Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We made it through the first year of firsts, if you know what I mean....the first holidays without her, her next birthday, etc. It's been hard. I get so emotional it's almost embarrassing.
All pet lovers care deeply for their critters and treat them as family, or better 
. However, when you're faced with something like canine (or feline) cancer and decide to fight it with everything you've got, monetarily and emotionally, it takes you to a deeper level of bonding and love, if that's possible. This is how I rationalize my still raw emotions.
I still miss everything about her...her ability to talk to me with her eyes, her intelligence, her spunk. I miss our trail walks and her enthusiasm for swimming. I think dogs can tell time because every day, right around 3pm she would want to play ball in the house. Before her amputation I would chase her around the kitchen table, trying to get the ball back or whatever else she was playing "keep away" with. Of course she was too quick for me, even when I doubled back to throw her off, ha. She loved to go "bye-bye" and always had to ride shotgun when daddy went along, which meant I had to ride in the back seat. As much as she loved me, she loved her daddy more. They had an inexplicable bond that I envied and admired.
Sammie is still with us and I know she misses her "big sister". I sometimes bury my face in Sammie's neck and it feels like Libby. We are slowly looking for another dog that needs a loving home. I know there's one out there.
I will be forever connected and grateful to my Tripawd family. I'm proud of Libby's banner and get warm fuzzies when I see other familiar banners while visiting the forums. Anybody reading this already understands the value of this site and you too will be forever connected.
On her first angelversary I want to share the tribute video we put together for her. Until we meet again my sweet pea....Love, Mommy
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
Oh sweet Amy... I cannot watch your video now as I am starting to cry all over again. We ALL miss Libby so much!!! You guys welcomed me and Shelby with such love and support when we joined. Your words ... "cancer makes a stronger bond"...SO true. We fought with all that we had. We fought with every last penny I had. Until money couldn't fight anymore and cancer had the upper hand. But cancer NEVER won this battle. Libby did. She was a true warrior and she fought so hard!
I LOVE her banner. It ALWAYS makes me smile. I love her in the water. Such a beautiful girl.
As I come up on my 'one year' of 'firsts' next month ... I still remember crying my heart and soul out of the loss of Libby and for your family. I've never met you (or anyone one this site) but I feel eternally bonded. There is something there. A bond that cannot and will not be broken.
I wish I could give you a BIG hug today ... but know that Libby's beautiful spirit lives on. Shelby and Libby are buddies ... I just know it! Shelby loved the bigger dogs. And she was learning to love the water so perhaps they are chasing balls in the water together or riding in the car (if there are cars over the bridge).
Hugs, love and forever in our hearts ...
alison with the spirit of shelby fur-ever in her heart (and little jasper too)
PS - I am going to watch the video later at home where I won't mind smearing mascara!
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
Oh Amy, my dear sweet Amy, I am crying so hard right now...with you and for you.
You articulated verything straight from you heart beautifully. And we lostened with our hearts and we understand like no others can.
The delightful remembrances you shared did bring smiles through the tears. And that's what Libby wants..she wants us to remember the happy times, the thousands and thousands of happy days! And these beautiful pictures remind us of the joy and love she experienced every single second with you!
And if the Angels said, "Libby, you can do it all over again, even with that piece of crap disease, she would say SIGN ME UP!! I HAD A BLAST!"
Those puppy poctures with her little blue puppy eyes...CUTE, CUTE, CUTE!! And the sheer joy of she and Sammie on their "surfboard" just grinning ear to ear...PRECIOUS!! And eyeing that plate of goodies on the table as her sweet mug was turning a touch of "silver"...so sweet! And I remember the snow video so well...one of my favorites!!!
Amy, your tribute could not be more PERFECT! REALLY!! And the CHEERING....THE APPLAUSE....YES!!!! YES! Well deserved and well done! And I KNOW that's the greeting she got at the Bridge. I KNOW it!!
After she got her steak and ice cream, she jumled into the cyrstal clear lake and swam and froliced for hours...without ever tiring!!
OH! I almost forgot! One of the first things all the dogs and cats did was gather 'round so they coukd see the beautiful wedding ring on her paw! YEP! WEDDING RING! For those new to the journey, as Libby was prpearing for her trip to the Bridge, Amy slipped her wedding ring on Libby's paw because She always thought of herself as Steve's wife anyway! (I apologixze..I just called your husband Steve and I'm not sure if I remembered his name right LOL).
So, at the moment, Amy became a "sister wife" to Libby!
Amy, thank you again for this heartfelt, pure love tribute. You poured your heart and soul into it and it showed! LIBBY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN HERE!!!
Sending love and surrounding you with Libby's eternal grace!
Sally and My Guiding Light Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
PS. Glad you are opening your heart for a dog in need of love. I think Libby already has one picked out for you! Pay attention!
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 my has it really been a year????
I can't watch this video at work or I will be a mess!! I am going to watch it the second I get home.
We miss you so so much Libby. Amy thank you for continuing to stick around as support. I can't imagine for those of you who have lost your babies how hard that is, but I know that Libby is watching down and smiling.
xoxo
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Alison, thank you SO much for your heartwarming words. I feel the love and hugs, I truly do. It's no coincidence that the past few times I've been here today I've seen Shelby, Sassy and Happy Hannah's banners! I smile at them all but especially the ones that fought the good fight right along side Libby. We are all beautifully woven together by an ugly disease.
I believe Shelby & Libby are buddies! Shelby is teaching Libby how to play "dress up" 
while Libby teaches her to embrace the fun of water! 
Yep, Sally, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. She was soooo worth it! I can't believe I almost forgot about being a Sister Wife! lol. Libby used to lick my wedding ring over and over and over and I always joked, because of her love for my hubby (Bret), that she was trying to get it off my finger. I laughed so much when you dubbed me a Sister Wife...it's perfect! I feel your love Sally. You continue to be an inspiration.
I know, Erica, right? A whole year. Many times it all seems so fresh and recent. Today was a no eye make up day for me because I knew it wouldn't last. Let's hope you don't have to go through this with Jilly for many years to come.
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
BRET! Sorry...I guess "Steve" is a "secret sister hubby" !
Yes Amy, we are all woven together...especially those of us with similar transition times. But also woven together by the love and the memories that make us smie...and those banners!! It is amazing...but not happenstance...how certain ones show up at certain times.
Love and light always
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 Amy I can't believe Libby has been gone a year. Big wet salty things are rolling down my cheeks as I watched this video. I remember sitting in the chat room with you when you told us. Yes, our girls fought hard. I always love looking at her banner when it pops up. I wish Sassy had loved the water like Libby did. But after she about drowned that did it for any kind of water even baths she hated that word lol.
Thinking of you on this very hard day in your life. ((((((Amy))))))
love you Libby
xoxoxo
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."
Amy, Bret and Sammie,
Wow. Your generous gift to the community (thank you so very much!) and reminder of what today is just caught us by surprise. A whole year. Whoooah.
Well we work from our doghouse on wheels, I with no makeup, so I figured if I bawled when watching the video that it would be OK. And I did bawl. As I sat here stroking Wyatt's fur, watching Libby grow up before my eyes and seeing the bond that she and Bret had, my eyes started watering as I smiled while enjoying every second of your beautiful tribute to her happy life.
And what a life! No dog could ever hope for better pawrents and sibling, to know that kind of love is just something that all animal lovers hope for every living creature on earth. And you gave it to her, and then some! That kind of love is contagious and it really does change the world, which is exactly what you did with your time together. Even when cancer happened, you bought that love to this community and continue touching us all by being here to share her story, to honor her on this very bittersweet day, and of course through your very generous support.
It's hard not to cry when thinking of how she is an angel now, but also feel gratitude that she was on this earth in the first place. We miss her dearly but will never, ever forget your beautiful girl. May her spirit continue shining strong for all time.
Lots and lots of love & hugs coming your way, today and always.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well Sally, his middle name is Steven, so you were close.
Michelle, we are proud to be a part of Winter Warriors! That's the first time I've watched that video since posting it shortly after her crossing over. I think posting it on her angelversary is most appropriate.
Jerry, you're so good at saying the right and comforting things. Thank you so much. I am grateful for many things and having been able to experience Libby in our lives was a very, very special time and as always, never long enough. Thank you for all you do for this family.
Hugs and love,
Amy and 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
My face is soaked with tears, I started crying before I even pressed play.....I HAD to watch it. I remember when you posted it last year and that picture, the one with the rainbow, I will never ever forget. I HAD to see that picture again because it is just SO beautiful and I can picture Libby running around under that rainbow with all our angels. I saw a post on FB earlier that grief is the price we pay for great love.
Happy Angelversary Libby and many hugs to you today and always Amy. We will never ever forget Libby.
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Amy, Such a beautiful tribute to Libby. I love, love the swimming pool pictures. The video, such. Priceless treasure. Cannot watch it without tears. From the sounds of the posts above, I am in good company. I do love seeing her banner. Love seeing her standing so proudly on her surfboard. Surfboards and cars, I am thinking they are at the bridge. I just don't quite know who does the driving......It is funny how a year can seem both so long and so short at the same time. I agree also with the unexplainable bond this journey gives us with our pets. Hugs to you today, Lori, Ty and the 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.
Elizabeth, I love that part of the video too and I remember your lovely comments when I first posted it. I like that saying, "Grief is the price we pay for great love". It seems like quite a high price when you're going through it but the years of love and enjoyment she gave to us is certainly worth it.
Lori, you're so right about 1 year seeming long ago AND a short while ago. I'm pretty sure Libby would be in the drivers seat of any car she got in to at the Bridge. She's an alpha dog and she was large and in charge!
Thank you all so much for embracing us and being such a comfort.
Love & 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
My heart is with you on your first Angelversary. Learning the new normal is hard. We learn one with the amputations, we learn another with their passing. Libby is watching over you, and will continue to do so. She lives in your heart forever.
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.
Thank you so much. Yes, she truly does live on in our hearts. Thank you for the kind words, I really appreciate it.
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
OK.... I'm home now and I still can't make it through w/out tears ... I remember when we were all posting videos and I was like, I can't do that .. but then I did. And Shelby's video still renders me a sobbing baby...
the price we pay for how much and hard we love ... SO true! There will never be another Shelby and that is OK. And there will never be another Libby but our hearts ability to love again is amazing ... you'll find that special love.
Always in my heart ... much love to you Amy!
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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