Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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As I have said before, Shelby was born in New Orleans and I brought her to Seattle (my hometown) when she was about 4. She never learned to embrace the rain and after 4 years there, we moved to LA where we have been for the past 6 years. If you've seen the news, LA is getting some massive (for us) rain and wind. Shelby still hates the rain and used to try and run away from it (I never said she was the sharpest tack in the shed).
But today, literally, I was worried the wind would blow my little tripawd over! It is WINDY here. And the stuff blowing again the windows is really freaking her out. she's never liked loud noises and I think in her compromised state, it freaks her out even more. I expect her to resume residence in the bathroom any minute now. But for now, she's by my side and I am working at home today because this is LA's version of a "snow day" - flooding streets, idiots on the road, debris all over the place.
Yesterday was my birthday and I got a lot of flowers from some amazing friends/family (and balloons). Shelby is also scared of balloons - even though they are NO where near her or her line of sight. However, she wouldn't come near the living room for hours because of 'said balloons' so I am half thinking if she starts hanging in my bathroom again, I'll put the balloons in there to drive her out!
Just thankful that my little pooch who came to live with me when I was 27ish, has been with me through my 30s is now with me into day 2 of my 40s. That was my only wish for my birthday. That she will be safe and happy and healthy for as long as possible! #shelbystrong
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
Happy Birthday!
I'm in the Los Angeles area too. And unfortunately I'm in the middle of having my entire yard redone...much needed deferred maintenance...and the entire yard is now a mud pit. So...I'm about to head out into the pouring rain and wind to walk Seven who absolutely hates the rain.
Hugs,
Carol
Oh my DOG! First, HAPPY FOUR OH Alison!!!!!!!! I hope you had a beautiful day despite the rainapocalypse!
I'm sure the sun will be shining in no time at all, it's just not right to have all of Los Angeles soaked like a wet blanket 
Stay safe and stay home till the storm's over. Shelby will be soo hoppy if you can be there and cuddle with her.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Happy 40th! Or...as I like to say...Happy 10 til 50! 
Libby is also more jumpy about things since her amp. Fireworks and thunderstorms never bothered her before but now they do.
You 2 have been through a lot together. I'm glad you're able to spend the day together, even if you're stuck inside.
Amy & 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
Online
You silly little Californians!! You wouldn't be able to handle East Coasr Hurricanes!! Then again, I don't think I'd tolerate EARTHQUAKES very well!! I'd some find Shelby's bathroom and Happ Hannah and I would lay on her purple mat with her!
ALISON! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I KOW your greatest gift is having Shelby by your side...along with a glass of vino if course! What a way to celebrate!
I love the stories of how she hates the rain and the balloons...and then sthroughnin strong winds on top of that......spike the wine withice cream and let her have some!
The world is certainly a brighter place because you were born! Gosh, just think, SHELBYSTRONG wouldn't have even had half a chance without you as her soulmate!!
Celebrate like crazy Alison! We want to see some "Dancing in the Rain" video! Yesh, get a little drunk and go running through every mud puddle you can find!! Pretend you're a child again and marvel at the joy of each splash.....of course, I hopeyou weren't doing this drunk as a kid!!
Hapy Hannah and I are gettingout the ice cream and cake!! PAWTY!!
Much love!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Awwww. So special, isn't it. They are with us always and we learn all their weirdness - goodness what they think of our weirdnesses!!! Ha!
Happy 40th to you AND to Shelby. I'm so glad she was here to celebrate the day with you, even if she doesn't appreciate the balloons (Jackson is the same way AND with rain... I think Shelby and Jackson have some shared issues to discuss. I mean, being afraid and shocked by their own farts? Ummmm, excuse me?!)
~ Katy & Jackson
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!
Alison, Alison...you cannot possibly be 40! I have seen your picture, so I know that can't be true!! I will wish you a happy belated birthday, though. Just in case.
Poor Shelby, fear of the rain is something we don't have around here. These two would stand out in it all day, but not if it is windy.
Hannah sitting the purple bath mat, this I gotta see! Is this what she will need to do in order to deliver Barney?
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
Ahhhh.... thank you all for the birthday wishes!!! It was a great day and yes, I do feel blessed to look young! And so does Shelby - she's just started going grey in the last year or so. Lucky girl!
Nothing else new to report on Shelby ... she's had a great day, chilling by the heater, at my feet, in her beds ... she definitely does much better when I am here with her all day but sadly, due to that thing called work, I can't always work at home as easily so she did get a bonus 2 days but come Monday, back to work for me.
I am just over the moon happy that my girl is with as I start this new time in my life. I feel like I have grown a lot in my 30s (with Shelby and our bond really developed) and I am looking forward to all that my 40s bring me!
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
OK can I say it one more time?
Alison, you and Shelby have GREAT attitudes! I can see your smiles from here!!
Happy Happy birthday weekend!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Happy Birthday Alison. Hope it was a great day. Maybe a raincoat for Shelby??? My dogs are a little spoiled yes, they have winter coats & raincoats lol.
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 think I got it in just in the nick of time to not be too late......Happy Birthday, Alison, and I agree, from your pics, you do NOT look anywhere near 40 !! My wish for you and Shelby, is to kick the living crap out of this cancer, and you continue to have your sweet little girl with you for many healthy years. No one would be happier than me to see this hateful, horrible cancer go down in humongous flames. I think I am your biggest, self-appointed cheerleader right now.
Hoping your awful storms let up soon, as well......will always have you in my thoughts.....
Bonnie & Angel Polly
bcullom said
My wish for you and Shelby, is to kick the living crap out of this cancer, and you continue to have your sweet little girl with you for many healthy years. No one would be happier than me to see this hateful, horrible cancer go down in humongous flames. I think I am your biggest, self-appointed cheerleader right now.Hoping your awful storms let up soon, as well......will always have you in my thoughts.....
Bonnie & Angel Polly
((((hugs))))) Bonnie!!!! Shelby is doing her best to show this cancer who's in charge!!! Thank you for the birthday wishes ...the storms are letting up, a bit, but the amount of debris on the road - watching my tripawd navigate all that impresses me! Now she's facing hurdles trying to get her business done. I help her as much as I can but honestly, I am so impressed with her creativity and ability to adapt to anything! And I think she likes the tree limbs down - something new to smell!
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
Poor Shelby - she must be miserable with all that going on! But how lovely that you've had her sweet company for so long and she's still doing well. Happy 40th!
Thank you all! Yup, the skies cleared up just in time for the Oscars!
And this is what Shelby thinks about the Oscars tonight! I love how the fur has only grown back on her amp site. You can't see in this photo but her back/booty is bare, bare, bare! No fuzz even growing back in. Just the amp site which is fine ... and I think it's her undercoating since it's softer but touching/rubbing her back still feels like it did the day I brought her home. Love my snuggle snoozy girl!
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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