Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I don't know where to post anymore now that I am without my Tripawd!!! This could be a 'coping with loss' but it's also an "anything goes" kind of thing. I just returned from my first trip sans Shelby and I can't say that it was easy. I won't sugar-coat it; it really kind of sucked. Big time! Now the "resort" I stayed at was far from that so perhaps that was part of it and my heart wasn't in it. I really tried and I really think I put a lot of pressure on what I wanted to happen on this first get-away without my best girl.
After two days of basically being a living zombie by the pool - barely talking to anyone (even those that tried to talk to me), I drove into downtown Palm Springs today to do a little shopping. Dogs galore and I couldn't help but feel bad for them since it was a 105 and the ground must be soooo hot on their paws! Anyways, I wandered into a store and decided to try on some summer dresses and in the dressing room - on the floor - a single penny. I KNOW that was from Shelby and that was the HIGHLIGHT of the entire trip. She was telling me that she was with me and it was going to be OK.
I have come to accept that 'sad' is the new normal. That is just who I am. And that is OK. The more I try and 'fake' it or be something I am not, the angrier and more resentful I get. I consider myself a fairly rational person so I was / am fully aware that our canine companions rarely outlive us, but I still wish, sometimes, that it was me that had gotten sick almost a year ago. I think Shelby would have been stronger and better equipped to handle it. My mom tells me to bite my tongue when I say things like that but I am just truly sad.
So this weekend was a good experiment, and a good test to see where I am in the healing process... I'll get there. I am comfortably sad and numb - especially if the highlight of my weekend is finding a dirty penny on the floor! 🙂
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 look forward to those "pennies, dimes or nickels" that come my way like that. It honestly will get better. Sad won't be the new normal forever though. Its still early in the grieving process. You have to go through it all in order not to be sad. Don't get me wrong you will have days where sad is there. It won't be an every day thing though.
Just keep plugging away.
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."
Online
Aww, wish I could hig you! Yeah, yo probably took the trip with the pressure of "expectations", mixed with a little dread.......yuck.
Bravo to you for going though!! 
Give yourself a pat on the back for "facng the fear and doing it anyway"! So that is, indeed a victory!!
Michelle always has words of wisdom.
Nah, Shelby would have hated herr life if yo had crossed over first...probably would have ended upin a shelter, miserable, scared and unloved! And they sure wouldn't jave any purple bathmats!! No, you were meant to be withher on this journey...by her side through every aspect of it......and you did a STELLAR job!! Noo e could jave been a better partner for Shelby...and Shelby was the best partner for you!
Now.....start networking with all your contacts and see if you can get some air miles donated to you....hop on that plane next month and joi the Virginia Tripawds party!! And I'm NOT jokng!!! Make it a mini little get-away while surroundng yourself with people who understand!!
Shelby already gave you a penny to apply towards your trip!!!
Sending you love and a boatload of hugs!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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 thought of you this weekend, the weather was so perfect, and I was hoping that the sunshine was helping you to feel better. You did a great job at getting out and trying to find your new normal, give yourself big props for that! It took a lot of courage go on a trip without her, YOU DID IT!
And yes, the penny was definitely from her. Take that sign, and run with it, she's always around.
P.S. Post wherever you like, this is a perfect place too!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all .... it was definitely a learning experience and I am indeed proud that I went and found the courage through a boat load of tears leading up to it to go.
I feel kind of like I am in some sort of 'holding' waiting pattern right now... part of me misses the comfort of a furbaby (since I dislike most humans in my normal life right now - and by humans I don't mean any of you- mainly I mean my local friends who don't get it - at all - and that pisses me off and makes me resent them) and then part of me is thinking no way, Jose! I can't go down that road again.
BUT the sunshine did give me a great start to my summer tan/bronzing!!!
I also discovered that I absolutely MUST continue to keep super busy because too much time on my hands is not a good thing - at all - so I am ever hopeful the Karma Rescue people will accept my application to be a volunteer for them since I need something to fill my weekends since my work events are over and pretty soon, my schedule will be summer light!
XOXOXO
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
If ya ever want to visit Gettysburg Pa., I have a guest room. I am so proud of you for going. That took so much courage. I also think the first " anything" that we do without our puppies is the hardest. We had a picnic this weekend. Ty LOVED picnics. He could get the last bite of just about anyone's burger. He would just turn those eyes on you. I shed a few tears myself this weekend. I was feeling extra sad this morning and when I moved the dog bed to sweep under, there was a bright, shiny 2014 penny winking up at me. They seem to know just when we need to see those treasures from them. Also, volunteering at the shelter, that is awesome! They would be fools not to accept your application. You will give those fur babies so much loving, they won't know what hit them. 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.
Good for you for taking that big step. I don't have any good advice. I feel I'm in the same boat. "It will get better" never seems to come.
We had our first cookout without Libby at our house. We so missed hearing her bark, wanting the ball thrown in the pool for her. Sammie (our other chocolate) seems so sad. She's stoic anyway but she doesn't want to swim like she used to. Libby was always the fire that lit Sammie up to play and swim.
I find a penny here and there but didn't know if it counted since it wasn't 3 at a time.
I can't wait to see the necklace I ordered from Renee. I'm sure it's pawesome.
I wish I could hug each and every one of you. Please know I think about you every day.
Amy & Spirit Libby
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Alison.. pennies are just awesome aren't they? I didn't find pennies.. I found white feathers... after all.. Canada did away with the penny eh?
Now.. I am going to be blunt here girlfriend.... and forgive me for saying so. but... here goes... Here is what my gut feeling tells me.. as well as my 6th sense which sometimes jumps up and slaps me in the head.... *ouch*
You need to get another companion!!! YES!! YOU DO!!
You may say you are not ready... but from what I can see and read here is that you do not want to admit that you ARE ready!! You miss Shelby.. of course you do.. you always will... and no one can replace her.. but you miss the companionship of a furkid. You are meant to be a furmom!!! And by denying yourself the pleasure and role of being a furmom... is also making you sad!! You are denying yourself happiness...
And... by getting another furbaby.. well.. that gives somepawdy else for Shelby to look out for! It's not a replacement... it is giving another furkid a great life.. and you the joy in sharing it!
Let me put it this way...
you know the joy that we have curling up with our fur kids... doing things that bring them joy.. buying those favourite toys or treats.....watching them snuggle down for the night in our covers... It feeds our soul. It makes us whole. And that is what gives us the utmost satisfaction.. a happily fed soul! You are not whole at the moment.. and it is not because Shelby is gone. She is only gone in the physical form, she will never be gone from your soul.. but your soul is ready to be fed again.... you need to feed it.
And never feel guilty about getting another dogger..... you love dogs.. you didn't just commit your life to love only one dog.. there are many dogs that you will love! And each one will have a special place in your heart.. right beside Shelby! After all.. she is saying that she will always be with you.... even when you get another furbaby to spoil!
You are meant to be trampled at the Bridge when you arrive... soaked with sloppy kisses and bruised from many paws jumping on you for joy!
Start looking girlfriend... don't deny yourself... you have so much to give to another little guy or gal... it's a shame to see you let it go to waste... And by volunteering at the shelter.. you never know.. one day, hopefully soon, your eyes will lock and you will see two ears perk up.... and bingo!!!!
Amy, Lori, Sally, Claudia, Elizabeth and Bonnie.. (and anyone I may have forgotten at this time... forgive me.. ) Ladies.. if you feel that my words may be applied towards you at this time.. then you are ready too!!!! If you sit and read this and say to yourself.. hey.. I think Christine is right..
I don't want to admit that I am ready.. then you know what you need to do!! If we were not dog lovers.. we would have never met here at all..... would we have?
I do look forward to reading stories and posts and seeing pictures of the future!!
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!
@ Lori - thank you so much! Definitely next time I find myself on an 'east coast' tour! Aren't the leaves pretty in the fall there? 
Thank you for posting about your picnic... you're right. Little milestones - getting past those "firsts" are the hardest part!
@ Amy - I want to see a photo of the necklace! I ADORE mine that Rene made for me. I didn't have it w/me this weekend for fear I would lose it or it would get left behind and I felt 'off'. maybe I need to wear that to be connected. And I think ALL pennies count, one, two or three! I'm sorry Sammie seems sad. I remember that growing up when we lost a childhood dog and the companion pet was sad. I always had 2 dogs growing up. I can't imagine what they must think or feel.
@ Christine - I adore you!!! I am a huge fan of tough love (sometimes) and yes, a lot of what you said resonates with me. I was indeed meant to be a fur-mom. Kids have never been my thing. Never wanted them. People, I can take or leave most of the time. But dogs, dogs are where it's add. My best weekends / nights were ALWAYS curled up w/my best girl. Snuggles were the best! I grew up with dogs. I can't recall any time in my life when there wasn't a pet, either with me or at my parents home. Until now. It's a surreal void.
I don't want to be sad. I really don't. I want to smile, laugh, be joyful in the sunshine like I used to. I don't wish to make this some sort of self-fulfilling prophecy about grief for forever.
As I am looking online for pet places to volunteer, I do glance at their adoptions. First off - OMG - $300 for a rescue dog?!? Shelby was $25. LOL But the application process is huge (as it should be) and since I live in an apt with no outdoor access unless I take the dog outside and I do work long hours (Shelby was great - she could go all day, from day one, she was a trooper) so I worry that I won't even pass the application process.
I may need all of you to write me a recommendation that I was the best dog mom to a dog with terminal cancer and gave her my life for the entire 10 months where most (not us of course) would have given up. I may be single. I may live in a small apt (but I want a small dog anyways). And I may work long hours. But if/when I get a pet, I will devote the time and energy she needs to having the best life possible. I think I am just not emotionally ready for that commitment again so I hope that a rescue place will call me back about my expert dog walking skills!
And Christine - no pennies in Canada anymore? I had no clue! It's been a while since I've been north of the border!
XOXO
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
I have never found more than one penny at a time. Sometimes more than one in a day. Alison, I will write you a recommendation anytime. Also, there are other ways besides a shelter. Don't get me wrong, I am all for rescuing a shelter pup. But sometimes, you can prevent a dog from even going to a shelter. Sometimes people just need to rehome a dog. Moving or other circumstances. Shelby will lead the way. Christine, loved the cartoon. I am still not ready. I still own 2, so I don't think, as much as I miss my boy that I will be adding a 3rd one soon. Although, you just never know.........Amy, my Border Collie seems sad also. That and he digs now, never used to. That was Ty's thing. I worry a lot about him as he will be 11 in July. Always watching him for something wrong. Lucy is just oblivious. She is happy, happy, happy no matter what. Kind of like Ty. Also, Alison, you DID say your schedule is lighter in Summer. 
and if you work at the shelter, that should give them a clear view of how loving you are. Hugs form, 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.
LOVE THE "cartoon" AND your post Christine! And Lori...good points about "shelter dogs"...or preventing o e from becoming one.
Amy, Sammie and Lori's Border Collie need to jave a playdate! You jave to include Lucy too!
alison.....o,ay...just a prediction....nooo waaaaay you can work at a shelter and not jave at least one...if not two...dogs withing te first week!
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!
You bet we would write up a recommendation!
Volunteering is awesome when you're ready for it. No better way to lift spirits.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Awe ... thank you my friends!!! I am glad to know if I need recommendations, I will have plenty to share! 🙂
I reached out (again) to the rescue place - "Karma Rescue" in Los Angeles and they invited me to an orientation on the 14th. I offered to be a "guardian angel" as that is a volunteer that takes the pooches out for walks, hikes, etc and gets to know the personalities a bit better so as to write better descriptions to get them adopted! Since I can't foster right now, this is the next best thing.
And Sally - you hush! Two dogs?!? Shelby and I were on top of each other in my tiny 700 sqft 1 bedroom apt! I can't imagine two youngsters crashing around like bat crazed canines! 🙂
And yes, summer is lighter for me ... while I do work daily, my hours are lighter (I think) and I can definitely devote some time to shelter/rescue pets! 
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 yay! That sounds like a perfect commitment for you right now Alison, how cool! Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Alison,
I will write a recommendation for you if needed just let me know. Anything.
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."
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