Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Glad you think respite/weekend fostering might be a good option, Alison! It really is a win-win. And I definitely hear you on the long hours...we'd be toast without our mid-day dog walker.
Just in the FWIW category, some rescues in urban areas where they're desperate for fosters occasionally offer to spring for a mid-day dog walker, or see if a daytime volunteer who lives nearby can help. It's still cheaper for the rescue to pay a mid-day walker and have the dog at a foster who works f/t than it is to board the dog f/t. Anyway, you've probably figured out that I'm in the camp of "it never hurts to ask."
Re. foster references, I'd ask your vet to write a "To Whom It May Concern" email and send it to you noting that they're writing on your behalf so you can furnish it to rescue groups upon request... Have them note that you've been an excellent pet parent, and they've known you and Shelby for X years, any dog you fostered would be in great hands, the rescue can call their office with any questions, etc. Not sure if you had a regular boarding facility for distance trips but if so and they got to know Shelby and owner there could be a reference too. And I bet folks here who have known you and Shelby from Day 1 of Tripawd life would be willing to be a reference!
Re. the rental issue -- if you have something in writing with your lease that says dog permitted with X deposit, or if you can get an electronic copy of the cancelled check from your bank that says 'rent deposit + pet deposit' or something along those lines -- or even if your building says 'pet friendly' somewhere on its website -- your landlord may not need to be contacted.
I'm excited that you'll be volunteering with the Karma Rescue; that's fabulous! Let us know how it goes and what they say about weekend fostering.
I've found over the years that each rescue group has its own personality and rules; very much depends on their leadership, who's on their board, etc. If one says no, just try another one. Also, you could post on Craig's List under pets and say you're interested in working with a rescue as a weekend respite foster, outline your dog experience, etc.
Re. Cayenne, I'd think it would be nice to let them know that you're not interested in her as permanent dog -- but if you are open to taking her just for a weekend and if her boarding location isn't too out of the way (I know LA has horrendous traffic) I bet they'd jump at the chance to get her out of the boarding environment for a weekend and have you be a weekend foster. Obviously it would be a one-time thing, and you could choose to offer again or not.
Cheers to respite fostering and volunteering...keep us posted!
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.
Aww Lori...Mikey sounds wonderful! Sorry if I missed this in an earlier post, but what exactly is your husband objecting? Is it because you have surviving dogs already and he doesn't want another one? More work/hassle if you have to go out of town? More money, vet bills, etc.? Or just too soon after Ty?
Btw, where are you in PA, and which shelter is it in MD? My parents live in southern PA, and one of their dogs just went to the bridge. They have two other dogs and say they're not ready for a third yet, but I might be able to talk them into checking out Mikey (especially since he's in a kill shelter).
Although I still want to plot about how to talk your husband into you pulling him...
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.
Actually, I looked again. He was pulled from a kill shelter. He is at the House of hope shelter in Elktin Md. I am near Gettysburg Pa. I typed in 100 miles for distance, so not real sure where Elktin is. My husband is objecting because we still have 2 dogs. He said they are enough. I want another Lab, he is afraid I will get my heart broken again. I told him not all Labs get Bone cancer. I am sure vet bills etc. are playing a factor also. We spent a ton this past year. Stil.... They are so worth it. Mickey is just so cute. That crazy song from 1980 is playing in my head....oh Mickey, you're so fine..... Ok I need sleep. It is 1 AM in pa. I get dingy when I am tired. Still pestering the Hubby 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.
Keep pestering the hubby, Lori! Tell him you need Mickey to help your heart heal. Is he a mix, by any chance? And still intact? (For now) Statistically both those things would lower the cancer risk.
Doubt my parents could be convinced to get Mickey if they know he's already safe.
And I think Elkton is a suburb of Baltimore... If you due convince DH I might be able to get someone to go there (Lisa Zeus-mom style) if they have a brick and mortar facility and check things out for you.
And I remember that song oh too well, btw! I think I threw my neck out dancing to it back in the day...
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.
Lori and Deb, Elkton is in Cecil County in Md, very far northeast corner of Md at the very top of the Chesapeake Bay, almost borders Delaware........ Mickey sounds adorable, BTW......new pups always have a way of easing a terribly broken heart.....
Best wishes, Bonnie & Angel Polly
I am pestering. I am not the only one. The girls at my husband's Dr's office keep asking him....Did you get that girl a dog yet? They had been following Ty's progress when he was sick. The receptionist has 6 dogs, all rescues, so she is definitely on my side. she said I should get Randy a dog for his B-day, which is funny because Ty was a B-day gift to him in 06. We will see. I had a collision with my neighbor's American bulldog pup last night. He is a real jumper about 5 months old. I bent to pet him and he jumped. My jaw did not work right for hours and is still sore this morning. So then I thought, Maybe I need one a year or 2 old. Who knows. I am sure when it is definitely the right time and the right dog, I will know. I do know it wont be a 5 month old bulldog, boy is he a messreminds me of Tigger. But that Mickey , he is sure cute!
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.
Thank you Deb! I did let them know Cayenne wasn't the right fit for me and they said I could come walk the other rescues any time I want so I'll do that as well as volunteer for Karma Rescue (which starts this weekend, I hope). I am excited. After the week I have had - I am in desperate need of a new purpose and direction and a little cheer (not Shelby related, was in a lockdown situation at work while a nut job was waving a rifle at us across the street). Shelby was my go-to stress relief and I am about to have a nervous break-down.... my strength is rapidly disappearing ... it's just too much, last year at the Boston Marathon, Shelby's leg, her cancer, her death, and now this ... there is a limit!
That is also a great idea about Craigslist! 🙂
As far as Petfinder and finding new pooches ... why do the ones I find so adorable and perfect live in a state miles and miles away?! I put in 100 miles from my zipcode and they found me this gorgeous pup in Colorado!
https://www.pet...../29077862/
Oh well,.... I'll keep snuggling on the rescues and get my puppy fix there! And Lori - I think Mikey sounds precious!!!! Go for it! 🙂
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
Hey I wonder how far this is from Shari, Dakota's mom. She is from Colorado. That sure is a pretty pup Alison. Maybe you should take a short vacation to Colorado???
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."
Hey, they do have pet convoys to get pets to new forever homes. Kind of like a tag team:)
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.
LOL Michelle! my friend said the same thing to me tonight - that perhaps I take a road trip when I see a pooch that I like. There are way too many Chihuahua mixes here in LA!
But how, Lori, does that work when these places require a home visit?
She's super pretty ... right?
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
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
Pretty girl! Just wondering, would you consider some other small breed mixes besides a Shiba? Maybe try Basejni, Fox Terrier, Jack Russell, cavalier King Charles, etc.? Might be easier to find some combo of those a bit closer to home.
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.
debva said
Pretty girl! Just wondering, would you consider some other small breed mixes besides a Shiba? Maybe try Basejni, Fox Terrier, Jack Russell, cavalier King Charles, etc.? Might be easier to find some combo of those a bit closer to home.
Absolutely! I just don't want anything chihuahua based (no offense). Shelby was also part JRT so I am familiar with that breed ... don't know much about Basenji's but they look cute... fox terriers are also cute. I'm not a huge fan of the spaniel breeds (again, no offense to anyone). Basically I want a mid-sized dog, that doesn't need to be groomed and doesn't fit in a purse! I am partial to mixes because I find them interesting and fun!!!
I loved the idea of Shibas since I know they aren't particularly barky - I don't mind the occasional bark to alert me or something like that but non-stop barking will make me (and my neighbors) absolutely bat shit crazy!!!
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
Biscuit is very pretty , but Jill is wearing dress up clothes maybe you could get a home visit done by a local shelter and have a recommendation sent. They are both precious. I get your feeling about Chihuahua pups. My Aunt used to have 5 and you could not hold a conversation over their noise. I am sort of a large dog girl myself. Also, no offense to anyone with pocketbook pups. Ty had a bark that would scare off anyone. I also found out that he would not let men into the house if I was not home. The exceptions being family. I miss that security. For some reason, Jill caught my attention more, probably because of that outfit. 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.
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