Spread the word, join the discussion and be there Saturday! We’d love to see the park filled with three-legged heroes.

Date: Saturday, May 19
Time: 4:00 PM

Place: Tony Grampsas Dog Park
Located at the north end of the ballfields at Tony Grampsas Memorial Sports Complex at 44th and Salvia, the enclosed area is a 2.5 acre site, 300 yards north of the main parking lot. Just follow the sidewalk to it’s end past the ballfields!

Come one, come all! This shady park is a fun place to explore, but carry your own water in. We’ll bring a few jugs, but it’s a good idea to bring your own too.

See you there. If anything comes up and you have questions or need directions, please contact us at 707-845-3129. Thanks!

Host Your Own Tripawds Pawty

Tripawds pawties happen from coast to coast throughout the year. But they can only happen when one pawrent decides to take charge and get the word out.

To find other canine amputees in your part of the world, visit our Tripawds Parties Discussion Forum and let folks know you want to arrange a get-together. We’ll help you with publicity and anything else we can think of to attract as many pawtiers as pawsible!

Tripawds made the 11:00 news but unfortunately the footage is not on KOMO’s website. We do however, have some fun photos from the afternoon, courtesy of Kess the Border Collie‘s human, Tombi.

This special group has been meeting semi-regularly in the Seattle region for a couple of years.

Although cancer has taken the lives of some of the original Tripawds in this group, the disease cannot break the bond these folks share.

Since coming together to learn how to cope with amputation and bone cancer, they have formed friendships to last a lifetime.

Start Your Own Tripawds Gathering!

Organizing your own three legged dog pawty is easy.

1. Visit our Discussion Forum Topic, “Tripawd Parties”. Let people know you want to organize one.
2. Post an announcement in ourTripawds Three Legged Dog Facebook Page. We have tons of Facebook memberswho don’t visit the Discussion Forums, and vice versa. Tell Facebook fans to visit the Forums to help plan the event.
3. Choose a date and location. From dog parks to beaches to backyards, Tripawd pawties have been held in every type of location.
4. Share the logistics with us in the Tripawd Parties topic. We’ll help promote it here and on our Facebook Page.
5. Download and create a Tripawds Pawty Flier if you’re really ambitious, to post at local dog parks and pet stores!
6. Name Your Price for Tripawd Bandannas! The bandannas make great pawty favors and all proceeds go to help maintain the Tripawds community.
7. That’s it! Once you nail down the logistics, we’ll help remind people and promote the big event.

Tripawders Gather for Friendship and Support

First, we want to extend a sincere appreciation to everyone who drove to the Mill Valley Dog Park and make this day so special! Over a dozen Tripawds were there, including those who arrived in time to be in the group photo:

Paw Patch Pastries Makes Tripawds Drool with Delight

We are honored that Carla Ocfemia, owner of Paw Patch Pastries, generously donated a delicious array of custom-made Tripawd treats, pawty favors and even a dog cake made with real bacon and cookies that spelled “Tripawds Rule”!

She even arrived with a shade canopy for tired pups. The treats were a huge hit and all doggies went home with full bellies and even more treats for the next day. Thanks Carla!

Paw Patch Pastries specializes in healthy organic dog treats made with no soy, corn, gluten or wheat. Her treats are all made in San Francisco and are especially ideal for dogs facing health issues. We encourage all Tripawders to support her business by shopping online at PawPatchPastries.com.

 David Oliver Captures the Magic

Another big shout out goes to Bay Area photographer David Oliver, who also donated his Saturday afternoon to documenting this historic event. We hope he’s not too tired from trying to keep up with our three-legged heroes!

This fabulous pet photographer is generously giving all of his photos from the afternoon to anyone who wants them.

If would like copies, please contact Tripawds Member Travis Ray through our Discussion Forums Private Messaging system or email him here.

And of course if you are in Northern California and looking for a great animal photographer, contact David today!

A special thanks to The Oaktown Pack who told Carla and David about the pawty.

The Magic Continues

The Nor Cal Tripawds Chapter is our most active face-to-face group in the world. Members like Lylee and Spirit Maggie’s Pack, Karen, Obie and Tani, often get together to share stories about life on three legs, and just be among other dog-centric friends.

Of course, it’s also a fantastic way to celebrate the incredible stories of long-term cancer survivors like Cemil, who is now nearly three years out from his osteosarcoma diagnosis. This big boy is a three-paw miracle!

Some folks, like Spirit Maximutt’s pack, John, Diane and quadpawds Bernie and Linda, even travel all the way from Southern California (about 10 hours away) to reunite with old friends who helped them get through the cancer journey.

When new members join in, the circle grows and the bonds grow stronger.

Hold Your Own Tripawds Pawty

Join in and share in the fun! If you want to create history in your part of the world and share the joys of living life on three legs in person with others, read:

Tripawds Blog: How to Create Your Own Tripawds Pawty

For more fabulous photos of this historic event, check out:

Lylee’s Blog: The Most Best-est Fab Tripawds Pawty Ever!
Ruby’s Blog: NorCal Tripawds Pawty!
Travis’ Blog: Travis Ray Reporting In

Susan, Barb, John and Cadence

Some Tripawds members like Spirit Hope’s pack, Barb and John Young, along with Cadence’s Mom Heather Neal are sharing their knowledge about the three-legged lifestyle by representing the Tripawds community at dog-centric events like the My Furry Valentine Adoption Extravaganza held on February 11 in West Chester, Ohio.

As part of the Young’s dedication to their Mission of Hope project, Barb and John worked hard securing items to help support the Tripawds community, like delicious dog treats thoughfully baked by friend Susan Wykoff.

Barb Talks to Visitors

In addition, the Youngs had Tripawds bandannas and numerous animal-friendly items available for booth visitors.

“I was able to talk with several rescues and shelters and animal care professionals about tripawds and the information at their website, as well as educating the public about life on three legs,” Barb told us.

She added, “It was a long, but fun day with literally hundreds of attendees. About 261 animals found their forever home during the event! I got a sore throat!”

Cadence Steals the Show

Cadence Sparkles

A Tripawds exhibit is especially fun and attention-getting when a member makes an appearance, like Tripawds Ambassador Cadence.

This sweet girl is a bone cancer hero. She has bounced back from an osteosarcoma diagnosis last July, and is loving life every single day.

“I got emotional watching people interact with Cadence. Some did not even realize she had an amputation,” says Mom Heather.

Heather traveled to the event from Chicago because she says “I want to show others that amputation of a leg, although a life changing event, doesn’t have to mean the end of quality of life for a dog. Cadence proves that she is happy and loving life on three legs!”

Heather and Cadence

Cadence and her pack tell us they were also there “to give back and tell others about the Tripawds organization as well as talk about the help, support, and education I have received from so many individuals on the Tripawds site.”

This Midwestern Tripawds chapter is going to great lengths to help raise Tripawd awareness, and Heather, Cadence and the Youngs are looking forward to attending future events on behalf of Tripawds.

“My hope is that through the education that Barb is giving about Tripawds through Mission of Hope and interacting with SpokesDog Cadence at this adoption event, people will not overlook a tripawd dog when looking for a loving companion,” Heather explains.

Cadence the Star

We send our heartfelt thanks to Barb, John, Susan, Heather and Cadence for their generosity and dedication to raising Tripawd awareness!

Stay tuned for our next News blog post that describes how you can help spread the word in your community!

In February, Barney celebrated four years after losing his leg to Histiocytic Cancer!

See how Barney celebrates this milestone with a healthy meal, and watch how he plays with Spirit Jerry’s Barney doll, who is nicknamed “Jerry” in the Baldwin household:

Click here to view the embedded video.

We had the privilege of meeting Barney after his amputation in February, 2008. We’ve tracked his progress through the years, and are thrilled that Barney has beaten the bone cancer odds.

On February 14, 2012, Mom Linda Baldwin wrote to tell us:

“Today we celebrate Barney’s 4 year ampuversary! I cannot believe how the time has flown, and how very blessed we are to have this beautiful boy still gracing our lives!”

Linda says “Jerry’s Barney doll . . is the ticket to eating or treats! He (Barney) brings ‘Jerry’ to us when he’s giving us a strong signal that it’s meal time, or he just thinks he can swindle a treat out of us. Therefore, Jerry is much loved by him, as well as all of us.

Barney Stays Healthy with Good Foods

Barney continues to enjoy life eating a healthy diet of home cooked foods and Fish Oil. Mom Linda shared his diet plan with us:

“We have been feeding EVO kibble since the cancer diagnosis and amputation because of the high protein, low carb nutritional value.

We supplement with fresh carrots, broccoli, green beans, squash, apples and such; either added to his bowl of kibble or as a treat. He and Floyd (his sibling) both get real salmon whenever we have it for our meals. We also give them both fish oil.

It is still a challenge to keep him from gaining weight because he has gotten lazier as he’s gotten older, which Labs are also known to do. I was happy to see the exercise for Tripawds article the other day. I’m going to see if I can figure something out for him to help strengthen the core, besides eating!”

Congratulations Barney. Here’s to a long, healthy, hoppy life ahead!

See Barney’s Other Ampuversary Celebrations:

Histiocytic Cancer Survivor Barney B. Celebrates Three Year Ampuversary
Meet the Great Yellow Texas Tripawd, Barney B.

And remember, if you have a long-term bone cancer survivor yourself, contact us to share it. Tell us about your Tripawd, and give hope to pawrents who are just starting their own three-legged journey.

Lily’s Loving Life for 3 Years and Counting
by Kim Johnsen 

“Lily came into our lives on January 31 2007 at only 3 days old. I remember being so excited when my vet asked me if I would be willing to foster 5 puppies whose mother hadn’t been able to care for them.

It wasn’t until February 14 (Valentine’s Day) that I convinced my husband that I “needed” to keep the little runt of the litter. We named her Lily.

Lily ended up being the greatest dog, she loved everyone and everything she met. It was during the first part of February of 2009 that I took Lily to the vets for the second time complaining of a limp.

It was discovered in her x-rays that Lily had osteosarcoma (a bone cancer) she was only two years old.

I was told that once the cancer is detected it has most likely already spread and her chances of survival were not good. Through everything I had read said that at her age Lily probably had 6 months to a year to live. Discussions with her doctor led us to amputate Lily’s leg making her life more comfortable and less painful.

But here we are approaching the spring of 2012 with Lily by our side. She has been such an inspiration to many and has never lost her love for life!

Lily loves playing Frisbee and is a pro at it. She loves going for rides, playing with her adopted brother and she is a fantastic swimmer who even loves jumping off the dock into the water.”

Has your Tripawd beaten the odds for a year or longer? If so, contact us today so we can share your hero’s long-term survivor story with the Tripawds community.

What a joy to hear he’s still doing great!.

Greetings from Eisen

“Well, friends, a few weeks ago, I turned 13. As I understand it, that’s pretty old for my “breed” (whatever that word means!). Since Mama tells me several times a day how handsome I am, I’m guessing that “handsome” is my “breed”!

My dinner that night was pretty extra great, I got my favorite “cheat” snack: a full Quarter pounder with cheese (without the yucky human fixin’s on it: just meat, cheese, bun!)! Oh boy, just thinking about it now makes my mouth drool that good kinda drool that goes from my lips all the way down to the floor in one solid stream! YUM!

I might have to give Mama ‘the look’ to see if she will go get me one tonight. hmmmmm…

For those of you keeping count, I am now over 4 years post cancer. Mama credits it to the grace of God, the power of prayer, my own strength of spirit (after all, my name means “iron” in German!), and of course the natural remedies that I have taken since the beginning of my journey as a tripawd.

It’s getting a bit tough in the “being 13 department.” My body is feeling the age and my muscles have gotten kinda wimpy which makes it hard for me to get up and down and all around, if you know what I mean.

But, I’m a blessed guy. I have a Mama who helps me with all that, doesn’t complain (too much) when I have to expel some stuff in the house (again, if you know what I mean) and she has to clean it up, and she brings me water when I’m too tired to get up to get it. Yes, sometimes I do milk that one. It’s cool having a human hand-servant!

My girlfriend Daphne is as gorgeous and loving as ever and I have a new little buddy named Gracie. She’s a small tortoise shell colored cat who looks like she is still a kitten, and she is funny! For some reason, she likes chewing and rolling on my feet.

Mama tells me that we remind her of some Warner Bros cartoon characters (huh?) named Marc Anthony and Pussyfoot/Cleo. Let me tell you: Gracie is a great napping buddy.

Sometimes I forget how small she is and how big I am and I just flop my whole head across her warm soft belly like she is my personal pillow. Gracie doesn’t like that too much, but she doesn’t hold it against me.

Time for me to grab some shut eye. Gotta grab some beauty sleep to hold true to my ‘breed.’

Blessings my friends,

Eisen

Learn More About Eisen’s Amazing Life

Tripawd Talk Radio: Listen to Eisen’s Momma StacyDiscuss His Holistic Cancer Care

Birthday Boy Eisen Beats the Bone Cancer Odds

2 Years and More, Eisen Fights Bone Cancer with Homeopathy

Happy Ampuversary to Eisen and Calpurnia

Jerry and Eisen Have a Six-Legged Play Date

Eisen Update

Eisen Seeks Pre-Amputation Advice

Ask Stacy questions about your beloved animals of past and present, by tuning in or joining us in our chat room on:

Date: Sunday, January 8, 2012

Time: 3:00pm PST (4:00 MT, 6:00 Eastern)

Duration: 30 min.

Call In Number: (310) 388-9739*

Tune In Here: More Animal Communication and Spirit Healing with Stacy Krafcyzk

Share Link: bit.ly/ttr010812

*You do not need to call to hear the show. Listen live here and join us in the chat room or call (310) 388-9739 with your questions.

Stacy is a professional animal communicator from West Allis, Wisconsin. You’re welcome to ask her questions about your alive or deceased animal in this Discussion Forum topic or call in live to this Tripawd Talk Radio episode on 01/08/12.

ABOUT STACY:

Stacy Krafczyk works as a Professional Animal Communicator, Intuitive Reader, Medium and is a Reiki Master. She has worked with animals for over a decade doing humane work on a professional level and has assisted thousands of animals, domestic and wildlife, throughout the years.

Stacy has always had a strong bond and passion for animals since a child and is now being carried throughout her professional and personal life.

Her unique approach and gentle guidance will give you great perspective and understanding in all areas of your life and help you reach your greatest potential.

Also experienced with Energy healing modalities, Stacy is a Reiki Master Practioner and uses essential oils that are 100% natural and safe for humans as well as animals to help them overcome emotional and/or physical ailments.

Now’s your chance to work directly with Sarah; she was the one expert in the world who could help Tripawds Spokesdawg Wyatt Ray overcome his many challenges that resulted from his abusive past. Sarah has worked miracles with our pack, we can’t recommend her enough!

If you’re in New York on February 11, here are short descriptions of her two classes taking place:

Beyond Cabin Fever: Quick and Easy Indoor Activities to Amuse Every Family Member


Games to amuse. Build the connection between you and your dog one laugh at a time. For people tired of being in the house and just not sure what else there is to do with their dog and for people who “just” want to expand their toolkit. Bring your sense of humor and a hungry dog.


60-Second Games: Short-Burst Training for Long-term Results

Short-burst training is a fun, effective way to connect with and educate your dog. Doable even on days when finding time seems impossible, 60-Second Games are rewarding – for both of you. These are skills-specific, indoor exercises that strengthen the foundation behaviors while they challenge you to try the next level with your dog. When the snows melt and life outside begins again in earnest – you’ll be ready! Experience what can happen in a minute!

You can join Sarah’s free community and sign up on Sarah’s website at My Smart Puppy.

Tripawds is hoppy to welcome MySmartPuppy as our most recent commercial supporter; you’ll see Sarah’s banner ad in the “Recommendations” widget throughout the Tripawds News blog. To learn about marketing opportunities with Tripawds, see our advertising page.

Recommended Reading:

PBS NATURE: Why We Love Cats and Dogs. See Sarah discuss canine and human pack behavior in this touching, 1-hour documentary, also featuring Tripawds founder and Chief Fun Officer, Spirit Jerry G. Dawg!

Tripawds Downloads Blog: Training Tips and Tripawd Behavior Podcast with Sarah Wilson

Tripawds Amazon Blog: Recommended Dog Training and Behavior Books by Sarah Wilson

Tripawds Amazon Blog: Tripawd Confidence Starts with You. Watch Sarah show Wyatt Ray Dawg how to keep cool in busy situations.

My Smart Puppy You Tube Channel. Free tips, tricks and helpful information from Sarah to help you strengthen your bond with your Tripawd.

Thanks to Tripawd Gerry in Wisconsin, we heard about Stacy Krafcyzk of All Spirit Healing, whose intuitiveness has shed a lot of light on what Gerry is thinking! Now, you can meet Stacy yourself this Sunday on Tripawd Talk Radio.

Date: Sunday, December 11, 2011
Time: 3:00pm PST (4:00 MT, 6:00 Eastern)
Duration: 30 min.
Call In Number: (310) 388-9739*
Tune In Here: Animal Communication and Spirit Healing with Stacy Krafcyzk
Share Link: bit.ly/ttr121111

*You do not need to call to hear the show. Listen live here and join us in the chat room or call (310) 388-9739 with your questions. You may also post your question for Stacy in our Discussion Forums.

Meet Stacy Krafczyk, a professional animal communicator from West Allis, Wisconsin. You’re welcome to ask her questions about your alive or deceased animal in our  or call in live to Tripawd Talk Radio on 12/11. Just tell Stacy what your animal friend looks like, and post your question or call in with it.

ABOUT STACY:

Stacy Krafczyk works as a Professional Animal Communicator, Intuitive Reader, Medium and is a Reiki Master. She has worked with animals for over a decade doing humane work on a professional level and has assisted thousands of animals, domestic and wildlife, throughout the years.

Stacy has always had a strong bond and passion for animals since a child and is now being carried throughout her professional and personal life.

Her unique approach and gentle guidance will give you great perspective and understanding in all areas of your life and help you reach your greatest potential.

Also experienced with Energy healing modalities, Stacy is a Reiki Master Practioner and uses essential oils that are 100% natural and safe for humans as well as animals to help them overcome emotional and/or physical ailments.