Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Ripple, thanks for joining us and registering, your future posts won't need approval.
I'm sorry to hear about your pup. It does sound like you've done a ton of research on what her issue could be, you're an amazing pawrent. It's normal to be scared but remember, this is only temporary, things DO get better. Please consider starting a new topic so we can hear all about your pup and see some photos too!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
More proof we are getting back to what we love! Shelby and I had our first coffee date since becoming a Tripawd today (and she proudly wore her bandanna). No one really noticed her leg missing (or if they did, no one asked which is odd since everyone always used to ask why she was limping on 4 legs). Whatev! 🙂
This little coffee shop is less than a half mile from my house but I drove Shelby down since sometimes she gets tired going up hill and I had already run 12 miles today and wasn't that jazzed about walking UP hill with a 22.6 pound dog in my arms. And I want to hopefully teach Shelby that the car doesn't always mean the vet.
She did great - sat on my lap for about 1/2 hour until she started panting which either means she's hot OR she's bored. We came home and sat outside for a bit longer until she started to fall asleep in my arms and my legs became numb from her sitting on them. Progress. She's been home 5 weeks now - we're almost at 6 weeks post amp. She sleeps in my bedroom at night. I didn't love the 4 a.m. wake-up call this a.m. to potty but I am glad she did because she really had to poop! (I am easing her off her fiber rich diet for that reason). She breathes really loudly when she sleeps but I assume that isn't a concern and perhaps, like many things, she's always done that and I just notice it more now.
As I sat and drank my coffee, looking at her face and how HAPPY and CONTENT she seemed... I put down my phone and just embraced life as Shelby sees it ... we don't know how long we will have (and it breaks my heart when I read those that have lost their babies on this site) but we count our blessings every day and say a thank you to the universe for keeping us both safe and comfortable!
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
What a perfect way to spend a Saturday. Beautiful.
You two compliment each other so well, what great attitudes you have through thick and thin. Here's to more great coffee dates ahead!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Go Shelby!! Looks like someone needs a girls trip to the local pet store for more toys. Every moment of playing is THE BEST 
I absolutely love that you two have coffee dates, that is precious. Every dog should have as much contentment as you have brought into Shelby's life.
BTW, you DO look like our new little guy Tanner, WOW. The pound said he is a Lab/Shepard mix, but I think their twin ears scream Jack Russell all the way!
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
Go Shelby!! Looks like someone needs a girls trip to the local pet store for more toys. Every moment of playing is THE BESTBTW, you DO look like our new little guy Tanner, WOW. The pound said he is a Lab/Shepard mix, but I think their twin ears scream Jack Russell all the way!
DEFINITELY needs more toys! She is spoiled but those are also 13 years of toys since she never fully destroys any of them and gets upset when I try and purge! We call those her 'jack ears' and it warms my heart when she does that.
She is definitely getting her spirit and energy back and we'll need to figure out some options soon for getting some energy out. I might see about a pool swim once or twice a month at the PT place we went too. She's a crafty one and I know she "thinks" she can conquer the world but I do try and limit any stress she puts on those remaining limbs. She was pretty tired most of the weekend and I think it's because she did have chemo last week and it took a full week for her to recover and get her energy level back. She just was super snoozy all weekend. But very alert if I wanted her to go outside, go for a walk or eat. All in all... almost 6 weeks and still feeling blessed and happy to see more and more of my girl back (and out of the flipping bathroom)!
And thank's Jerry - we do love to go places together! She just needs to be around people other than her mama!
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
YESSSSS! I'm late to this thread, but suffice it to say, it has made my day! SHE'S PLAYING! I, too, remember when Jackson initiated tug-o-war; being a rear amp, I wondered if he'd like it anymore. BOOM! They're right back to it. It's just so magical. So precious.
I love your date with your little lady. I love more that you took the sign from her to just Be. I cherish those moments with Jackson, too. On very sunny days here with the snow, the warm on his black fur must feel sublime. The warmth on his back and cool between his toes. He loves to face plant in the snow (on purpose) and just rest there, staring, sniffing, and relaxing. I take the time, like you, to enjoy those moments. Just Being is powerful and necessary. Congrats to you and Miss Shelby for bonding together, staying together, and being each other's perfect pals.
Sorry about the 4am wakeup, but it's all making sense now! Too much whole foods for a little 22lb pup. I'm sure both of you will find the right balance.
BTW - what happened at the vet appointment? How are her lungs looking?
~ Katy & Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
fetchon3 said
I take the time, like you, to enjoy those moments. Just Being is powerful and necessary.
I agree 100 pawcent. This morning I sat next to Wyatt Ray with my hand lightly resting on his back as he was intensely focused on watching a woodpecker cross the road. That one little moment in time imprinted on my heart, it was a lovely way to start the day.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
jerry said
fetchon3 said
I take the time, like you, to enjoy those moments. Just Being is powerful and necessary.I agree 100 pawcent. This morning I sat next to Wyatt Ray with my hand lightly resting on his back as he was intensely focused on watching a woodpecker cross the road. That one little moment in time imprinted on my heart, it was a lovely way to start the day.
What wonderful comments and statements ... So nice to hear that you started your day with Wyatt Ray in such a way. Warms my heart! They can be such peaceful souls (until Shelby goes bat crazy for no apparent reason and our zen like state is completely destroyed).
@ Katy - her lung mets are still there (I guess they don't really go away, but I don't know) but they didn't grow greatly (*slightly marginal - maybe 1/16 of an inch) but nothing that the radiologist or her onco could really see or be cause for concern so hopefully that means her chemo is stabilizing them for her. We are starting her on the cancer fighting mushrooms and doing a couple more rounds of chemo. Her vet seems happy with how she's doing - almost 6 months into our fight. Shelby, as usual, is clueless to her disease. She sometimes coughs or gets a little wheezy (like her nose is congested) but no one seems concerned and it doesn't impact her day to day life in the slightest (so perhaps she's always been a heavy breather). Taking each day at a time ... hard for me! 🙂
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
So PROUD of her!!! She hates it when I video her but this literally went on and on and on last night... and it wasn't even a full moon! I really didn't think we would get back to this and while it makes me nervous to see her jump/hop on that remaining leg, I know she does know what she's doing and she realizes there is only one limb there and she's safe. But she was also running up to the toy bin and kind of sliding/skidding into it and then prancing back up! My 13 year old girl who acts like a puppy! 🙂
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 MY DOG! Look at her! Oh, her SMILES!!! Love this. Thanks for sharing the beaming energy from your girl. She's precious!
~ Katy & Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
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