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4.8.14 - 9.8.14 - Today is the 5 month marker of Shelby becoming an angel and the one year marker of when we got that horrible diagnosis that her spleen needed to come out and it was most likely hemangiosarcoma. The next 7 months will be a constant reminder of what we went through and how our strength and faith were tested ... and how our love and our bond pulled us through.
I have updated her blog today but it's long and wordy (as I tend to be)...
As I see the photos from the last year show up on my phone in the Timehop app, I will try and focus on the fun we had and hopefully that (and Shelby's spirit) will guide me through this next phase of our journey. It doesn't get easier. There is a dull ache that remains in my heart and I can feel Shelby guiding me to be strong, to not cry (as much) and to be brave ... all through little Jasper ...
much love my friends ...
alison with the spirit of shelby fur-ever in her heart (and little jasper too)
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 know that sometimes it feels like it doesn't get easier. The emptiness, the feeling of missing Shelby, will always be there. But, if you can cushion the emptiness with happy memories it will help. You and Shelby did so many fun things together so I know that you have many happy memories to think about.
I'm thinking about your sweet girl today too, and about you. And I'm sending you love and hugs.
xoxo
Carol
Nicely said Carol......"If you can cushion the emptiness with happy memories it will help".......
Alison, we're here by your side...we'll help you through..Shelby will help you through. Shelby installed so much sgrength into your character, so much determination, so much joy and love! Sad memories may creep up on you and yes, your heart still aches, but SHELBY STRONG isn't about to let you go too deep into sadness without doing "something" to make you laugh out loud.......and that ":something" is called the gem she sent you..Jasper Lily. I jave a feelingnher antics will be a little more outrageous than before...per Shelby's instructions!!!
Maybe it would help to pick out some pictures to share with us duringnyour rough moments...ones that make you smile.....okay, that would be waaaaay too many pictures!!!
Okay...maybe a better idea (or not)......sit with LittleJasper Lily by your side....go through some pictures of Shelby...see which ones she reacts to...and post those!!!
Always sending you and Shelby love...and lil Jasper Lily too!
Sally and My Eternal Light Happy Hannah and My Pal Merry Myrtle Mae!
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 Carol and Sally ... there are definitely plenty of happy memories and good times that we shared. Shelby would absolutely NOT want me to be sad ... her joy in life was bringing me joy.
I do tell Jasper about Shelby every day. I tell her much Shelby meant to me and how much I loved her and how much Shelby would have loved Jasper and they would have been great friends! Yup, Jasper probably is sick of hearing about her big sis but she knows everything! And she knows she has big paws to fill - all four!
Photos?!? Oh you know I've got photos! 
This was us a year ago ... a few days before her spleen was removed. "Puppy Play-date"... the wine was mine - not hers!
And when she started to play again after her amp:
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And of course ... what I have to put up with every morning now ... Jasper Lily plays! She LOVES to play fetch. This is only a snippet of what would easily go on for hours if Jasper had her way. Yup, my sweet angel is sending signals to have Jasper bring me smiles and joy so I'm not as sad on days like these.
Much love my friends ... so much love!
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
That photo ofnyou and Shelby...and Shelby holding onto your arm....OMD....PRECIOUS AND PRICELESS!!!
And Shelby knocking out her toys...her babies...to decide which one she wanted to bring you...soooo cute! And you could see her tail wagging so proudly!!
Although I couldn't see Jasper Lily's video very well...I sure could hear her squeaking her toys with every single step!!!
Merry Myrtle was sound asleep......UNTIL....the Jasper started the SQUEAKY SWAGGER!!!
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!
Oh, these anniversaries can be so hard. It is like we want them to come so we can just get through the first one of everything and yet we dread them. I means it has bee awhile since we have seen and held our babies. My heart goes out to you. I too really like the saying " cushion the pain with good memories. And good memories you have made with Shelby. Don't tell my guys, they have never been to a winery. Hang in there and stick with us, we will get uh rough this together. Love and hugs 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.
Alison,
My heart is with you.......like Lori said, these anniversaries are so hard, and they will never get any easier. I don't
want to sound pessimistic, I guess I just mean that it will always be hard, but we eventually learn to somehow adjust to it.
I know Shelby is still by your side, I truly believe in this, as all our Angel Tripawds are still beside all of us. Thanks for sharing more pics and videos of her with us, she surely was a cutie.
Keeping you in my heart and thoughts tonight,
Much Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Those videos are just adorable!
I know exactly how you feel Allison, these reminders are hard in so many ways, but try to let them be reminders....to live in the present and treasure ever second, just as Shelby did and Jasper does. As the coming months take you back to those days of coping with her cancer, keep telling your heart that the magic in all of the years you had together are far more powerful than the sadness you feel when a reminder hits. I hope that makes sense.
Lotsa hugs coming your way, thanks for sharing the pics (and you too Sally, that Myrtle is just looking so gorgeous and grown up!).
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yes! Really like what Jerry just said...and n it makes perfectly good sense!!!
"Keep telling your heart that the magic of all the years you had together are far more powerful than the sadness you feel when a reminder hits."
Now that's a quote that needs a lot of repeating around here!!!
Nice Rene, very nice.
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,
Trust in your strength and you will get through this. I know it may not feel like it now but you are one tough lady!! You and Shelby walked this path together and fought against cancer and made many wonderful memories.
My heart goes out to you and the hurt that you're heart is feeling but like you said Shelby would NOT want you to be sad. Look into those precious eyes of Jasper's and know that she's there supporting you and ready to put a smile on your face.
Whenever you need to let the hurt out that's in your heart you just come here. Your Tripawd family is always here to lend support and listen.
Sending you a warm HUG!!
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!
jerry said
As the coming months take you back to those days of coping with her cancer, keep telling your heart that the magic in all of the years you had together are far more powerful than the sadness you feel when a reminder hits. I hope that makes sense.
Perfectly said - as always!!!
Thank you everyone for your kind words of support and love (and hugs)! This community is like none-other for sure. I am a whole lot tougher/stronger than I give myself credit for ... that is for darn sure!
I did go home yesterday, went for a run and remembered what I loved best about Shelby ... her ability to always make me laugh AND smile and that is coming through more and more in Jasper Lily.
Maybe it was the full moon and maybe it was Shelby sending Jasper a little nudge but this is what I come home to and what I wake up to - a little dog that was a street dog that now has a great life by the beach (that she hates - lol) but all sorts of toys ALL of her very own and a place where she can finally relax and feel safe .. I know she loves me a lot more than I love her but I DO love her and I do care for her and I am HAPPY and JOYFUL that I was strong enough to keep her and help her come out of her shell ...
Thank GOD for the 2 for $5 bin at Petco!!!
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
Yep! She is definitely related somehow to Lucy! Between the megaears and the fondness for shredding stuffies, she has to be. Thank you for sharing her pictures. They always make me smile. She just looks so content and happy laying there surrounded by her toys. now, if we can just convince her that the beach is a good place. Hugs 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.
Ohhhh Jasper Lily....you are a silly girl!! And that is EXACTLY what she needs!!!
Toasting to your silliness and your momma's strength!!
When you leave for work in the morning, leave some old magazines laying around...where she can reach them.....and let's see what she does with those
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!
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