Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Day 3:
I"ve noticed that I havent been eating properly, or enough probably, since I returned from my trip. I woke up this morning, feeling like I haven't eaten for days!! I also noticed Vader hasnt been eating all of his food. (this is very unusual for Vader, hr is a chunky monkey and never leaves a kibble behind.) Last night, borrowed my old roommates dog. I wanted vader to have company and maybe get back to playing. He did, and ive never seen his tail wag so fast! Needless to say, I think both of us have pur appetites back.
I put Calvert's dog tags on my key chain. So I can take a piece of him with me everywhere I go. 
Ive decided im gonna get a tattoo. Ill draw it up and show you wjat it'll look like.
Good job!!!! You're doing great but you know that. Calvert is definitely guiding you ... I didn't eat much the first few days (well cookies and brownies .. hardly good / healthy food).
I have considered a tattoo also. I have no ink on my body but told myself if I still wanted one after the one year marker passed, I would do it. We're 8 months into this grief and I still want the infinity symbol w/Shelby's initials ... just need to figure out "where" on my body!
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
Day 4:
I'm very close to completing the slideshow I promised you all. Just waiting for it to upload. then will probably upload it to youtube and share it.
LOTSA MEMORIES!!! I think doing this has been therapuetic.
I will never not miss the snuggles or the kisses, or the way he would climb on top of the couch and atack my face when he wanted to go outside. But if missing these things forever means I will never EVER forget the joy and the laughter and all the good times we had, then I can live with that. Take the good with with bad.
I am in such awe of your hopeful tone and your "glass half-full" way of thinking ... you truly embody all that Calvert was ... to Be More Dog !
I can't wait to see the video!
Hugs and love,
alison with the spirit of shelby
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're truly an inspiration in how to handle grief. I think a tattoo is a wonderful idea. My husband has talked about getting a tattoo of our Leland. Me...I can't stand needles so the thought of a bunch of needles poking my skin gives me the heebie jeebies...
I'm satisfied with the Mother's ring I had made with all 3 of my boys birthstones.
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!
SAHANA AND LELAND! I LOVE the idea of the Mother's ring with your dogs' birthstone!!!!!
ALISON AND SHELBY! Just the thought of you trying to decide where to put the tattoo made me laugh....so many visuals went through my head!!!
AIMEE AND CALVERT. I love that y ou brought someone over for Vader to play with and that it cheered him up. Calvert will be sending you someone real soon...I just feel it! And yes, as much as this grief part sucks and hurts, you are able to focus on the wonderful fun filled times you and Calvert shared...and that's just beautiful! You make Calvert soooooo proud!!!
Cannot wait for the slideshow.....tears and laughter st the same time just thinking about it!!
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!
Day 5:
I got home from my trip on wed Dec 3rd. Since that day, we have had 1 day of sunshine. The day I laid Calvert to rest. The presence or lack of sunshine affects mods. I will tell you what, Calvert, you tell mother nature rp turn up the sun!!! We need it! I'll leave you dog cookies for the next time you decide to come visit!! Bribery?? C'mon!!!!
Day 6::
Im starting to really recognize just how vast the void inside my heart is. Another day goes by, another day I feel the eerie quiet of my house. I watch as Vader just sleeps the days away, refusing to play with any of his toy, or even have the gumption to bark at the church crowd across the street. He is eveneating much less. Im starting to become concerned. Any advice?? I dont kniw how to help him ge t back his spunk. Frankly, his behavior reminds me of Calverts when I returned from my trip and he was much much worse. Vet visit maybe?
Yeah, that awful void in your heart.....no known cure, for sure.....poor Vader definitely seems depressed, but maybe a trip to the vet couldn't hurt just to rule out something else. Perhaps a trip to the nearest Petsmart or Petco would get him around people and other pups and lift his spirits somewhat......Fortunately I didn't have to deal with severe depression in any of my remaining pets after Polly's loss, just my own.
I am hoping Vader's heartache eases soon as well as your own, just unfortunately takes a lot of time.....also hoping that yes, sun come out, dammit !! I can relate to the "lack of sun" icky moods.....
Calvert is close by, of that I am sure.....he will always be guiding you along the way....
Keeping you and Vader in my thoughts,
{{{Hugs}}}
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Yes, theree that initial bizzare twinge of relief when a dog crosses over and he leaves with a wagging tail..The intensity @eading up to that moment ks excruciatingly emotional as you try to hold it all together for your dog and still "stay in the moment" until there are no more moments.
And then the void sets jn, the chsnge in routine because you are no longer caring for a tripawd who consumed your every waking moment making sure he was okay. We understand. And now you have the holidays comingnup. We understand. Stay connected...this is not any easy time.
I like Bonnie's idea of taking Vader on a little field trip and see if that perks him up. And also have the vet check him over just to reassure yourself.
Have you thought about fostering a dog over the holidays? It may help everyone heal and to the foster a world of good too!
Sending 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!
Day 7:
So, having difficulties with my slideshow video, no worries. I'll keep working.
In the mean time, I received news that I was approved to adopt a dog named Shiloh. A friend had shared Atchison animal control's post about him, and it just plucked at my heart strings. While part of my heart is shattered, It's still big enough to want to help this poor guy. If I come into a whole bunch of money, I want to start my own dog rescue. If I ever get there or when I do, I think i would name it for Calvert.
Here's his story from Atchison Animal Control's facebook page:
ANIMAL CRUELTY ***** FOUND GUILTY*****
(This is Shiloh & this is his story)
Allow me to introduce a wonderful dog to you! This here is Shiloh, a 3 year old male beagle mix.
I found Shiloh in a back yard on a chain, in the rain. This starving soul only weighed a mere 18 pounds. There was no food present, no water and his escape from the elements of Mother Nature was “NOTHING” He laid in a mud hole in the ground that he dug
When I took Shiloh off his chain in the pouring rain and put him into the Animal Control Vehicle, I got the most soft gentle kiss, with a what a relief to be “saved” look.
Shiloh was taken to the Veterinarian where he received medical care and was found to not only be starving but full of hook worms Like all cruelty cases that involve starvation, meals must be taken slow and often.
Shiloh today weighs 35 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is ready to be adopted into his own forever home. Shiloh is now neutered and he is heartworm negative. He loves other animals and is such a lover boy.
Please consider adding this wonderful boy to your family…… Help him to forget the neglect he suffered at the hands of humans and show him how a family is supposed to be.
Please help Shiloh by sharing his photo in hopes that his new family will see him and wish to add him to their family. He is such a wonderful boy. I’ve saved him, fought in court to get justice for him, won the rights to NEVER give him back to where he came from and nursed him back to health….. I NEED you to help from here……
Thank you everyone... I can't do it without you
email atchisonanimalcontrol@hotmail.com for an adoption application
http://i147.pho.....shiloh.jpg
http://i147.pho.....hiloh2.jpg
http://i147.pho.....hiloh1.jpg
I have to do a dog test still, to make sure Vader and him will get along. We'll take it slow. I'll keep you posted. Also, I'll get that damn slideshow done. grr. Technology. lol
Wow...Shiloh is just PRECIOUS!! I hope all goes well and that Shiloh is able to come home to you and Vader. I think Vader really needs another companion to help him with his sadness.
To look at what Shiloh was before to what he is now is just amazing. I know with your love and compassion that he will just flourish with you and he will never have to fear being left out in the rain to starve again.
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!
I'm just now reading your post and I'm so very sorry for your loss. It's been over 3 months for me now since I lost my Chance and the ache is still there. The funny thing is, I truly believe, he sent me a stray 6mo old black pitt mix literally to my doorstep. She showed up scared, and hungry and I took her into my home. I have been fostering her for 6 weeks now and she has been a true joy, other than her chewing problem! I have another dog, Maddie, who went through the same thing as your Vader. She was with Chance when he crossed the bridge, so I think she had an understanding of what was happening. She saw how sick he had been. She didn't look for him when we got home, but she wouldn't eat or play either for about 2 weeks. She eventually came around and then we brought Grace into our home a few months later. Taking in another pet will not make you forget about Calvert. At first you may think this dog is taking over his bed, toys, bowl, etc but that will pass when Shiloh returns the love. I say go for it, you can still mourn Calvert and help another pup at the same time. If you aren't ready for the long term commitment, then become a foster parent for some time. But even that is hard because then you know you will have to eventually let them go.
Chance is a 10ish Shetland Sheepdog Mix who was rescued from the shelter in January of 2013 and diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in September of 2013. He had a front left amputation and 6 rounds of carboplatin. He had a great 11 months and was diagnosed with lung mets on 8/23/14. He was released to the bridge on 8/28/14.
SHILOH.....YOU JUST WON THE DOOGY LOTTERY!!! Welcome to Paradise and Doggy Nirvana!!!
Vader must know you are bringing him a playmate and some joy will be restored to both of you...thanks to Calvert brining you Shiloh!!!
Huge smile on my neart for you!!
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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