Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I truly dread the "8th" of each month. I am hoping that that will pass but definitely it's on my mind as we lead up to it and I won't / can't forget... I cannot believe it has been 7 months since Shelby earned her wings. And that little Jasper has been with me for almost 5 months. So much has changed and yet so much has stayed the same.
My love for Jasper does continue to grow... but it is the most different love I have ever felt. It is almost hard to explain. While I do love her - and love having her in my life and look forward to seeing her - most of the time - it is not the same "Oh MY GOD" love I felt for Shelby ... I can't ever remember NOT having that love for Shelby but I am guessing that I did.
I guess this is what you all mean by Shelby being my 'heart dog' and that Jasper (and any other dogs) will feel and get love from me but it won't be that same mad passionate love...
BUT I do feel Shelby every day ... and I really felt her at 3:30 a.m. when I heard the low rumble of Jasper's growl and woke up and saw her sitting straight up - ears TALL as they could be - staring out the window. Oh how I wish Shelby could find a more respectful time to visit! 
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
Awwwww. Lots of hugs coming your way Allison, may today bring lots of sweet reminders of Shelby, other than those crazy growls from Jasper!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Alison,
Thinking of you and Shelby today......I definitely do know how you feel when that "certain date" rolls around for so many sad milestones, especially the big "certain date".
I have to say, those growls of Jasper give me the creepy giggles, but I just look at it as you knowing that your Shelby is with you.....it has to be a comforting relief in your heart to know she is with you, and watching over you and Jasper.... Jasper just doesn't know that yet, lol !!
Keeping you in my thoughts today,
Much Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Alison,
Sending you a tight hug across the country!!!
While it would be preferable for Miss Shelby to find a little better time to visit than in the early hours of the morning just knowing that she's there and Jasper is letting you know is heart warming. Although I would keep a bat or other weapon close to the bed just in case...you never can be too careful with the crazy things that go on now a days...
Oh and give Jasper a hug to!!
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!
Thank you ALL!!! Your hugs are indeed felt! And yes, I do have a bat by my bed but that's just b/c as a single girl, my neighbors gave it to me. But Jasper's creepy growlies unsettling. They do give me comfort knowing that Shelby is with me.
I just woke up from a 4 hour nap (I guess I was tired!!!).... and I had the most glorious dream... Shelby was with me. In her healthy state. She was riding in the car as she used to love to do - feet on the console and feet on the back seat - eyes alert, eager, happy ! Shelby LOVED the car -prior to her injury and I think that was b/c it hurt.
Like this:
And she was SOOOOOO happy to see me ... she gave kisses, snuggles, tail wags.... I didn't want to wake up. 
I know you are the only ones in my world that really get it. I think people think I am nutty for saying that my spirit girl is still with me and she visits ... but it DOES comfort me - greatly. And solidifies our bond that will never be broken. Sometimes when I question if it was true love ... all I have to do is remember things like this!
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
GRRRRRRRREAT DREAM!!! Of course, to some beliefs, the "dream state" IS the reality!!
I LOVE that you had this dream...TODAY!!!. Weite down every single nuance...how you felt, as well as what you saw. Most importantly though...how you felt!!
I keep a little pen and journal by my bed and IMMEDIATELY write down every detail and feeling I can recall. It is sooooo amazing to dissect it right after you awake. And then to re-readit months later..pretty special!
Sadly, my pages are still blank as I await with great anticipation Happy Hannah's visits.
Yes, Shelby is your Heart Dog and your Soul Mate
And I agree with Sahana...keep that bat handy!!
Extra hugs to you today!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
ALWAYS LOVE SEEING SHELBY's pictures! We love her ya' know!
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!
It was meant to be that you had that dream today. Shelby wanted you to know she was with you and thinking of you.
Thinking of you on this anniversary.
Hugs
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."
I love it when they visit us in our dreams.
Thinking of you and your angel today...
Sonya & "Millie"--born Feb 1999, diagnosed with OSA 8/27/14, set free 9/27/14
(RIP baby girl)
Ohhhh what a dream, I love that!
There have been many times when I woke up from Jerry dreams like that, and so wanted to go back to sleep and keep dreaming. But even though I couldnt get back to that dream, that wonderful feeling was there with me all day long. I try to hold that feeling close always, and remember what joy he brought to our lives. It's a good way to try to live. Sounds like Shelby is definitely passing along that lesson too.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Rene - it really did stay with me ALL day yesterday and most of today! It was the most amazing feeling; probably the most real dream I have had since she passed. I needed it for sure.
Sally, that is a great idea. I should definitely write it down so I don't lose it ... Shelby is most definitely my soul mate.
I did have a meltdown today - went by Petsmart to get Jasper a fleece jacket for our vacation to Seattle in a couple weeks and BOOM - all the Christmas dresses were out. I didn't think it would hit me as hard as it did; maybe because I wasn't prepared to see them, I dont know. But I burst into tears.
Christmas and Santa photos and holiday dresses were mine and Shelby's thing. It was something I looked forward to ALL year and the ONLY (and i do mean ONLY) think I liked about the holidays.
It is absolutely NOT something I can or will do w/Jasper (the dresses, not the santa photos). But I just feel sad. Truly sad.
I will try and create new memories ... but we have 11 years of "Santa" photos. I'll do a blog for Shelby... it was truly one of my favorite things to do.
Sigh... onward and upward! Shelby would want me to smile.
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,
Right there with you on the "dates", as we never ever forget that date. Big hugs to you and Jasper and I really do understand about those 'special' things you did with Shelby as that will be a forever Shelby and your thing. Hopefully over time you can find those 'things' between you and Jasper.
Hopefully you get another dream from Shelby tonight. Enjoy your trip to Seattle. Hey, you are almost up in my neck of the woods …
Hugs,
Stirling and Guardian Tahoe
"Tahoe" - Our Amazing Superman and Best Friend.
Dec. 01-03 to Aug. 19-14
Diagnosed with Periarticular Hystiocystic Sarcoma Feb 14-13; Amputation March 18-13, and diagnosed with STS April-14. Tahoe touched so many people while visiting us, leaving a massive void in our lives. Always Missed, Never Forgotten!!
I'm so happy for you that you had the special dream of Shelby. Sally's journal idea is awesome because when we have those sort of special dreams we want to hold onto how it makes us feel. Shelby was truly trying to communicate with you. She's very persistent in making sure you know she's still with you (Jasper's growls, leaving little trinkets, and now your dream). Hold onto these things as they will bring some peace to your heart.
I am sorry for the rough time you had in PetSmart. It seems the simplest things can take us right back to that emotional state where we just miss our precious furbabies so much. For you it was seeing all the Christmas clothes and for me it was going through Leland's old medications looking for a particular one for Lucian. Frankly, I don't know that I ever want to get to the point where these things don't bring tears to my eyes. I know that sounds a little odd but I think if I still have these moments then my bond with my Leland is still strong and he's right there in my heart.
Anyway...hang in there lady and I hope you have more wonderful dreams to come!
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!
Hi Alison
I cannot believe that it has been seven months already that Shelby has been an angel.
Your wonderful stories about her and your many happy memories of her really keep her "present" in the community.
Giving you lots of hugs today and always (and some snuggles for Jasper Lily too).
Linda and Tucker
Sweet Shelby -she knew you needed her and stopped by to remind you that she's always there. Thinking of you as I know how difficult each month is. She was on the banner when i came on the site today and her happy face always makes me smile.
Hugs to you.
Luanne and Team Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
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