Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Some milestones hit me harder than others ... perhaps it is because it is January and I am reliving the next four months of our journey, perhaps because our last time together seems to be drifting further and further away ... I don't know. But today is hard. I remember my paralyzing fear one year ago - at work, scared that Shelby would have her surgery/scared that she wasn't well enough to do it.
Then the recovery. I never regretted our decision but I sure as heck had a tough time as a single mom. I can try and remember the laughable moments (Shelby in the bathroom with her purple bath mat), refusing to eat out of her own bowl, trips to In & Out for burgers since she was iron deficient... getting the sparkle back. Fearing every little step she took and carrying her even when she was OK to walk.
And then nine months ago, she left this earth ...in the most beautiful and peaceful manner ...
And then I get angry. Why do people think that because I have a new dog I should be fine? Why do people think this is some sort of self-fulfilling prophecy that I want to be sad, and grieve forever. Why do people say "oh, she was 13 1/2, she had a good life at least"... I know she did live long but it's never enough time. I thought she would live to 15. I had planned for that. It is a battle within my own mind so how can I even explain it to others? Yes, I love Jasper Lily very much and in a very different way. But it doesn't make me miss my Shelby any less. It doesn't make me talk to Shelby any less. It doesn't make me long for her velvet ears one more time. I close my eyes and try really hard to feel her, that lean against me.
I swear last weekend (and anyone other than y'all would think I was bonkers) that I felt Shelby leaning on me. I was in bed - alone (Jasper was in the other room) and I felt something 'heavy' on my side. Only for a brief moment but I know it wasn't a pillow or anything. I felt something on my leg...
I know Shelby 'visits' and I love it. Jasper gets the growlies and I know it's Shelby... I saw a DIME yesterday ... Shelby usually sends pennies so maybe it was Shelby and Polly together ... letting me know that they are happy and having fun and watching out for us.
I've seen Shelby's banner three times today alone. I cry a little less but it doesn't mean I grieve any less ... it doesn't make the "8th" of every month any easier ...but I don't dwell. I try and acknowledge each month... communicate it and know that she is forever in my heart...
I miss you Shelby Lynne... so very 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
Awwee . . . even though Harmony hasn't been gone as long as Shelby Lynn, I can so totally relate to everything you say.
Did you ever get to see the movie "What Dreams May Come"? It was pretty-much a flop in the theaters, but it was such a beautiful movie. The way they represented heaven was so soothing. In fact, when I think about my Harmony, I think about when Robin Williams first arrived and his Dalmatian met him in the field. I hold on to that scene knowing this is how our fur-babies will greet us.
Shelby Lynn is waiting for you. At the Bridge, time here on earth is but a blink of the eye. She won't be waiting long and you'll feel that heavenly lean again, but this time it will be forever.
http://media-ca.....1126a5.jpg
xoxoxo
pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
You go girl! Love reading your insightful posts.....so .....so.....so you! And that's refreshing always!
The purple mat deal...the bathroom...that will bring me a smile everytime!
As far as "people" .making statements that you find hurtful and insensitive, I think it's really more along the lines of some misguided good intentions. On top of that, it's really impossible...impossible...for them to understand the intensity of this tripawd journey.. WE GET IT ALISON!! WE UNDERSTAND! Don't put any energy in trying to explain to those "other people"....it's just too complex for anyone to understand unless you've been on this journey. Just try and remember EVERY statement they make IS well intended and from a place of care and concern for you. And....just possibly....once these statements rattle around in that fun brain of yours, your fiter may already be a bit on the defensive anyway. Comprendo?
As far as BONKERS....HECK YEAH YOU ARE! WE ALL ARE here and wouldn't have it anyother way! If being bonkers means feeling the presence of our furbabies, then sign me up!!!!!!
With love and hugs always!
BONKERS, Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
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!
Alison, I loved your blog post. The ampuversary anniversary is HUGE, who can blame you for feeling the way you do? Nobody here, that's for sure. You've been through a lot, and yes, as a single pawrent, you've experienced far more hard times than those of us fortunate to have a supportive partner who went through it too. Both then and now, your strength as a solo pawrent is clear, you are rock solid, even though you don't feel it sometimes. Be proud of that.
There are so many ways each one of us grieves, and there's no right or wrong way to go about it, just always do your best and even though the times can get ruff, remember #ShelbyStrong and feel the love she is sending your way. I have no doubt that was hear leaning on you. Even at the Bridge, she still needs the love of her mamma.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Beautiful tributes, that only those that have loved and grieved for our dear pets understand - and we do.
These dates are hard, but are also a way to honor those beautiful creatures that brought so much love and joy to our lives.
hugs,
Daniela & Johnnie
Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet. Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues. Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle. October 17: started having seizures. Taking fenobarbital for seizures. April 18: started prednisone.
Thank you everyone for the endless love and support. For kicks .. I did go back and read my first posts. OMG ... what a chatty one I was?!? LOL and I love how, like now, I work myself through things via writing ... I am so happy you all continue to indulge me! I guess as a single person and an only child, I do have a lot to say! 
I was indeed a mixture of emotions but somehow, reading those old posts somehow were soothing today... I don't know. Somehow it reminded me how strong my girl and I were and how we pulled through. And I will pull through again.
And thank you, Rene!!! - "I have no doubt that was hear leaning on you. Even at the Bridge, she still needs the love of her mamma." it does help my heart to know that.
@Pam - I haven't seen that movie but I will. I saw your blog post the other day(sometimes I can post, sometimes not) but I really liked what you said about feeling peace knowing Harmony (and our others) will be right there waiting for us. It also brings me peace to know that. I know I will feel that lean and those ears again and it will be the absolute best!
Love to you 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
It is hard sometimes for me to believe it has been almost a year since the surgeries. We seemed to run almost on a parallel, there were like 4 of us. All a few weeks apart. I was feeling so off today. Just grouchy and sort of down and sad. When I read your post, it hit, oh that is why? I found Ty's biopsy report yesterday. I thought I had thrown all of that c stuff away. I read it over, actually read it and now can see what I could not bring myself to see last January. He was really, really sick
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.
Alison, I am sorry! I reread your post and see that TODAY is Shelby's one year Ampuversary. Somehow, I jumbled things and just started rambling away. Somehow that one year mark hits hard. I think maybe because, that was my goal. I wanted that year. We all did. 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.
I am so sorry you are having a bad day. Know those of us who have had that 'big' loss understand exactly how you feel. I wish I could wave a magic wand and take away the pain for those who need it. That would be the ultimate ability.
You are in my thoughts today, as is sweet Shelby. And for sure, those who haven't been through what we have, really don't understand the depth of our feelings, or that there will not be another to replace our heart dog.
I am jealous of those who get those special 'visits'. Trouble checks on Bob, but never comes to me. I feel a little left out, but know she thinks he needs her more.
Hugs to you.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Thinking of you, Allison. You wrote this post so beautifully.
Hugs,
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
Shanna, Happy Hannah isn't visiting me yet either! If Bob sees her hanging out with Trouble when he gets a visit, tell him to jave her stop by, okay,?
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!
Thank you all... definitely my heart dog ... a phrase I never knew until I found this site. I always called (and still do) Shelby my soul mate. And she will always be.
SO last night - I'm fighting (well the cold is winning) a cold and went to bed super early. Jasper Lily is being a super PITA so I left her in the living room. In the middle of the night, I hear it ... the low growls, a few barks. I shush her from my bedroom (my apt is super tiny). And I feel like dog poop so I am not about to get up and see what is up.
Then for about 45 min.... the steady low-growl... like a motor running.
Yup - Shelby visiting to check on her mama! Shelby was always the BEST nurse when I was sick. I miss her so terribly much!!! I just can't handle a puppy (JL) when I don't feel great.
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
You get THE best validations from Shelby that she is with you, watching over you, n SO many ways! I love it!! And probably no other dog would recognize her presence like Jasper Lily, nor would they alert you to her presence! Love that roo!!
Hope you feel better sweet Alison. Yeah, when the temperatures in Calofornia from 80° to 60°, those kinds of COLD temperatures can play havoc with your health!!!! BRRRRR......
Do take Echinacea....I absolutely swear by it! It's a natural herb that boosts your immune system. I find it to be VERY effective if taken at the very first hint of anything. It's still effective if taken even after a cold has blown up full force...it'll shorten it's "time frame"
Hugs and love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
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!
Alison,
I'm sorry to hear your fighting a cold on top of all the emotional challenges with this month. That can make one feel super yucky...
. I'm so envious of all these special little moments when Shelby comes to visit. And feeling her laying against your leg....I sure wish I could feel my Leland laying next to me again. I'm glad you have these special moments with Shelby's spirit...I hope it eases the pain you feel in your heart just a little.
Hugs
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Aww Shelby was sending you healing medicine. Well take it easy and feel better, everywhere we go people are sneezing and coughing!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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