Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I cannot believe 2 years has passed since I started my first day at the job I currently hold - a day filled with such excitement and joy! I had been out of work almost 2 months and been with Shelby 24/7 so I was nervous to go back to work and leave her (she had just had her spleen removed and was still a quadpawd). So from utter happiness to utter devastation when I got home and got the call that no one wants to get: hemangiosarcoma ... 1- 3 months, tops.
And onward we went ... to work I went. To chemo appts, we went. To fighting a silent battle, asking for prayers from my friends but not disclosing why I needed them. To posting everywhere and on everything - #shelbystrong
And strong we BOTH were - our entire fight.
I cannot believe it's been 2 years; time has not stood still. I have Jasper now (and I dare say I really love her). I've raised millions of dollars for work, had huge professional achievements without my sidekick, my bestie, my BFF here with me. I have changed and grew and cried and laughed... Time doesn't stop and even on the days I thought I could never get out of bed, off the couch, I always did. And those days of laying on the couch crying my eyes out and eating brownies are few and far between but I remember them all.
The scars of the pain of that loss remains with me. But she also guides me every single day. She sent a penny earlier in the week and I happy and surprised ... but she knew ... she knew this anniversary was coming up and she wanted me to know that she rides by my side always.
So here we are:
On the left... 2 years ago with the love of my life and on the right, today, with my little Jasper Lily who hates to take selfies.
My mom said I had WAY more sparkle in my eyes with Shelby and I look sad today but I think I look seasoned (and could probably go for some botox) but those scars, those tear lines, they will always remind me that I am a survivor. And for those starting a journey with us ... I am sorry you are here ... but I am happy you are here. I wish I had joined when I had first received Shelby's diagnosis (even though she hadn't lost her leg yet).. the support here is unlike any other and I forever grateful for the amazing friends I have met and made here. Thank you!!! I love you all!
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
Awww Alison, I know the reminder of that day makes it like it just happened all.over again.
You can llok back now and see the undeniable strength you had...you both had. You were SHELBYSTRONG together. And together you kicked those stupid statistics into oblivion! And Shelby continues to remind you that you are still together. She does, indeed, still ride by your side.
I KNOW Shelby is so happy to see you acknowledge your love for Jasper with the understanding that it in no way diminishes your love for Shelby!! To be without the love of a dog and without a dog to love...can't even imagine.
Sweet, sweet pictures of both your girls. But that Shelby sure did love her hugging poses with you.
We love you Alison Joy!
As always, your great wit comes shining through no matter what. Seasoned? I like that ! Goodness knows I'm well seasoned.
I do have one wuestion. Were those California brownies you were munching on?
Love and light!
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!
OK you do NOT need botox you crazy girl! Two years just go by in the blink of an eye, botoxed or not. In the last two years you went through SO much change and ruff times and you still came out with a heart of gold, a spirit that makes Shelby, and now Jasper, very, very proud.
Yep, Shelby is never far away is she? No matter how far time moves on, she will always be the young, spry and beautiful dog who gives you an extra sparkle, or penny in your day.
{{{{hugs}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Alison,
I love these pics, and I think you and your mom are both right...... Seasoned sparkle; After we go through this awful journey with our true soul-mate pups, some of that sparkle has definitely fizzled, and is replaced with a seasoned joy..... I know our pups that have left all of us, do want us to be happy and love again, and we do, it is just a guarded love now. I love my 2 girls so much, and they have put pure joy back into my life, but I will ALWAYS miss my Polly, and I will never have a bond with any dog ever again like I had with her..... But that is ok.....
And yeah, that dreaded call and diagnosis of HSA...... Ugh....... Jasper is with you now, enjoying every facet of your life and true happiness is shining through for both of you, always hold onto that..... 🙂
Bonnie, Angel Polly, and my 2 girls
Alison, you look simply beautiful in both pictures! 2 years goes by in the blink of an eye and yet sometimes, when we are in the midst of something bad, each day can seem to last forever. Shelby is so proud of the way you picked yourself up, dusted off the brownie crumbs and decided to live life. Decided to take a chance to love another pup. You will never know how much help and support you were to me during my journey with Ty. Keep your chin up, Shelby would want that. Look down occasionally though to find the pennies. 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.
I'm so jealous of your selfies!!! And I'm in total agreement about the botox, girl, you and SL and JL are totally rocking it!
I'm very happy to have "met" you here and am so unbelievably grateful for your support. But I also know that your being here was at a very high cost, one that many of us are following suit. It's the club of heartache and joy, weariness and peace, of hate and love, and out-and-out misery. You are so many things and more, but mostly I count you as my friend.
Although I've never hugged you, your shoulder has always been appreciated. And we are all better because of it.
It all began with the bond you and Shelby Lynn had/have.
xoxo
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Alison,
As always you have such a beautiful way with words and you really touch the hearts of others. You are still Shelby Strong today and the tear lines are a testament to your inner strength. You're a beautiful inspiration to us all.
Many Hugs!
Sahana and her Angel Leland and Lucian too
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!
Feel the love Alison...feel the love!!
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!
Dear, dear, dear FRIENDS!
Your words touch and reach my soul in ways I didn't know possible... Such amazing and compassionate love from people I have never had the opportunity to be in the same room with. Each of your sweet messages ... I read - over and over - and tears of joy on how I became SO lucky to have such AMAZING REAL friends such as you! Gems ... all of you are. Shelby loved to send gemstones and she has sent so many in each of you.
Sally - nah ... not 'funny' brownies but perhaps those would have helped!
Rene - it is true - I feel Shelby every day and I think that is why I am at peace ... she's never left my side ... always in my heart and soul
Bonnie - I am finally accepting it is OK to love Jasper and our love is different ... and that is ok. That has been the hardest lesson to learn - to open my heart and I am there. You took me into your heart and under your wing early on and I am forever grateful for your love.
Lori - We are forever bonded by SO much but to be have "April Angels" ... our bond will never break. You helped me more than you will ever know and you have always lifted me up! Thank you!
Pam - You say is so perfectly .. always ... we are all indeed here at a high cost but I know our angels are friends like we are all friends and I too, consider you a dear and close and special friend!
Sahana - Thank you for your kind words, your endless support and for always being here for me and for everyone! You are so special to me and I am thankful to share this journey in life with you - and our 'black and tan' dogs with big ears!
I love you all .... more than words will ever be able to say... Thank you. My heart, my soul, resides here within this community. Shelby's life and legacy lives on in the support that I hopefully can give ... and I learn each and every day from you all!
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
And likewise Alison, we learn from you as well, thank you for sharing all of your wisdom here!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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