My pawrents went for a hike today, and I do believe I have convinced them that my spirit will always be close by. As they climbed the trail, I ran on up ahead of them, tongue wildly flapping and my paws blazing a muddy path, just like the old days.
When they got up to the snow line, my Mom looked around, and in her heart, she finally understood that I truly am “everywhere.” With just one look at the sunlight hitting the big cedar trees, and hearing the sound of water trickling in a stream, she was certain she felt my presence.
These signs I gave her provided all the comfort she needed to get through today, exactly one week after I earned my wings.
These photos were taken on the day we parted ways here on earth. It was hard for my pawrents to look at them today, and share them with you now. But, in the spirit of learning and coping wth cancer, we have always promised to be upfront and tell the whole story about how the three of us coped with my diagnosis, and, just like my surgery photos, these pictures of me in my final hours are another way that they wanted to share our story with you. Please don’t be sad for me when you look at them, for I am running free now.
As Mom and Dad descended the mountain, they both heard a dog bark in the distance, even though they were miles from civilization. They looked at each other, and smiled. Without saying a word, they both understood that I will always be at their side. We hiked down the mountain together, a family forever together, in eternity.
What Now?
Thank you to everyone for helping my pawrents get through this past week, with your beautiful words of comfort and sympathy. My pawrents are awestruck by all of you kind-hearted souls who have said such nice things, and helped them to see the light at the end of their grief.
Many of you have wondered if Tripawds will continue, and we just want to reassure you that yes, it will. Knowing how much of a help it has been to so many people all over the world, gives my pawrents so much joy, they couldn’t imagine their lives without it.
Others have asked if there is anything they can do to help Tripawds live on. First of all, please know that it’s because of your stories, your participation, and your generous giving of time and energy that makes Tripawds the resource that it is. Now that I’m no longer physically around to make movies and demo products, there are definitely some specific things that you can do to help continue our mission, such as:
- Send us your movies and photos that show the world how awesome life on three legs can be
- If you hear of any new products, foods, etc., that have helped you, let us know
- Write a brief blog post, about your life on three legs, ampuversaries, etc., and we’ll publish it
- Keep on participating in the discussion forums
- Suggest articles, resource tips, and other ideas about how we can make Tripawds even better
- Distribute information about tripawds.com
- Spread the word about our Tripawds Store and three legged dog merchandise
Thank you!
Thank you everyone, for the love and sympathy. We are honored to be in your life, and promise you that we aren’t going anywhere.
Meanwhile, my pawrents would like to share a sampling of the many beautiful sentiments that have been emailed directly to them this week, not posted on Tripawds.
In their time of grief, these emails, and your participation in the forums, has been a tremendous source of strength for Mom and Dad. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
“A magnificent warrior is running free again, facing the wind with a smile on his face.”
“Godspeed dear Jerry. Fly free on your well deserved golden wings.”
“Jerry will forever thank you for knowing that he had had enough. He’ll be waiting at the Bridge for you and you will finally be together forever after.”
“That Jerry was able to inspire your whole adventure which has in turn inspired all the rest of us for so long is such a remarkable and enduring tribute to a life well lived, and a legacy that will carry on long after he’s gone.”
“In the end, you helped him to start a new journey, one filled with renewed health and back to his glory days. I know your heart aches right now, but in time your thoughts will be filled with smiles and giggles as you remember all the momentous times you had with Jerry. May your heart be filled with the lessons Jerry taught you in his short life on earth.”
“He was the epitome of living with cancer and living it to the fullest.”
“Be strong. Be well. Jerry would want that for you.”
“Go Jerry, run with the wind at your back.”
“I think crying is important, and very healing. Those tears honor the relationship.”
“Without him, you would not be where you are today, physically or spiritually.”
“I will always remember him as the perfect picture of a life well lived.”
“I imagine Jerry, Finny and all the others who have gone before them having one hell of a playdate.”
“I hear alot about this rainbow bridge, but I’m much happier with the image of rainbow fields full of running dogs.”
“Your heart is shattered but the wonderful thing is that it mends because you have the capacity to love, which is something not everyone has.”
“He is more inspiring than all the great religious leaders.”
“My vet friend once told me “You will never love another the same, but you will love another just as much.”"
“Bless your little angel for taking care of so many of us. His wings are full and large to wrap around so many.”
“There is no greater love than that of a loyal dog.”
“One of the things I believe in is that our animal friends are with us for a reason. They are with us either to teach us, guide us or protect us. It sounds like Jerry was that way for you. I also believe that Jerry is there with you in spirit. I know you feel him. I believe that he is with you now, in your surroundings. Keep your senses open and you may feel his presence.”
“With their incredible view on life, they never could understand why we were hurting. Their angelic faces saying, “There’s no need to cry. It’s just life. I’ll see you on the other side. I promise.”"
“I believe that these animals “hang around” for a while too sometimes, you can feel their presence. Like the spirit dog, they are around and they still love you. This is how I see Jerry at this point, still concerned about his beloved “pawrents” but also so happy that he can now breathe freely and run like the wind.”
“I salute a special dog who contributed so greatly to changing the way humans think and interact with animals. Jerry had a life well lived.”
“Jerry was an amazing life force, I truly believe he made contributions that many people never will.”
“His spirit is in all who shared in his life.”
“It’s the ones left behind that have the hardest time. Jerry is running around up there with all the other wonderful doggies that have crossed the bridge, and I have so much peace knowing that he will be there to welcome my baby when the time comes.”
“Do you think Jerry will organize a Tripawd Alumni group up there? That would be fun.”
scout the wonderdog 
Heather Kourcklas 
diriley 
Tripawd Blogs RSS Feed
Entries (RSS)
thanks for sharing…..a favorite poem of mine…sorry if you’ve all read it before….
Loved you Best
So this is where we part my Friend, and you’ll run on, around the bend.
Gone from sight, but not from mind, new pleasures there you’ll surely find.
I will go on, I’ll find the strength, life measures quality, not it’s length.
One long embrace before you leave, share one last look, before I grieve.
There are others, that much is true, but they be they and they aren’t you.
And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought, Will remember well all you’ve taught.
Your place I’ll hold, you will be missed, the fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.
And as you journey to your final rest, take this with you… I loved you best.