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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I can't believe our tripawd family is going to suffer yet another loss. I'm crying with you and for you. I know what you are going through. It's still very fresh and right under the surface for me. My dad had a massive stroke so I do know what it's like to lose "what once was" with a loved one even though they are still around.
Nothing can be said to ease your pain but oh how I wish I had some powerful words to make it better.
No regrets! You have done absolutely everything you possibly could for your Shelby and now she's going to spend the time she has left right where she wants to be....with you...no matter where that is.
It's going to hurt like hell but we are all right there with you, hugging you tight. Hang in there, kiddo, it doesn't seem like it right now but you will get through this.
Hugs and love,
Amy & Spirit 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
There is nothing we can do or say to make the next hours and days any less painful for you. You will find the strength you need because you love Shelby with all your heart and soul. You have done everything for her, have always been there for her.
You are not giving up on your girl, she is telling you that it is time for her to move on.
I am sending all the strong, peaceful thoughts I can muster your way. So many of us have been where you are standing now, we are here to help carry your burden any way we can.
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
Oh my dear, dear, dear Alison. All our hearts break with you and for you. I also am a slobvering' shaking mess...an absolute puddle Just trembling.
Your selflessness, your coirage,...you just astound me right now. I know how deep your love is and your BREAKABLE bnd is and I now that love that yo two share is givng you this Herculean strength to give her the release.
Havkng you repeat what the vet said about her brain failing...I'm trying to say this right.....it's the ...damn...can't think of right words.-.it's the "permission" you needed to help her thrpugh the next part of her journey....knowing that there was no quality after this...knowing that she's already started her transition....-this is clear cut...no questins, no regrets, no question mark. This is what SHELBY needed you to hear. The first day or so in the hospital maybe she was up for a little ore fight. Then SHE DECIDED.. nah.....been tjere, done that....-I'm gonna give my momma a little more time to help her with this cross-over thng...then I'm headed for the bridge...wagging all the way!!
Alison, I DO know what it "looks like" when your loved one is no longer able to be who they are. My Bodie who I "helped" with his transition in December.....tat was EXACTLY what I said to the vet..'Bodie can't be who he is! He's not Bodie anymore and he doesn't even recognize the soul walking around in dog clothes andnhe wants out."
I KNOW that's what's going on with Shelby right now as she's making the transition to be Shelby again She HAD to make sure yoj "got it". You've had the ost NCREDIBLE LOVING "conversations" with her these last few days...selfless, warm treasured loving conversations! Heck, you've had them evsry second of evdryday!!
I like Katy's idea of bringing her home and having a love vest in the bathroom!! Since she's kinda drugged anyway, she'll probavly "allow" you to share her purple mat... .. maybe.
Alison, that's a BEAUTIFUL picture and reflects who SHELBYSTRONG is perfectly!!
We all love you and Shelby so much and we are privileged that yo allow us to be partt of your family.
WE LOVE YOU SHELBY!!!
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!
This is just heartbreaking. Alison, I am so sorry. Shelby has put up such a brave fight. Please lean on us, we'll be here for you and please give Shelby hugs and kisses from her Tripawd family. We just love her so.
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”
Oh Alison, my belly feels so sick right now. There is not one single thing I can say to make this better or go away. I love that you are taking her to the beach to send her over the bridge. It is always hardest on those of us left behind, whether it be a pet or a human. She will run like the wind and you can be sure that someday when you meet again, she will come running to greet her Mama! You have given Shelby your all. I am going to share with you some wisdom a good friend shared with me. If I have written this to you before, please forgive me. I was still reeling from Ty's diagnosis and she told me how he was very lucky to have never been left out in the cold, never beaten, never truly hungry and never ever unloved. This is Shelby's life also. I can tell just within the few months I have "known" you. It is apparent right down to the last selfless decision you are making for her. She has lived a dog's greatest dream. To be truly unconditionally loved back by her best friend. Please come here and post, seek comfort, vent or what ever you need. We are your friends, your support. We are all in this together. Miss Shelby will truly be missed. 
Sending Love: Lori & 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.
Alison,
Please just no I am sorry. Strength be with you right now. You and Shelby will be in my thoughts. Please come to us when you need us and when you are ready. We are here for you.
Karma
Adelaide is a young tripawd Husky, from an injury. Her amp was on 10/1/12. She has 4 sisters, Aissa (a senior border collie/chow), Maggie May (a puppy Great Pyrenees), Mathilde and Morrigan and 1 baby brother, Bagheera. We are all watched over by our angel Brendol, who was dx with OSA 1/30/13, amp on 2/6/13, and left us on 8/20/13.
You can read their stories at http://adelaide.tripawds.com and http://brendol.tripawds.com
Alison, my dear friend Liz Kemp, HRH Roxie Roo Rooooo's mom, just sent me this book by THICH NHAT HANH "no death, no fear"
I'm going to type as carefuly as I can and I hope this will bringyou comfort....and co fort to all who have been in this crossroads...and who are headed there......
The body is not me; I am not caughtnin the body,
I am life without bondaries,
I have never been born and I have never died.
Over there the wide ocean and the sky with many glaciers
All manifests from the basis of consciousness.
Since beginningless time I have always been free.
Birth and death are only a door through which we can go in and out.
Birth and death are only a game of a hide and seek.
So smile to me and take my hand and wave good-bye.
To orrow we shall meet again or even before.
We shall always be meeting again at the true source,
Always meeting again on the myriad paths of life.
I think dogs and cats have mastered the fact that life has no limits. They are not caught up in birth, they are not caught up in death. They just go from one transition of "being" to the next...as easily as an exhale of breath from one dimension and with an ihale of breath into the next dimension.
With 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!
Alison,
I am so sorry to hear this about Shelby. I am sitting here crying I know how hard you both fought this dreaded disease. Please let me know if you need anything. I am sorry that you are going through this. My heart breaks for you.
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."
Oh, Alison, I was preparing myself, but we are never really prepared for this journey's end......Everyone here has already said what I feel.....I hate this f-ing cancer, but the one thing to try to remember, like many others have said, this crappy disease cannot steal ANYTHING that involves our eternal love, happiness, devotion, and memory of our beloved furry baby soul-mates.......I feel like I've been kicked in the heart and gut again.......
We are all here for you, and we all are surrounding you with all the love, strength, support, hugs, and whatever you need at this time to help you through...
I need to go cry now......
All my Love.....
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Sally that is incredible. Did you write that? I love it.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Dear Alison,
My heart breaks for you and Shelby. You have both put forth such a strong fight together. May this journey you take together be filled with eternal love, and peace.
In our thoughts and prayers,
Esther and her Snoop
My heart is aching for you, Alison, as the tears flow. You did all you could and more for your sweet and wonderful Shelby... And what a beautiful photo of her. I'm glad your boss did the right thing so you can be with Shelby.
I wish we could magically teleport your Tripawd family to you Jetsons-style to help you through this. Just know that we're with you in spirit and only a few clicks and keystrokes away.
Wishing you and Shelby peace and comfort, and sending big hugs your way.
Deb and Lexie
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.
Jerry...no..no..I didn't write that....it was inthe boo, Liz sent me...
However, the last paragrpah...yeah, that's just a "belief system" of mine that my dogs have taught me through the years. It has never failed me...it's not always at the surface during the saddest of times, but it eventualy makes its way back into my consciousness.
Hope it brings our Alison some comfort.....
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!
Alison and Shelby, this entire community mourns with you. May the coming days and hours be filled with love and remembrances of the beautiful, incredible life you shared. Transitioning is the hardest part ever, but you are not alone. We hold you close in our hearts, now and always.
I'm so sorry.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Alison,
I am so very sorry that it is time for you to help Shelby cross the bridge.
I hope you find some peace in knowing that she has given you the sign that it is time. Remember that nothing can take away the many happy memories you have of her and that you will always carry a piece of her with you.
Surrounding you both with peace and love
Linda and Tucker
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