Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I just typed a whole thing and then lost it to somewhere in computer world. I can't do it again. Bottom line is that I miss my girl so much. My heart hurts. It's been 9 days and I would do anything to snuggle with her right now. I picked up her pawprint from the vet yesterday. I love the keepsake but it does hit me like a ton of bricks when I see it. I know she is so happy in heaven. It's just hard without her. I know you all understand. Thank you for listening.
Yes, we completely do understand.....I am so sorry for your heartbreak and heartache, and missing your sweet Lilybear so much....My Polly has been gone for a little over a year now, and still not a day goes by that I don't miss her terribly, and want to hug her just one more time. It is very hard, and we will be here to listen to you anytime you need to vent.
Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
First: {{{{hugs}}}} TOTALLY understand your feelings.
Oh gosh I'm sorry you lost the post, I know that's frustrating. Always hit ctrl+C before you click the Submit Reply button, just in case.
Nine days is not a long time, not at all. You just have to work through each day and take it as it comes. I can tell you it does get easier but when that will happen for you I can't say, it's different for everyone. Just remember there are no "right" or "wrong" ways to cope, and no timelines. Your grief is the price paid for such a deep bond with sweet Lily. It's hard, but in the end it will not overshadow all of those great times you had together.
One way I found it easier to cope with grief when we lost Jerry was each time I started to feel the loss, I would instantly pull up a happy memory in my mind of us together, of Jerry running and being the happy dog he was. It's like changing the channel really. In that way you can train your brain to change the channel to happier times. Sounds crazy but do it enough times and it works.
Hang in there and share more pics and stories about her here if you'd like, we always enjoy learning more about our angels.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
(((((HUGS))))))) I remember how I felt when Shelby's paw print and remains came home ... bittersweet... it felt good that she was 'home' again but it was still a hard reality.
Nine days isn't that much time - at all. We all get it here. I"m going on a year and I still have those moments ... longing for one last snuggle....
Sending you love and hugs ... we're all here for you!
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
Thank you for coming here today. We've all had you on our hearts.
The law print you jave is lovely. I really like the "presentation". Very fitting for your girl.
All I say is, for me, the grief got worse before it got better. I think once initial shock of the actual transition wears off, the sobering reality of the loss, the void, the realization that the routine of caring for your tripawd's every need, you feel the hurt in a seemingly unbearable and never ending depth. You cant wait to get home to check on Lily...you go tl fix her meals, you go to bed without her, you wake up without her. You will, at some point realize she can NEVER be taken from you. Her energy surrounds you and is immersed in every fiber of your being!!
It does let up. It still shows up in waves, you still feel the heartache deeply...vut it's not non-stop! You start remembering some of the beautiful times more and more. Pictures are always vittersweet for me, but more often than not now, I smile and FEEL the wonderful memories they provide.
I remember thinking when my Happy Hannah transitioned I would be able to handle it in my own...privately. I've lived through enough losses to understand grief. Nope...stayed connected to this life line like I always have from day one of this journey! EVERYONE here will tell you there is nothing that comlares o prepares you for the loss of a tripawd!
Stay connected. Keep sharing beautiful memories and photos here. Know that LILYBEAR WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!! Her life matters! She continues to touch lives with her life affirming legacy!!! She handles her journey with grace and courage...just like her humans who she loved so dearly! Just as you felt privileged to have Lily Bear in your lives, she felt just as privileged to have you in hers! NOTHING can ever break that bond!
Surrounding yiu with the eternal grace and love of Lilybear
Sally and My Guiding Light 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!
You're indeed surrounded by folks here who truly understand the pain in your heart. For me I felt like a zombie for the first couple of weeks with a lot of crying episodes. After some time passed my "zombie state" subsided but I would tear up easily because of missing my Leland. This is all part of grieving a great loss so don't feel like something is wrong with you if somebody says "it was just a dog" or "you should just get over it." People that say these things have no concept of the journey that we travel with our furkids.
This month will mark 9 months since I had to let Leland go and things are better. I still miss him and wish he were still with me curled up on the couch but like you I've accepted that he's in a much better place now. He's finally healthy, has all 4 legs, and is having a blast with all his Tripawd brothers and sisters at the Bridge while waiting for me to join him. I find that thought the most comforting that he's waiting for me when it's my time to leave this earth and we'll cross into Heaven together.
So just hang in there...we're all here supporting you and wrapping you in a BIG 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!
I'm sorry your pain is so raw. Grief is a long process. It is a particularly long process when you've been down the cancer road with your heart dog. Know you aren't alone. Many of us have gone before you, and we can totally relate to what you are feeling. Be kind to yourself, be patient. One day the tears slowly start to be replaced with the happy memories. That doesn't mean you will never have tears again. I still have them 4 years later, but now there are many more happy memories than sad ones.
Take the time you need to heal. Know Lily will live forever in your heart and will guide you in ways you never imagined.
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.
I am sorry today was so rough. Everyone has said it so well above. 9 days is still so early. Don't let anyone tell you how long to grieve. That was the hardest, people wondering why I was still sad. This forum helped me so much. People here "get it" They are here for you in a way that is unexplainable. I was speaking with a boarder at our barn who has an ill horse. We are still not sure of his prognosis, but she asked me one day how I got through losing My Ty Guy. I did some research and found an equine loss support group. I have the info to give to her if the horse does transition. I love how Sally uses that word. Transition, just a change of address. What I was getting at about the horse is after I had talked to her for a long time, it hit me that Tripawds and all of the wonderful members here was what helped the most. Please if it helps you, stay connected. We also understand that sometimes it is hard to be here. I went through a time when I read, but could not post. Just couldn't. Guess what, everyone here understood. It does get better. I am coming up on a year and yes, it still hurts, but as everyone above stated, it comes but not as raw and hard as at first. Making a scrapbook helped me as well as making a memory garden. Everyone is different, there is no right or wrong. Grieving is a personal thing. Just know that we are holding you close in our hearts and thoughts. Lori, Ty & gang
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.
Thank you everyone! You all are so supportive. I truly appreciate it! When I first joined this group I knew I found something special. Though we all have never met, I can feel your love and support through these posts. HEre are two throw-back-thursday pics of my girl when she was just a baby. She always loved riding shotgun and did just about whatever she could to be as close to us as possible. These pictures have me smiling from ear to ear. 
Lily is beautiful for her "throwback thursday".... LOVE these photos!!!
Shelby loved to ride in the car too (and shotgun)... I truly miss that. Jasper is embracing the car but not with the same zest Shelbs did... HUGS!
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 doll! You can tell how much she really enjoyed those car rides. So sweet
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You forgote the cuteness alert!!! This is waaaaay too much sugar without a warning label!
She is just adorable! ADORABLE!!! I love how she is ooching over to get as close as possible.!
Mlre! We need more cuteness fixes today!!
Sending love and hugs
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!
Photos and videos help me a lot when the pain is so raw. Focusing on being happy that they were in my life. Remember the mundane! The more you remember, the more little things come back to you. Feel free to tell more of your story. We will listen.
It has been 4.5 years since I lost Kitty to osteo and I have to look at her picture every day. Her collar, paw print, and ashes have a shrine in my dining room (along with Toughie's). All the cards people sent are still on display. My grief does not interfere with my life but I still miss her.
That little paw print is so special but made me cry so hard for you. I hope over time it get's easier for you.
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