Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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One of Shelby and my favorite things to do was to go places together; Petco, wineries, restaurants....you name it, she could go and we would be there. For a while I have mourned the loss of our long walks/hikes but I still try and take her when I can. Today - she was looking perky when I got home from working out so I decided to scoop her up and take her to Centinela Pet and Feed store. It's like Petco. 🙂
She did AMAZING! Walked in like a champ, tail wagging, same old Shelby. You wouldn't even known she had 3 legs. Of course got the questions, what happened w/the long, sad face and I told everyone - she's not in pain; it's a good thing! She did start panting about 15 min later which indicated she had had enough but not before she picked out a toy and I got her some treats.
She liked riding in the car there but coming home did get all shakey/panting/anxious. I drove really, really slowly and safely too.
She will come out of the bathroom more (is laying at my feet right now) but still prefers to sleep in there at night (as opposed to the beds/blankets on my floor). We did take a nappy earlier on my bed but I only let her up there during the day while I am napping or reading since I don't crash as hard as I do at night and I can't risk her jumping off in the middle of the night (it's rather high and she WOULD get hurt). I still haven't let her jump up on the couch on her own even though the vets have said that she is capable. I block it when I am not home. Thankfully, as we all know, she resorts to the bathroom. Seeing more and more of my girl each day and feeling incredibly blessed!
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
What a great day! Here's to you and Shelby for going outside and showing the world what you're made of! This is a LONG way from the bathroom, you should both be very proud. The fact that she DID it and didn't panic when you left your home is a great sign to me that she is absolutely normal and fine. The bathroom thing is going to go away soon, I can feel it.
And I just want to add: Kudos to you for being cautious about allowing here to get up on the furniture and block it off when you are away from home. I know that's a tough thing to do and too many of us aren't as strong as you are to be so careful. But as vet rehab therapists have told us, jumping on and off furniture can do damage over the long term, especially to tripawds but even to quadpawds. Regular veterinarians aren't as fully aware of that risk as rehab vets are, so I like to follow their advice above all else.
WOOHOO!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Got a little "joy tear" rolling down my cheek over here!
What a happy update this is! Glorious day for you and Shelby! Huge breakthroughs! HUGE!!!
I love tnat picture of her "shopping" for her toys! Such a sweet, sweet girl! Love her! It's exhaustng for a senior woman who's recovering from major amputtion surgery to spend the day shoppng while bombarded for autograhs from all her fans! She's a Rock Star!!
This did BOTH of you a world of good! I'm so happy you had such a great outing together! You can realy, realy exhale now amd jist enjoy the art kf being with Shelby. And it still gets better!! Good job Team Shelby!
Lots of hugs nd 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!
Yay for Shelby!! Good to see her out and about! Things will get better as you go, and the car thing seems to be a very common problem with a lot of us. My Polly's problem is not so much physical, as it is mental.......she is just terrified she is going back to the surgeon or to the oncologist, both very stressful experiences for her. So we try to go as many fun places as possible so she knows all car rides do not lead back to those places. She does however still love her reg vet, albeit a little more nervous.
Glad to hear Shelby is out of the bathroom a bit, but it does sound like that has become her "safe place" , and comfort zone. Best wishes to you both along the way !
Bonnie & Polly
Thank you all for the kind words and support! It was a really good weekend for us and it was wonderful to see so much more of my girl in her spirit and mood.
The bathroom is definitely her 'safe zone' and I'm going with it mainly because I know she will come out. IN fact, if I am not petting on her, she goes in there as if to pout. I saw her nosing around her toy bin this a.m. so I think she's trying to figure out how she can play (she likes to toss her toys up in the air and prance around). It's actually quite amazing to watch her become more confident with her new physical situation and figure out how she can do things now.
She can't 'shake' anymore since it was her rear left leg that was removed and she shakes w/her right front paw so she can't lean to the left like she used to. But she is getting better at sitting on both sides.
She did have a little doggy bad dream last night - heard her crying around midnight and ran to the bathroom to comfort her. Was so much easier when she was beside my bed. 
I think Shelby must be like Polly - it's a mental thing as I can't see how she would be in pain now riding in the car so I am going to try more positive reinforcement of riding in the car (*even if it's just around the block).
So thank you all - you told me it would get better and I didn't see it but it is getting better. Each day! Thank GOD! Love you all so much!!!!
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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