my run this a.m. - black, with little brown spots on the face/eyebrows.
And I don't need to rush - at all. I think volunteering is where I need to be. And it's OK to take my time. Since I am not partial to a certain breed, it will take me a bit more time to find the right fit.
So again, thank you all from the bottom of my heart for helping me with this last night ... I debated posting this post three times yesterday and finally figured I would open myself up for feedback since I needed to get it off my chest and I know that others might be feeling this but not able to post.
And Allison, I can still remember the day when Shelby became that dog to me ... while I loved and adored her from day one, it was about 2 weeks into our life together when there was an accident at my apt and I rushed through a million red lights to get home to her. I would have run through fire for her. That was when I knew.
Just looking, like you said Bonnie, means that I am considering opening my heart again and that is a good sign.
Lots of 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
Alison, I'm so glad you've started to take exploratory steps to consider another fur baby. Everyone who replied already has had such amazing insights for you. It is a lot like dating. I agree with what others have said...an instant 100% connection is very rare.
Also, dogs who have gone from family pet to a shelter environment -- even daycare/boarding -- can be subject to shelter depression and become emotionally shut down. They don't have the same light in their eyes as before...they may not even wag their tail, and may be aloof with visitors. Does it mean they still have potential to love? Absolutely!
Being back in a home environment for a few days -- sometimes even just a few hours -- fixes them almost instantly. Any chance you'd consider becoming a temporary foster?
Many rescues don't have enough permanent foster homes, so they end up boarding dogs and make arrangements with day cares (like Cayenne's group). And since it's summer vacation season a lot of regular fosters have to make arrangements with the rescue to take the dogs into boarding for a long weekend or for a week or two. It costs the rescues money to do that, which means they can't pull as many dogs from high-kill shelters.
More groups are starting to be open to 'respite' fosters -- people who want to foster for just a week at a time, or even weekends only. I think it's worth asking any rescues near you -- especially the ones where dogs are boarding.
If you don't want to put too much pressure on yourself you could try it in baby steps and even try contacting groups with bigger dogs -- labs, goldens, etc. -- and tell them that you can't be a long-term foster but if any of their regular fosters are going away for the weekend you have an apartment near the beach and could take them for walks down there, to your local dog park, etc.
Of course, the easy button might be to see if you could foster Cayenne for a weekend. You could tell them that you're not considering her for a long-term foster or adoption because you want a smaller perma-dog, but you know that getting her out of the boarding environment and getting her seen by people could help her prospects.
You can even offer to get an "I'm Adoptable" bandana or a vest so people who see her can ask you about her. It's a great conversation-starter!
Going to an adoption event in front of PetSmart or Petco on a Saturday or Sunday usually means there is at least one person on site in a volunteer leadership role who you could explain your situation to and find out if they would be open to you becoming a weekend or respite foster. It never hurts to ask!
Feel free to reply or PM if you're open to considering fostering. I never thought I could do it because I get emotionally attached very easily, but honestly...it is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done.
Oh -- and before I forget, I've seen so many Shelby banners the past few days. Good sign!
Hugs,
Deb and Lexie
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.
Deb! Thank you for your long and thoughtful response to my inquiry. you bring up some great points. Being a 'respite' volunteer would be great for me. I am not ready to full-time foster (mainly b/c of my work schedule that even if my hours are lighter in the summer, I am still away from home for almost 10 hours a day). I would/will consider a pet walker/sitter for my own dog (Shelby was great and never needed one) but for a foster, that's more than I am willing to commit. But I am totally open to being a doggy hotel on the weekends. I don't go out that much and would love to have a pooch around for snuggles.
As far as Cayenne goes, she wasn't really aloof - she really was a very happy girl but it just didn't feel like it clicked. And I haven't really thought about her over the weekend other than to feel guilty that I don't want to take her BUT I know she will find a great home. 🙂
And like I said, next weekend I am going to start (hopefully) volunteering at Karma Rescue here in LA as a guardian angel volunteer, talking dogs on longer walks, maybe even a weekend respite volunteer (what a great idea), and at pet fairs. I was with some friends last night w/2 dogs and I felt happy to be around dogs again!
Thank you for sharing your story ... I will definitely reach out for more info! I was kind of surprised they let me take Cayenne for a long walk on Friday (I left my purse w/them as collateral even though they didn't ask) ! I feel like getting involved in fostering will involve a lot of background checks (I would hope) and since I am a renter ... but technically, I am allowed to have one dog here - deposit paid on that - and my slumlord doesn't live on site so it should be super easy!
Again, I thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience ...
BTW - should I email the rescue that has Cayenne and let them know it didn't feel right and that I am no longer interested? I know in 'dating' I usually just don't answer my phone (LOL) but I feel like I should be a bit more adult and responsible about this!
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, I knew going on petfinder was a mistake. There is a 5 month old Black Lab puppy in a high kill shelter about an hour and a half from me. His name is Mickey and it is like looking into Ty's face. I cannot get him off my mind. My husband said definite NO! I just feel so helpless for him. I don't know if they do weekend foster or anything from those shelters or not. I don't think I could bear to take him back if they did. He is also in MD. I am in PA. It does not seem fair that my dog died and someone puts a 5 month old in a pound. Makes me so darn angry
!: if there is anyone in MD looking for an adorable Lab, go on petfinder and look up Mickey. My heart is breaking for this little guy. I got onto the site after reading Alison's post. " just to look" Alison, I think fostering would be a great thing for you. Hey, you just may find your new pup that way. Who knows. Not sure what to tell you about emailing about Cayenne. Are you planning to go see her or walk her again? If so, you could tell them then. Lori and TY
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.
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