At 4:55pm today, Max died in our arms. The fluid from the tumors was causing too much pressure in his chest, and making it uncomfortable for him to breathe. Using ultrasound to drain it would have been a temporary option at best. I’ll post more tomorrow, but for now I can say only this:

He was the best dog we ever had, and he loved every second of his life. His final decline came very quickly, without a long, drawn-out, agonizing process. He was gone before he ever felt any real pain, and that’s more than many others can say. Hard as it is to see any good in this now, I know we’ll be grateful for that later. And most important, the last thing he saw before his eyes closed forever was us, telling him how much we love him.

And to all of you on the Tripawds forum, we can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for us since he was diagnosed. Fourteen months ago, Diane and I felt completely alone, like we were the only people in the world to suddenly find themselves with a three-legged dog with cancer. Then we found this forum and realized how wrong we were, and we’ve been grateful for it every day since. You’ve been there for us and become more than a support system – you became our online family. We could never have made it without you, and it means more than we can say to have met so many of you in person. From the bottom of our broken hearts, we thank you for all you’ve done.

And to Max… we will love you forever. Goodbye, old friend.

Oh guys , no, no, no, no. We have tears in our eyes as we sit here. We are so sorry Max is gone, we are so happy we got to meet and pawty with the 4 of you. We could see and feel how much you loved him. Everyone knew he was special and he knew how much he was loved.

We are sending love and pawsitive thought's your way. Hug each other and Linda to, alot. Thanks for sharing your wonderful friend Max with us.

Shelby and her crew.

It's not goodbye, it's goodnight.  One day you will wake up, and this life will be a dream, and Max will be beside you, wagging his tail and ready to play.  Until then, he will always be with you in the memories of the times you shared.  He made your family the people that you are, and for that, he will live on forever.  We're thinking about you.

<3 Laura and Jacaroni

Dear John and Di,

I am so so sorry to read about Max.  Through your posts I almost felt like I knew him.  I know that you will miss him terribly.  Your unselfish decision to let him go was the most loving thing you could do.  My prayers are with you.  No longer do I need to pray for Max  He is happy and healthy once again.

Debra & Angel Emily

Di and John,

Words are once more failing me when I attempt to describe the extreme sorrow that we are feeling here in Northern California and throughout this entire community. Please accept our deepest sympathy at this very hard time. From all your postings, it was clear that Max enjoyed a very unique love, and it was our privilege to be able to share that relationship. I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to be able to meet all your family at our recent TriPawd Party. I will cherish that memory as I view all the wonderful photos that were taken that day. Max clearly enjoyed meeting everyone and I know that you will always remember the smile on Max's face as well as the smiles he put on the faces of others. Just like some of my last and most cherished memories of Cherry, these memories will be with you forever and they are memories of great times.

Listen closely and you will hear the howling of pain eminating from the Bay Area. Max was a true warrior, you were spectacular pawrents, and this loss is felt by all of us.  Know that we will not forget Max and know that you will really never be without Max, for the gifts that he has given you will live with you forever.

Through a tear covered screen once more, I send prayers of peace. I have found great comfort in retracing many of the special things Cherry and I did.

Hugs, Love, and Tears

Spirit Cherry's Dad

Oh Max. 

I'm so glad I got the chance to meet this amazing dog. I count the trip you guys took up here as very very precious. You are both very strong for what you went through today. Max was lucky to have come into such an amazing family. 

Spirit Cherry's dad said it all most beautifully. All we can do here is howl in grief.

Rest in Peace dearest blue-eyed Max. We are so happy we got to meet you. Thank you John and Diane for being the best tripawd pawrents ever.  Your love for Max shines bright through our stormy skies tonight.

You will be in our thoughts in the days to come and Max will be in our hearts forever. Thank you so much for sharing Max with us. If we can be of any help at all please don't hesitate to reach out a paw.

The Oaktown Pack