RhodesTer says:

Jerry, I was going to point out a few things, but Sandra beat me to it. All I can say is that when the time comes, I WILL cry for you.. that’s just what we humans do.. because you’ll be missed and because your folks are friends of mine and I care about them. They may put on a strong front, but they’ll be hurting for a while.. that’s just our nature.

I’m also deeply concerned about who’s going to take care of our palm frond problem now.

Sandra Thomas says:

Dear Jerry,

Even though you say not to feel sad, we humans do that alot, especially at times like these, but your pawrents are awesome and you are very lucky to have such wonderful humans by your side. As always, you look great in your photo, and you can bet you will be treated like the king that you are.

I know that your pawrents probably told you that I lost my dear, precious “Luna” last Tuesday, September 16th. Luna was a black German Shepherd Dog and was only 3 years 4 months old. She had lung mets too but continued to play and have a good time. Then, last Tuesday, she had a seizure and the vet at the University of Florida in Gainesville did an MRI of her brain. My boyfriend, Dave, and I had already discussed with the vet that if they found a brain tumor where the hemangiosarcoma had spread from her right hind leg which they had amputated last March 6th, 2008, that we would let her remain under general anesthesia and then help her make the transition to the Rainbow Bridge. Unfortunately, they found brain tumors in her head and we made the difficult decision to let her go to the Rainbow Bridge. I want you to know that is was peaceful and easy for her. Before she headed for the bridge, I told her how much I loved her and a lot of other special things, but I wanted you to know that I also told her to be on the lookout in the future for a dog named, “Jerry”, the same one that had inspired me so much when I read about him the first time, the one who had given me hope that Luna could live a full and happy life as a tripawd.

Now, this isn’t saying that you’re going to be seeing her anytime soon, but just wanted you to know that when you do decide to head that way, that she will be one of the ones waiting for you and part of the greeting committee so to speak. I know that you have helped so many tripawds live fuller lives and helped their pawrents tremendously, too. We found out about the book, “Without Regret” on your site, along with lots of other cool stuff.

Like you, Luna’s initial prognosis on October 5, 2008, was not good. They told us that she had two weeks to two months to live. Because this prognosis was so dismal, we decided not to put her through the amputation and chemo. But, she surprised everyone by continuing to live and love and have a great time. By March, we decided she deserved more of a chance to beat this disease, and she had her right hind leg amputated and a hemipelvectomy followed by six courses of chemotherapy, followed by metronomics protocol for two months. Instead of having only two weeks to two months, she lived almost another year. She defied all of the predictions.

So, although my heart is breaking today, I can honestly say that I am “without regret” and that if I had it to do again, that I would take the same path. Like you, Luna fought her battle well, so strong and full of life. I wish you lots of time with your pawrents and lots of time to play and enjoy everything around you. Thank you for everything that you have done and will continue to do in the future.

Love,

Sandra and “Luna”

Bev & Darcy says:

Jerry. I agree very much that it’s important for our pawrents to make plans ahead of time so that when The Day does come, everyone knows whats to happen. For example, my vets have a note on my records (and on the records of all my brothers and sisters) that says that Mummy always wants a private, individual cremation with ashes returned in a wooden casket. Mummy made sure this was noted on everyones records, just in case, on that specific day, she was unable to communicate her wishes clearly or if we were being cared for by someone else because Mummy & Daddy were away for the day or something.

We are also very sure about our vets 24 hour service and we feel it’s very important that all doggie owners know that their vet offeres and how to get in contact in the event of something bad happening late at night or at the weekend.

Mummy feels better with these plans in place. She says its one less thing for her to worry about.

I hope you are snacking away nicely and enjoying lots of treats.

Love, Darcy Deerhound
xx

Troy, Lalla and Sasha says:

You’re such a courageous doggy, Jerry. Our pawrent understands the need of your pawrents to think of things in advance; meanwhile keep up the “Live in the Now” lessons you’ve been teaching us all. Can we get a podcast?

We love ya