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.

Join the forum discussion on this topic.

Calling all Tripawds! Renowned dog behaviorist and trainer Sarah Wilson is holding two February seminars in New York to help pawrents build a stronger connection with their pups through skills-specific, indoor games and exercises.

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.

Join the forum discussion on this topic.

Many Tripawds look for furever homes in our Blogs and Rescue Forum, but it’s rare that we get to meet them after they’re adopted. Last month in a total coincidence of events, we had the honor of meeting one of Tripawds’ former Rescue Forum pups while attending the 2 Million Dogs Walk in San Antonio.

Tripawd Warrior Brings Comfort to Soldiers

As early as last June, Colonel was living a hard life on the streets of San Antonio while getting around on a badly damaged leg. After being saved by the Give a Dog a Home San Antonio Rescue and undergoing his amputation, he went from being a wounded warrior with a Tripawds Dog Blog to finding a home with Bart Sherwood, Executive Director of Train a Dog – Save a Warrior (TADSAW).

Created by the non-profit Penny’s from Heaven Foundation, Sherwood’s program matches therapy dogs to wounded U.S. soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Sherwood saw something very special in Colonel and instantly knew he would make a great therapy dog. Today, Colonel is one of dozens of dogs in TADSAW with a mission; to bring comfort, companionship and support to wounded warriors coping with PTSD.

Train a Dog, Save a Warrior; Canines with a Mission

TADSAW trains adult rescue dogs and soldiers’ existing dogs to become part of a wounded warrior’s support team after returning home. From traditional service dog duties such as retrieving objects to turning off lights, to giving comfort when things get tough, Colonel and the TADSAW pack are helping PTSD soldiers return to normal lives again.

Michael, a returning veteran, describes how a TADSAW dog changed his life:

“Kingsley is the best thing that has happened to me. I have had PTSD for such a long time. I began to accept that this would be my way of life…but Kingsley had a different idea in mind.

This ever faithful companion has showed me life again and that nothing has to be done on your own. He is a true friend, who is always there ready to take a walk, or just sit on the couch…”

How You Can Support Our Troops

Experts estimate that as many as 400,000 returning U.S. soldiers will suffer the effects of PTSD. As more dogs get trained by TADSAW to aid in their recovery, we can be there to show support for our veterans long after they return home.

Donations of every type, along with purchases of the touching Penny’s From Heaven book, “Pockets of Peace,” can help TADSAW continue their pawesome work.

To learn more about the incredible, lifesaving work of Train a Dog, Save a Warrior, visit their website today.

Join the forum discussion on this topic.

For many humans, the closest comparison to the unconditional love of one’s Creator is the beauty of Dogs. As the video GoD and DoG illustrates, the similarities are uncanny.

We thought about this recently when Karen from Connecticut wrote to us to tell us the heartbreaking news about the tragic death of her dog, Molly.

Molly passed away immediately following her amputation surgery, the same afternoon her Webmaster harness arrived from Tripawds. Grief stricken and heartbroken, Karen shared the devastating news with us. We were heartbroken to say the least.

In her grief, Karen sent us this beautiful letter reflecting on the afterlife of animals. With her permission, we are sharing it with you today. We think you’ll find it as touching as we do.

“I know that so many people have their own concept of what happens to animals when they die. I’m sure we’ve all heard of “Doggie Heaven.”

Well, I’ve been a born again Christian now about 20 years and in all that time I’ve never heard any real positive talk about animals or pets and Heaven. I’ve just mostly heard that dogs don’t have spirits and so I assumed they can’t go to Heaven. The Bible talks about there being animals in Heaven. . .

The Lord Jesus Himself is to return on a horse, so you know there must be animals in Heaven. . . . . so why not our pets?

I was speaking with my Pastor’s wife today about Molly and how I had this funny image of Jesus with Molly. It almost looked liked the old 38mm home movies where everyone waves into the camera. I couldn’t hear what the Lord was saying, but Jesus was waving at the camera and was talking to Molly as if to say “Look! There’s Mommy!”

The image went away, but then it came again. I thought that it must have been something that I just created out of my own heart because that’s what I wanted to believe. But, then I remembered that God gives us the desires of our hearts and so I thought that perhaps He really did give me that picture.

After telling my Pastor’s wife about that experience she said,

“Well, animals don’t have spirits because they’re not made in the image of God, who is Spirit, but they have souls.

And just like our souls are our will, emotions, memories and who we are, their souls are the same. And although our soul goes with our spirit when our body is gone, their souls go to Heaven – back to the Creator, when their bodies are gone.”

I may not have chapter and verse to prove it, but in my heart it just seems right. God’s so good so why wouldn’t He make a way for them to be alive in Heaven? Our pets have souls and souls never die!

That’s really something you can hold onto!”

 - Karen L., Southbury Connecticut

Rest in peace Molly. You will always be an honorary Tripawd in this community.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Join the forum discussion on this topic.

It’s that time of year again everypawdy.

Time to make your Tripawd a world famous superstar in the upcoming 2012 Tripawds Inspawrational Calendar! For one week only, we are taking any and all photo submissions from the community.

How to Be a Calendar Star

We want as many Tripawds as pawsible to be featured in the calendar. But hurry! You have exactly one week to send your photos.

• Jot down your favorite inspawrational quote (along with the author’s name)
• Email the quote along with one high resolution, quality photo of your Tripawd
• Calendar submission deadline has passed.

This annual calendar is a fun project that spotlights the amazing capabilities of our Tripawd heroes. It makes a great gift for friends, family and the special veterinarians in your life. All sales made though this project help defray the costs of maintaining the Tripawds community. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Photo submissions are no longer being accepted. Stay tuned for the new 2012 Calendars coming soon!

With that said, we are happy to announce Jerry’s fifth Tripawd Pals gallery! Enjoy this slideshow of the fourth gallery featuring 100 friends of the Tripawds community, and send your favorite photo to be included in the fifth.

[[Show as slideshow]]

Starting a free Tripawds Blog is the easiest way to share more photos of your three legged friend. Upgrade with a Tripawds Supporter Subscription to receive plenty of upload space, automatically remove ads, access enhanced features for your blog, and much more!

Check Jerry’s galleries often for lots of photos from his life on the road and of new Tripawds spokespup Wyatt, favorite pet products, procedure and treatment photos and more. Subscribe to the Tripawds Gallery Updates forum topic to be notified of new additions.

NorCal Tripawds Meet Tomorrow
Quadpawds and their humans playing at Mill Valley’s Off-Leash Dog Park at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 10, will do a triple-take when a parade of three (and four!) legged heroes and the world’s greatest canine terrorist, Bernie Bin Ladin, joins in on the fun.

“Consider this your seventy-two hour warning period. If you start running now, you may get out of the blast zone in time to avoid the worst of the fallout,” says Bin Ladin’s human, Maxidad.

At 11:00 AM, this annual gathering of Tripawds and Quadpawds alike will take place, with canines of every size ranging from Cemil, a giant breed front leg ampute from the East Baye, to Lylee, a warrior princess who reigns supreme over the North Bay.

This annual get-together is done informally through our Tripawd Parties Discussion Forums.

All you need to do to start your own is begin a topic for your corner of the universe and start rounding up guests. If you need help drafting a press release to send out to local media folks, let us know, we’re hoppy to help!

Join the Fun

Bring a chair, there’s nothing to sit on but the scenery can’t be beat! Here’s how to get there:

Directions to Mill Valley Dog Park:

Park coordinates: 37°53°35″N 122°3°°30″W

From Sausalito /San Francisco

Take the Mill Valley / Stinson Beach / Highway 1 exit from northbound US 101. Pass under the freeway and follow the road for 1 mile to the first stop light. There will be an ARCO station on your left.

Continue straight ahead through the light for 0.8 miles to the next stop light. Tamalpais High School will be on your left.

Turn right onto Camino Alto and continue 0.2 Miles to the second stop light. The first stop light is for a pedestrian crossing. The Methodist Church will be on your right.

Turn right onto Sycamore Ave. and continue 0.05 miles past the Middle School (on the left side) to the end of the road which is a “turnaround”. Follow directions at PARKING below.

From Corte Madera / Larkspur and north

From southbound US 101, take the Mill Valley / Blithedale Ave exit. When you reach the bottom of the exit ramp, turn right onto Blithdale Ave. Continue 0.8 miles to the third stop light and turn left onto Camino Alto Ave.. The 76 station will be on your left. Continue 0.2 miles (past the Mill Valley Community Center on your left) to the first light. Turn left onto Sycamore Ave. and continue 0.05 miles past the Middle School (on the left side) to the end of the road which is a “turnaround”. Follow directions at PARKING below.

PARKING

You can find parking along Scyamore Ave., at the “turnaround”, in the parking area for 450 Sycamore Ave which is the Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin (don’t panic, everything is quite clean, attractive and SAFE) and in the parking lot of the Middle School between the school and the skateboard park.

Click on the “Plan route” link at the top of the MS MapPoint map below which will allow you to plan your route to the park. It will lead you to 450 Sycamore Ave. (the Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin). From there or the nearby parking areas on Sycamore Ave. and the Middle School parking lot, follow directions in WALK TO THE DOG PARK below.

See you Saturday!

Join the forum discussion on this topic.

Many future Tripawd pawrents assume Tripawds is only for dogs who lose a leg to cancer.

But as Tripawds Spokesdawg Wyatt Ray can tell you, that’s just not the case.

Beyond Cancer: All Tripawds Welcome

Tripawds began when Spirit Jerry lost his leg to osteosarcoma, but his community is now the world’s biggest resource for animal amputees because of the many different circumstances in which they lose a leg.

While the majority of our members are dogs facing bone cancer, we’ll always be here to provide support for anypawdy facing amputation or life with a malformed limb. Our Beyond Cancer Discussion Forum shares many of their stories.

And yes, all species, even cats(!) are most definitely welcome!

Below are just a few examples of how some members became Tripawds.

If you have a Tripawd for reasons other than cancer, share your story in the comments below or in the Forums.

Our Spokesdawg, Wyatt Ray Dawg lost his leg from abuse and neglect, and so did the rest of the Oaktown Pack (pictured left to right, Travis Ray, Codie Rae and Wyatt Ray.

Gerry had irrepairable damage to his left rear leg.

Nemo the kitty was the first non-canine Tripawd we heard about.

New members Cubbie and Reggie were born without paws.

Comet had a fourth leg but she couldn’t use it. Honorary Tripawds definitely count!

JoJo is a sweet little pup who was hit by a car and adopted as a Tripawd

The Petite Princess Shelby was found overseas and brought to America as a Tripawd.

 Molly the Tripawd Pony is a hero of ours.

And finally, Henry the Tripawd Cat is doing pawesome social work with his book series that helps Tripawds.com!

As you can see, Tripawds is an all-species community for any animal who’s lost a leg.