Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Thank you all again for your kind words... the pain is indescribable and has hit me like a ton of bricks. I feel awful that I can't rally and support those on this site right now as much as I used to. I feel selfish since you all support me so much but I am barely functioning as it is. I eat only because people put it in front of me. I walk around like a zombie. It hasn't even been 48 hours and I miss her so much. I beg for her to send me some of her strength (she was always the strong one here).
My local friends are trying to help and I appreciate it but it's hard... they don't really get it. I don't want to continue to be the weepy one in the group. I don't want to continue to post on my FB page about my pain since obviously, if you knew me and the bond that she and I had, you must know that I am wrecked beyond belief and I know there will be a permanent scar left on my heart ...
So know that I read every message here and I absorb and breathe in the love and hugs and support and it means so much. I just don't know how to manage this level of intense grief! I had to write her story yesterday on her blog because I know that my mind operates in a way that it shuts out bad things and I will probably push that pain to a part of my head that I don't have to see/feel and I wanted to remember our amazing her final goodbye was because that was the last gift that I could give to her.
I just keep saying over and over , in my head and out loud, Shelby, my love, mommy misses you so much!!!
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 Alison I'm so sorry. It is so hard. And I can relate to everything you're saying. I still find myself saying those things out loud. Not even realizing that I do. I'd say it gets easier. I never really thought easier was the right word. Everyone copes differently. And that's OK. I found going to someone, to just unleash all my pent up thoughts, helped me. Everyone has their way of grieving though. . You're just starting the grief process though. It does feel like a ton of bricks. One quote kept playing through my head "they say that time makes all this go away, but it's time that took my tomorrow's and turned them into yesterdays"...
And while that may seem like an angry quote, one day remembering those yesterdays doesn't hurt as bad, but make you , warm.
Hang in there, lean on us if you feel the need to. Your can scream yell curse cry, etc here. We get it. I'm so sorry your heart hurts so much. It shows how deeply you love her.
Many warm x's and o's
Lori and the family
Alison- don't feel awful about not providing support right now. This community is a family... we give support when we are able, we take support when we need to. Right now you need to lean on us and take support. When the time is right you will be giving support again. Don't rush, like everything on this cancer journey (and yes, this is part of the journey) you have to do what is right and healthy for you!
This is going to take time- Shelby was a physical part of your life for 13 years, it's going to take more than a few days (or weeks, or months) to get used to her being with you in spirit form.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Alison,
Please don't feel bad! You have given so many of us support throughout your journey... now it is our turn to give YOU the support you need. Take your time and grieve for you baby girl. You know we are all here for you whenever you need.
*HUGS*
Cody and Family
Cody is our 7 year old Australian Heeler mix boy. Diagnosed on 2/20/14 and became a tripawd 2/21/14! We chose a homeopathic approach and he is being treated by Dr. Loops our of NC.
Alison,
I am so sorry that it was Shelby's time to maker her journey to Rainbow Bridge. You gave her the greatest gift of love...her angel wings.
Godspeed Shelby. Run free, sweet girl, run.... Don't forget to send your mommy pennies so she knows that you arrived safely.
Wishing you peace, comfort, and strength until you are both reunited again.
Hugs and chocolate Labby kisses,
Ellen and Charley xoxo
Charley's Blog: CHOCOLATE KISSES
DOB: 3-29-08, male chocolate lab
Dx: OSA L proximal humerus 10-19-10
Amputation: L front leg & scapula 10-28-10
Chemo: 5 rounds of Carboplatin
Video (12 weeks post amp):Tripaw Charley Playing
♥♥♥ Lots of supplements and love!!! ♥♥♥
Alison,
I am so sorry to hear about Shelby and my heart goes out to you. I'm sure Shelby knew how much you loved her and I know she loved you just as much. I wish I could help you with the pain, but I do know how you are feeling. Hold tight the the good memories you have and just give yourself all the time you need!
Danell, Kasey, Gadget & Pebbles
Just thinking about you and Shelby, Alison.
HUGS
~ K&J
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
I remember that ton of bricks grief. Years ago when I lost my beloved Aussie/Collie mix at 14. I think everyone thought I was going over the edge.i promise, it does get better. Just so stinking hard to see right now. No you will never forget her, you would not want to, but at a point in the future, you will look at her photos and remember the good times you had with her. They will actually bring a smile to your face. Don't rush to put away her things, unless their presence makes things worse. Everyone processes grief differently. You have compounded grief with the fact that you lost your father also to cancer. I am sorry that happened to you also. Please tr to take some extra special care of you.maybe a massage or a weekend away? I started upward at about the three week mark. Before thT, I had no idea how I was ever going to feel better. I had found a picture of her sitting by me in my chair.(she was never very far from me) and she was smiling? She just looked so happy. It was taken about 6 months before I lost her. Somehow seeing that she was happy here helped start to heal something in my heart. I still think of her, her name was Muffin. But now it is with love and fondness for all the memories not grief. Yes I do still miss her. She has been gone for 17 years. When and if the time comes that you may want to open your heart again, ask Shelby to send you a friend. I know , sounds corney."but continues your connection to her. I better stop now as I am tired and ramble on when I am tired. Basically just want to say I am worried of about you, you need to eat, I feel sad for you, and wish I lived close enough to do something. Hang in there . Those bricks will begin to lift one by one. 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.
Okay, bend over because I'm gonna' spank your little bottom through the computer! Don't you dare call, our beloved family member and friend to all of js, Alison, "selfish"! Alison, dear sweet Alison. Please, plese, plese just let us be here for you now as you have been here for each of us! Yo andShely have made such a positive difference to all of us and we want so badly to "try" and give back.
You and Shelby have such a magical bnd that realky is not of this world...and it can never be diminished when it's love from the spirit and from the soul.
Shelby's soul is still intact and shining brightly within you and around you. That's how soul mates roll!
;;
It helps us when yo pst your feelings Alison. Yo are avle to put i to words what grief feels like...we feel it too for you ...and for ourselves as we also love her.
There are no rules for grief snd certainly no time frames. Yoj do watever you need to do to get throught the moment....-scream, thrw things, clmb a tree, skt n a flag pole.....whatever works t get you through the mment.
And chunk it down....-don't think avout tomorrow...lr even the next hor....jjst chunk it to skxty seco ds at a time. What can you do to get through the next sixty seconds? Time yourself. sixty seconds...that's all yo need t get through right now..-.and then do it for the next sixty secnds. Hmmmmm..... aybe you can see how much wne you can co su e in sixty seconds, then you wn't even think avout the next sixty seconds.
We grieve so deeply for the loss of our dogs and cats because no love like that exists in any other form. It is pure, tmless and free. The wisdom Shelby mparted to you will never leave. Sne will contnue to shape and redefine you as a teacher to your soul. Shelby's not her body.....Shelby is life without boundaries.
Sending you the c fort of Shelby's enlightened wisdom and eter al grace.
Sally and Happy Hannanh
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!
Never ever feel badly about taking the time you need to grieve. You cannot help others if you aren't helping yourself to heal first, so do not beat yourself up. There will come a time when you are ready but that won't be for a while, you need time to heal and we all understand that.
One thing that may help, is to think about how Shelby liked to see you. She loved you best when you were happy and joyful, as all dogs love to see their leaders, so try to hold your thought in your heart and remember that's how she loved you to live life. It's hard to do that now but it will happen in time if you keep it in your thoughts.
{{{{hugs}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh Allison.
I sit here at work on the computer with tears streaming down my face for you. I can't even imagine the pain you feel.
I pray you have someone in your life, in person, who can relate and empathize with you. I say this bc when Abbee was first diagnosed with cancer everyone in my life said I was crazy to spend so much money on a dog. No one seem to understand. It wasn't until I found this site with yours and Shelby's story that I truly knew someone else understood. You taught me it was ok to fight everyone and everything for my dog. What a inspirational mom you ARE to Shelby. Her story will continue to help anyone who struggles with decisions in their battle. You never gave up. Until Shelby said it was time. You are amazing!!...and what a life Shelby lived because of you.
Please continue to lean on us during this time. Don't feel you need to hide your emotions from anyone. Shelby is your family.
I wish I could hug you in person.
Love,
Samantha and Abbee
I agree, there are no time frames. People tend to want to rush us. I think it is because they care and hater to see us sad. You take the time you need, do what you have to do to ease it a bit. Take it day by day. Minute by minute. Thinking of you today, 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.
Thank you everyone. I was able to put on the best poker face I could last night for my event but I think it took a lot out of me. I have not left my house today. I have not showered. I have basically been bed ridden. I know it is part of the process. My heart is numb. It hurts. I can't cry as much so I think I am just cried out. My friends are amazing BUT they don't get it. They keep telling me I should take comfort she is not in pain. She wasn't in PAIN. She never was. I wouldn't have let her be in pain. She wasn't happy. That was why we said goodbye. There was no quality of life. I know that she had an amazing life ... a true love story, the two of us. Our bond may be physically broken but it is not in my heart.
I am making little goals for myself.
1. Respond to texts, emails, messages in a more timely manner - but it exhausts me
2. Drink more water today - there are all sort of purple bumps on my legs that look like broken capillaries and my mom suspects that I am dehydrated. I think it is from stress. They are on my neck too.
3. Eat at least ONE real meal today. It will most likely involve me ordering something in since I don't want to put on clothes to go to the store. I am not at all hungry. I have eaten a cookie and fruit today.
I know that I have to pull myself together by Monday to go back to work and behave like a normal human being but for now, I know that the best that I can do will be go to work, be brave and come home and rest. I slept with her toys last night. I keep hearing her snore/ breathe. I look for her everywhere. I am binge watching Netflix shows.
What is the story behind looking for pennies? Everyone tells me to look for pennies.
The pain is unreal. We knew it would be bad. But I am really going through the motions and I find it easier to not be around people because people want to cheer me up and when I can't do it, I fake it for their sake and it's just easier to be alone... I just miss her so terribly much. It was a beautiful day here today. One that she would have loved to sit outside in the sunshine so I closed my windows to shut out the light.
My best friend told me that Jews sit Shiva for a week and that is apparently what I seem to be doing....
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,
My heart breaks for you. I know how difficult this is. Please don't be so hard on yourself! It's only been a few days and you have a lot to process. Shelby has been such a big part of your life for so long and you have spend a lot of time lately taking such wonderful care of her. You need to give yourself time, as much time as you need. Don't let people try to rush you along.
I understand what you mean about it being easier to be alone. I did the same thing, but I tried to spend a lot of time outside where Willow and I would hang out together. I found that gave me comfort...I tried to look at things through her eyes, and I "looked" for Willow out there too. It took a little while, but it worked, I felt her with me and it brought me comfort.
I hope you know how much you and Shelby mean to this community. We're all here for you.
With love,
Carol
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