Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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mom2shelby said
I think what ultimately strikes me right now is that I am struggling to find myself again ... my new identity. I feel somewhat like an impostor on this site b/c not only do I no longer have a Tripawd, I don't even have a pet. I have considered volunteering for a local shelter here but the applications all ask about your dog (pets). I feel like an impostor there too. It's such a surreal feeling ...
Well, I'm still here, and I don't even have a pet right now, either. Did you ever at any point read one of my posts and think how strange I am for still being here?
I pondered the issue a little after we lost Zeus, but I kept coming back to the conclusion that I have something to offer to others. Whether it be the random person that I can offer my actual experience to (amputating even though mets were visible at diagnosis, low WBC counts after every single stinkin' chemo, etc.) or just offering support to someone. We all like to know that we are not alone in hard times. It is comforting to know that someone else has walked the path and to learn from their experience instead of reinventing the wheel. I want to be there for others the same way that so many were there for me. I guess that means I'm 'paying it backwards' ? 
All I know is that the few days before amp, and during the entire ten months after, I absorbed every single work other members typed. Those posts gave me comfort, hope, and understanding and they helped me to give the best possible care and quality of life to my precious boy. That is priceless and I will stay here in the hopes that I can be of help to even one single person. I hope you and Sally will stay here with me....
Lisa
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Goodness gracious! How could I possiby leave this site? Who would help the Admin Guy with his comuter challenges??
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!
benny55 said
Who would help the Admin Guy...
We'd be lost without you Sally! 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
zeuspod said
mom2shelby said
I think what ultimately strikes me right now is that I am struggling to find myself again ... my new identity. I feel somewhat like an impostor on this site b/c not only do I no longer have a Tripawd, I don't even have a pet. I have considered volunteering for a local shelter here but the applications all ask about your dog (pets). I feel like an impostor there too. It's such a surreal feeling ...
Well, I'm still here, and I don't even have a pet right now, either. Did you ever at any point read one of my posts and think how strange I am for still being here?
I pondered the issue a little after we lost Zeus, but I kept coming back to the conclusion that I have something to offer to others. Whether it be the random person that I can offer my actual experience to (amputating even though mets were visible at diagnosis, low WBC counts after every single stinkin' chemo, etc.) or just offering support to someone. We all like to know that we are not alone in hard times. It is comforting to know that someone else has walked the path and to learn from their experience instead of reinventing the wheel. I want to be there for others the same way that so many were there for me. I guess that means I'm 'paying it backwards' ?
Lisa
You know what Lisa said it great. It doesn't matter if you have a pet (fur baby) or not. You are here helping others. It felt different after Sassy left me. I felt like I didn't belong because I didn't have a Tripawd. But Lisa, Rene, Karma & Erica told me it didn't matter that there were others who had quadpaws and still were here or didn't have anyone and were still giving. So I stuck around. I am still here. You know when the time is right for you the right baby will be there. Right now its not the right time.
I think we all go through those feelings of not belonging after our babies are gone. But that is the nice thing about being here in this family is just that we are FAMILY. We wouldn't kick out one of our family members just because they don't have a fur baby any longer. We all give in our own ways. Every time you tell about Shelby you are helping someone & keeping her alive.
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."
Your getaway to Palm Springs sounds wonderful. French fries and chocolate always taste good but they will be much better where you're going!
This is such an emotional roller coaster. I know we said the same thing when we still had our tripawds with us, but the aftermath is just as full of ups and downs. I'm just as confused about my place here now but I want to think I can offer up a tidbit of helpful info here and there. On the down side, I tend to cry more when visiting here. Just seeing some of our furbabies banners chokes me up.
Sally, thanks for the hugs. I'm sending more your way too. 
I saw Happy Hannah's lovely banner when I got here.
Hugs to All,
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
Thank you all for your continued kind words and comfort. Absolutely I am NOT going anywhere ... sorry y'all - you're stuck with me! Glitter and all!
Lisa - you are 100% correct - I don't even really notice the posts about people who have (or do not have) dogs or tripawds here. It's all a community of love and support. And like you, this site was a lifeline for me and Shelby during our journey and it will be Shelby's legacy and my honor to continue to offer support, wisdom, experience to those starting the scary journey. It's all about perspective and I am thankful for the alternative perspective you all have given me. I tend to be very black and white in my thinking and I am grateful for the help to see the grayer areas.
Michelle - agreed ... we are a family here. Family that loves and supports through good and bad times.
Amy, I saw Libby's banner this a.m.! I see her and Happy Hannah a lot ... And Brendol. Always makes me smile. Such pretty girls ... and of course, all the others that I didn't know but clearly are beautiful and amazing pooches!
And Bonnie - I think as I work through this grief and try and come out a better person and a more wise person, things will become more clear for me.
Right now, I am on day 16 of working / days/ nights, etc... I am exhausted. I don't necessarily think or communicate clearly but i am grateful for all the love and support each of you has shown and continue to show me. I plan to keep up Shelby's blog with happy memories .. She has so many stories left to tell.
And I know this will definitely be the first place and the best place to introduce a new fur baby into my life when/if the time comes ... because YOU will all support, love and enjoy the new antics ... Blessed to have you all in my life ...
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
It has been 6 mos almost to the day since I lost my dear Salem. It does not even seem like it has even been that long. I will say, that there are days where I look back and smile and laugh and remember all the good times. Then there are days (especially at night time) when I really just break down and cry and miss him. It has gotten "easier" but it will never ever go away.
Things I have done to try to cope:
I got a kitten. (hes crazy and keeps me busy!)
I had some of my favorite pictures blown up and put on canvas
I sent his collar (and my other kitty's collar) to a friend and she is making a shadowbox display for me
I have been making pillows out of his onesies
I write in my blog as much as I can (sharing stories of him)
I talk about him. All the time. And I don't care how annoyed it makes people because its helping ME.
And now I am starting to make cat toys as a way to be creative and to help me process everything. its working
So I suggest, doing something that makes you honor the memories. even if it is only for you and Shelby because honestly, thats ALL that matters.
<3 Kendi
Mommy of furbaby Salem Bynx
came to my home in 2007
Lost his leg due to cancer
Left us Dec 2013 :(
Wow Kendi I can't believe six months has passed. I'm glad you're still here, thank you. Cat toys? That's awesome!
I think that the pawrents who able to be here after their Tripawd has become an angel can offer even more insight than someone who is in the midst of the turmoil of coping with amputation, healing, cancer therapy etc. You are able to take a step back and offer your experience and open arms from an entirely different and very insightful perspective. Time heals but it also makes us wiser.
There aren't enough words to describe our gratitude for the pawrents of angel Tripawds who choose to remain here and help the community in so many different ways. Thank you thank you thank you. 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yes and I will be donating part of the proceeds of my cat toy sales to this site. 🙂
I couldn't imagine not being on this site. I do not come as often but I am still here!
i love you all!!
<3 Kendi
Mommy of furbaby Salem Bynx
came to my home in 2007
Lost his leg due to cancer
Left us Dec 2013 :(
Awwww. You are pawesome, thanks! xoxo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you Kendi! It's good to hear from someone who has been in this journey longer than I have. I do read your blog and I love that you keep Salem alive through that and with your new business! That's amazing...
Like I have always said, should Tripawds ever need a fundraiser, I am happy to donate my skills/services. This cause is near and dear to my heart and while I might never be a mom to a Tripawd again, I will always have a special spot for them in my heart.
The "Shelby Shrines" as I call them in my small 700 sqft apt are definitely a place where I can see my girl all the time and feel her with me. And her banner just popped up today! 🙂
I still haven't touched her beds, toy box or collars and that is A-OK in my mind. They don't need to move. They aren't hurting anything by sitting where they are (actually one of her beds is still in my car from when she passed away).
This site is one of the first places I go in the a.m. (it used to be FB). You are my family... lots of love to us all!
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
Good morning all
I read every word that all of you post about the losses of your beautiful furbabies and, while I don't always comment, I salute the strength all of you show. The grace you demonstrate to all of us who still fear the "what ifs" on this journey is amazing....even though you may not feel it.
For those of you (Sally and Alison) who don't think they belong anymore because their tripawds have crossed the bridge - please stay - your experiences are SO valuable to those people who are just starting this journey and for all of us who continue on it.
Much love and many hugs to all of you,
Linda and Tucker
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!
Great picture Chris. Very true. Everyone is totally different. I hit reply & guess whose Banner popped up. Yep, Shelby.
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."
Awe!!!! The Shelby banner!!! ❤️
Thank you Chris. I love this. So true. No one knows what's in my heart and soul. Or anyone else's for that matter. Time heals all.
Hugs always.
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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