Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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While I am laughing about it now, it wasn't funny when I got home from work and found two nicely formed piles of dog poop in my living room. Shelby has only messed in the house when she's either been sick or scared (the apt above mine was on fire about a year after I got Shelby and while mine was fine, the sirens scared the crap - literally - out of her). I had never been as scared as I was rushing home for that.
But I digress - I got home from work today and she clearly couldn't wait. She felt horrible. And in the past, when she's been upset, she has messed in the bathroom or my bathtub. Since she can't get in there as I don't want her jumping, she clearly thought smack in the middle of my living room was a perfect location. I can only assume it's the rich food that I have to get her to eat (although I am weaning her off chicken/turkey burgers and back onto kibble) or the cookies before work. Obviously she didn't poop on our walk this evening but she did try and there wasn't anything there.
I feel bad for her - truly - but now I have spots on my carpet where I used Resolve to clean it up. But as I type this, she is snuggled up next to me on the couch, snoring away, full belly and all. And I think I felt her booty twitch so I wonder if that was a phantom pain
. I walked her TWICE before work but perhaps since I don't want to walk her too far, I only let her poop once and rushed her back home (she needs to walk and walk and walk before she can do it) so maybe it was my fault. Poor girl. She felt awful but I told her it was OK (and I think I might have told her earlier today or yesterday that if she really had to go, to go ahead and go and not feel bad about it so proof she understands me?). Silly Shelby... god how I love this little dog! 
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, poor Shelby.....!! I would giggle a bit myself, but I do know how you feel. Wow, I bet she was very frightened, not to mention you, when that fire broke out above where you lived.........I think it's partly due to her being out of sorts right now, that her accident in the living room happened. Once things become more routine, she will be fine, and hopefully accidents will cease. We have all been through some weird things with our fur-babies, once they became Tripawds. It seems like she is getting more comfortable, and happy everyday, and that is most important. 
Weeeeeell now...I guess you figured out when Shelby says she has to go #2....she means a walk that's loong enough to do #2 .....twice! Love this dog!!!!!
Anf the fact that she disn't "messI" in "her" bathroom does, indeed, confirm that's hers!
Yep! And PROOF she understands you!! Keep the Resolve out for tomorrow.....I'm sure she thinks your offer to let her poop in the house jas no expiration date on it! You two have a special relationship, that's for sure!
There's a great product.."Bac-Out Stain Remover". It a natural product that eats up stains and odor by activating enzymes. You can click thaeAmazon link HEREand get it from them.
So glad SHELBYSTRONG is feeling so much better! Snuggling and snoring byher favorite human in the whole worl! Sacred moments!! Keep enjoying the bliss kiddo!!
Hugs and 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!
It is definitely amusing and I really think Shelby is thinking up ways to play me as a fool! Last night, she started huffing, puffing, panting - no reason. I told her to knock that sh!t off and she did. Dogs are so smart!
This was my little helper this a.m. when I was making lunch for work. She also wanted to play before I left (which she hadn't done post-amp) - our favorite game is called "bite the hand", where she kind of 'mouths' my hands and lets me chase her. Basically, her sparkle and spirit is coming back. And I think I mentioned earlier that Shelby does "Jack" ears - where she really looks like her Jack Russell part - here are those ears! Love my girl! (she still slept in the bathroom last night).
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 Shelby, you are gonna give your Momma a heart attack! Don't do that OK? Well, I can only guess that rich food made ya gotta go. And your Mom's right, who wants to poop in their bedroom right?
So I dunno. I think if it happens again then you and your Momma need to have a heart to heart but for now, it's probably just one of those things that you gotta chalk up to an accident and move on.
P.S. Twitching is normal and nothing to think twice about as long as it's not accompanied by shrieks, screams, that sort of thing.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Success! No in the house pooping today! 
She was super happy to see me when I got home and I think she really had to potty which is odd since she's always made it all day before. Or she just has her energy back. My biggest challenge now is keeping her calm (never did I think I would say that). She gets a little crazy on our walks - goes really fast, circles, does her business. It's like she's a new dog so perhaps she was in pain for SO long that I had no idea? Literally haven't seen her like this in over a year (maybe longer). And then the wanting to jump/bounce/etc around while I am getting her dinner ready. It's stressing me out - I want her to be happy and playful but she has no concept of limits. I finally got her to relax on the couch w/me and she's out! Snoring puppy/full belly.
And true love! Before I left for work this a.m.!
Trying to be less anxious .... all the time! 
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 was just giving Shelby some smooches and noticed her whiskers are gone. Is it possible w/the 6 doses of chemo, she lost her whiskers? Perhaps that is why she sniffs harder and longer on our walks? I have noticed for months that she takes MORE time smelling the grass, etc and I thought maybe her nose was more or less sensitive w/the chemo (like her tastebuds did change). My baby has no whiskers anymore!!! 
But she's still beautiful to 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
Awww great pictures Alison. The walking fast is probably her new gate. It takes a little more for a Tripawd to move so they tend to go a little faster. You might have to adjust your pace 😉 sometimes I almost ran to keep up with Sassy. Some days we just moved a little slower. I am glad she is doing great now
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."
Her incision looks great! And you both look so hoppy in that pic. Adorable!
Many pawrents see a positive change in their dog's personality after surgery and we believe it's because they are out of pain and feeling good again. It's great to hear that Shelby is spunky and active once more.
When it comes to her whiskers, Jill the Cat lost hers too. I don't think it's that unusual. I'm not sure how much dogs need them for sniffing, the way cats do, but I'm guessing the fact that she's been through chemo has altered her sniffer capability a bit. Maybe now she has a Super Sniffer?
Keep it up Super Sniffer Shelby!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
LOL!! Shelby is having a blast and I'm so happy!
Jist jump to her "zone of joy" a d let go of all worries and fears! She knows what how to monitor herself and she's having a blast! Did you EVER think three weeks ago she would be ths hapoy again? Jist be gratefl and enjo the lessns Shelby's teaching you on now to Be More Dog !! She's glt it dlwn pat!
Yeah, as Jerry said' Jill lost her whiskers (some did grow back though)' and I know so e dogs' hair has become sparse or thin. Nothing at all to worry about!
Yeah, thats teresting about the sniffing...needing more time to get all the scents collected! It'll be fun to research if whiskers do nelp collect scents.
Soooooooo hapy she's dong wel and enjoying life. These moments are so sacred. Mae sure you immerse yourself in everyo e, okay?
And those pictures are great!! But that e of you two together...OMD!! That s must beautiful! Two beautiful souls shining tnrough in that one! She is just lovely...such a sweet face. Whole lotta' love in that portrait!
Sending love and hugs!
Saly 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!
Thank you everyone! (not sure what happened to the mommy and shelby photo but y'all saw it). We do love each other very much.
I am working on becoming less of a nervous mommy and letting her live but I also know that she's a crafty one and if she sees an opening to the couch or something else, she will do BEFORE she thinks! But she's definitely on her own on the stairs, up and down. She takes them slowly as she should.
With her new walking style, I will get some extra cardio in w/her to keep up! Some days she just seems to glide! I need to not watch so much because it does look like she's most using her front paws and the back leg just drags but you're right - she knows what's up and how to manage!
Funny - I knew her fur wouldn't grow back as fast w/the chemo but guess I didn't hear about the whiskers! She's still adorable to me though. Long road to go but blessed each and every day together!
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
Hi Mom & Shelby, just wanted to tell you that my Polly not only lost all her whiskers due to chemo, she also lost her eye brows, and about 60% of her fur, overall. In some places on her body, like around her neck, she was completely bare skinned in huge patches. We didn't know if it would ever grow back, but thankfully it all has. I had to put sunscreen on all her bare spots when we went outside, because she was doing her chemo during the hottest of summer months. She definitely had some "unique" experiences with her chemo.
Hugs to sweet Shelby!
Bonnie & Polly
Bonnie and Polly,
Whiskers, eyebrows and fur patches? OMG! I am so glad it appears we have just lost our whiskers (not that she had that many to begin with). Did sunscreen help? I didn't even think about that. Shelby's bare booty just hangs out there and we live in So Cal so it's always sunny here. But it did grow back, right? Any tips on helping it grow back? I have heard fish oil tablets, healthy fat (like almond butter), etc..... Thankfully I am seeing peach fuzz growing back on her backside so hopefully now that we are done w/chemo, the fur will grow back in but I wonder if she'll ever fully be 100% fur again. After her broken leg that was shaved, it never fully grew back before we took that leg off, sadly. She's still adorable in my eyes but I am sure it must feel weird on her.
Hugs!
Alison and Shelby
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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