Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Even though it's a done deal in my mind, even writing this is hard. I think it's because there is still a bit of trepidation on my part and posting this makes it so final. But in reality, it's probably been a done-deal since last week. I took her to my vet. I have introduced her to my neighbors, my BFF, my co-workers (not physically). I talk about her - a lot.
I still feel guilt, sadness and grief over my Shelby but I feel Shelby's energy guiding me right now.
What we now know was not Jasper peeing but rather a leaking pipe in my apt. ALL the carpet has to be torn up and is being replaced with laminate floors (Shelby would have gone bat crazy in her crate while all this work is going on but Jasper is chillax). The floors would have been horrible for Shelby on her three legs but Jasper will be fine. Last night I took Jasper over to my BFF's house to escape the construction zone (I cannot live here right now) and Jasper and her little dog bonded quickly and I haven't seen Jasper THAT happy since I brought her home. She played, she jumped, she was SO good. She's such a good girl and a sweet dog with just a bit of neurotic tendencies that I know Shelby had a hand in this.
I am not sure when I will announce her existence to the rest of my world(s) but I don't need to be on a timeline. I need to live in the moment and Be More Dog ...
So thank you - entire Tripawds community for your love, support, messages and stories ... you have helped me more than you will ever know. Jasper is still a huge work in progress (she is weird in the car so I'm going to spray the calming spray in there, she has odd fears of some stairs). Yesterday, I caught her staring up on top of my entertainment center, where Shelby's ashes are - I am sure they were communicating on some level. I truly believe after Wednesday's rough day, Jasper and Shelby had some sort of "Come to Jesus" meeting of the minds since she's been pretty great since Thursday.
Optimistic. Hopeful. Healing. That's where I am.
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
Awwww, YAY YAY YAY!!!!!!!! I am so happy for you, for JasperLily and for Shelby!!!!!
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”
Alison,
I'm so happy to hear this! I knew you would get there. How could you not? She's so sweet and adorable! I know the two of you will have fun and adventures together.
That's interesting that Jasper was so happy with the company of another dog. Maybe she's trying to tell you something? Could you do manage two dogs? 
Some dogs do better when they have a companion. 
Jasper is such a lucky girl. She has a wonderful mama.
xoxo
Carol
Yessssss!!!
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!
willowsmom said
Alison,I'm so happy to hear this! I knew you would get there. How could you not? She's so sweet and adorable! I know the two of you will have fun and adventures together.
That's interesting that Jasper was so happy with the company of another dog. Maybe she's trying to tell you something? Could you do manage two dogs?
Jasper is such a lucky girl. She has a wonderful mama.
xoxo
Carol
Sadly, I can't do two dogs ... BUT my BFF works at home so since the two got along SO well, we're going to arrange where Jasper can be dropped off for the day. Win win for the both of us since her little dog also loves to be with another dog but she's also single-parenting so she can't swing two dogs.
And thank you both! Your support and stories has really helped me arrive at this decision where I truly feel at peace and that I am doing the right thing. XO
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
TEARS OF JIYM OVER HERE!!!!!!!! YOur bet Shelby and Jasper LLoy have been communicating and ShelbyM is doing a happy dance right now!!!!! The ice cream is flowing at the bridge!!
How 'bout taking Jasper for short car rides and go through a drive through and get it just one little scoopM of ice cream! ComeMon Alison, it'lol help her get over her fears of car rides AND make her hapoy...yI u get some too!
OH HAPPY DAY!!!!!! I tell ya' what, after seeing all those adorable pictures of her...and thenine last night where she took all her stuff is to bed....OMD! I just wanted this to work out so ooooolps badL! And now she has a dog friend of her own kInd to play with...This is all so great!!!! !
.
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!
Yay Alison & Jasper. I knew it would come to be this way. Good to hear it wasn't Jasper peeing (although the construction kinda sucks). You still might want to put down a few rugs just so she doesn't slide around if she gets a wild hair LOL.
I am so glad to hear that she got a long so well with your friends dog. Coming from her back ground that probably is an adjustment too for her not having other "friends" . So you will have a good dog sitter while you work and Jasper will get worn out to me that is a win win situation 
Now onto the little fears she has. You both will over come those too
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."
Whoooo Hooooo! I had a feeling it would turn out this way. Hey , look at the construction this way, new floors usually help with house training issues. There are no smells left to attract them back to where they have gone before. Also, you cannot beat solid floors for cleanup. Well potty clean ups anyhow. They do show hair LOL. I am so happy for you. I am pretty sure that Shelby is doing a happy dance right now. Love from, 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.
HOOORRAAAY!
For a rescue dog with her background to adapt pretty well to everything going on around her, I think she knew all along she had the right human to help her in this big new world of hers. This is fantastic!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Awe... thanks guys! Your support really means a lot to me! Truly.
Thank you Sally for our photo welcome banner!!!! 🙂
I will say this - I don't "love" her yet but I care deeply for her. I remember when I had an ex BF who said that to me - I care deeply for you but I don't love you - and then discarded me. Unlike him, I am not discarding Jasper. I think/hope, with time, I will feel something more akin to love but right now, we'll settle for deep affection.
I called to her last night, come to mommy, the first time and it felt OK. This has been such a process. So for ease ( and since she mostly speaks Spanish), I'll say "madre" which I think is mom in Spanish.
She really is so darn cute. Such a trooper with all the construction and loud sounds. And yup, Lori, we had hardwood floors one, fur everywhere!!! Shelby was a blond though. Jasper's black hair might make it harder to find.
I am going to do 2 things today - get her a new collar that we pick out together (that dreadful pink doesn't work for her name/personality) and fill out her microchip forms and mail them in. She's my dog now! 🙂
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
I'm so happy for you Alison, I know how hard it is to commit after such a difficult loss.
Sorry to break the news to you, but in my experience black fur is really easy to find! I only own a couple of white shirts...lucky for me my Theatre Tech hobby requires mostly black clothes 
I bet Jasper will really come into her own as she feels safer and more secure and realizes that she is home for good. How cool to have a new friend too! You guys are going to form a great bond because you are going to help each other heal.
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
So happy for you and Jasper, Alison! Those ears...
'What was that, Madre? I'm home... Yaaaaay!!!!'
I think you'll really enjoy her basenji mix characteristics as her personality continues to come through. And what a win-win with your friend and her dog, too.
Hugs and high-fives,
Deb and Lexie (fellow basenji mix)
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
Jasper gave me the fright of a lifetime yesterday ... since my home is a construction zone, we are staying at my BFF's house since she's out of town. Jasper LOVES it there and has already figured out the correct way to walk back to her house. It's on a busy street near a Petco so I thought we would walk to get her new collar. We didn't find one and on the way back, waiting at light, when it changed, there was the chirping sound with the light (for the blind, I guess). Well Jasper squeezed out of her collar (spooked) and took off - in and out of traffic on a busy street. I was in flip flops and I took off running, screaming her name and she was so scared. I was petrified - that she would get hit, that she would get too far ahead of me (I am fast but not that fast). I was screaming to people "stop that dog".... 6 blocks later, I saw her turn down an alley (I was praying she was going back to my friend's apt). She was on a ledge, shaking, debating if she should jump or come to me. I got way low on the ground and was gentle and telling her come to me and she did inch toward me and I grabbed her. A couple of kind ladies came, one with a dog cookie and a pinch collar (she was a rescue) and I just sat there shaking. I told them I had had less than 2 weeks and she didn't know me.
We got safely inside the house and she wouldn't come near me. We were back to square one. About 4 hours till she showed me any love and that was b/c she wanted dinner. 🙂
So I'll get her a new collar today. I am thankful that she is chipped so if she had gotten picked up, we would have found her but I was scared she would be hit. And BTW - Shelby did this same thing the first weekend I had her in a Petco parking lot! LOL. Shelby learned to LOVE Petco and Jasper did love it when we were in there (I got her an antler to chew on).
When I think about - her poor little life is in chaos, again. We are back and forth between my apt and the temporary house. Her real home is a construction zone with everything out of place. She must be so confused. But she's back with me and showing me that she trusts (a little) and I am showering her with affection, telling her that she is safe and that I am her 'madre'.
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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