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Tripawds is a close knit family, sharing our stories of victory and sadness, triumph and grief, from all corners of the world. Throughout the year, we become close with our amputee dog heroes and their pawrents. The more we grow to know about their daily lives while they recuperate from amputation and battle cancer, the harder it is when we lose them.
When a Tripawd warrior leaves this earthly life, we are griefstricken. We all know that this is the price we must pay for loving another being, but it doesn't make saying goodbye any easier. Our community has suffered heavy losses this year, and our deepest condolences go out to pawrents who are hurting.
Many pawrents say they have avoided coming to the Forums lately, because they are afraid of finding out if any more dogs have passed on. But in the spirit of all of the Tripawds who have bravely lived life to the fullest, let's not forget that the Tripawds we grieve for, are also the dogs who amazed us as they took on the world with fearlessness and courage. And every day, new Tripawds members are bringing hoppiness into our community!
On this New Year's Eve, let's all keep the good times of our Spirit Tripawds in our hearts, by remembering some of the highlights from the year gone by:
Our apologies for not including all of our Spirit Tripawds in the links above, but that's where you come in! Please feel free to post links to more happy memories of our Spirit Tripawd Warriors, in the Comments field below, or in this Discussion Forum topic.
Thank you for being a part of our family. We send you all many, many warm wishes for a joyous, peaceful and hoppy 2010!
Spirit Cherry thanks you for remembering – it is about the quality of time together and the wonderful memories that are made.
While not totally keeping to the tone of "Spirit TriPawds", let us add to the list the following for TriPawds who are still here with us. Dad has always said to treat the spirit as well as the body.
I know I didn't get the 3-legged cancer combo in one dog like a lot of you have, but I have dealt with the 3-leggedness for more than a decade and only because of the big "C" taking my 4-legged helper dog did I find this site. Comet (the 3-legged one) was very, very sick (diskospondylitis – infection of the neck discs) and depressed afterward when Rugby, her soul mate died instantly without warning. (hemagiosarcoma).
I remember googling for the first time in 10 1/2 years, "3-legged dogs". I don't even know why I did. But it was the cancer that took Rugby that kept me coming back because of the sorrow everyone was going through. I needed comfort with his death. So therefore, I would like to pay tribute to my beloved, always happy helper dog, Rugby. I needed him more than I ever knew to help me with Comet.
She departed us unexpectedly from bleeding internally on January 23, 2011
Comet came from a dog hoarder and was born with a deformed front leg. She was sassy and bossy but oh so much fun! She lost her brother, Rugby in 2009 and got Monkeybutt, the king of Monkeydogs! He was the most annoying dog ever to a tripawd!
1999 to 2011
Her Retired Avatar
1:26 am 1 January 2010
Tazzie
Winnipeg
Moderator
posts 1315
7
Thanks for sharing the story about Rugby and Comet. We welcome both to this site! I love your annotated photos. The one posted above with both pups. And the one with Comet and all his toys scattered around your yard.
Happy New Year Comet and Angel Rugby!!
5:58 am 1 January 2010
hugapitbull
My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Moderator
posts 3167
8
I love the pic of Comet with wet ears. Duke does that to Trouble. Sometime her entire head is wet – yuk!
Shanna & Spirit Trouble
Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging
RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
We honor our fellow November Five members who will always remain forever in my heart
Nova – the lone survivor, live proud and long
Spirits Max, Cherry, & Tika – who made half the journey with us and greeted Trouble at the Bridge
The spirit dogs that we remember the most that really helped us back when we were deciding what to do for Cali were Lalla and Sammy (and Jerry, of course). The words of encouragement and wisdom were such comfort. Part of Cali hops on with these spirit dogs close to her shoulders, I just know it!
9:01 pm 1 January 2010
brandnewkey
New England
Member
posts 61
10
Thanks for including Peanut.
Along with ringing in the New Year, I made a point to also celebrate Peanut's life with a toast… "May your paws make happy tracks in many snows."
It's my twist on an old native american prayer. I am part Sioux on my mother's side, so was raised with her cultural influence. From an early age, I was taught great love and respect for all creatures.
My mother also lost her beloved dog, Winnie, in 2009… just 1 day after Peanut crossed over.
We'll never forget 2009.
So, in the spirit of the New Year, I wish to say to ALL the doggies out there, spirit or earth-bound….
May your paws make happy tracks in many snows.
-Melanie, spirit Peanut, Bubba.
~*~*~ Peanut is strength, love, and happiness. ~*~*~ 11/30/03 – 12/26/09
9:23 pm 1 January 2010
jakesmom
Wesley Chapel, FL
Member
posts 1111
11
Thank you for including my sweet golden angel Jake in your New Year's Eve tribute… It brought tears to my eyes… but good ones, knowing that others knew about him and loved him too!
God bless all the tripawds angels… and those that are still batteling this disease… I wish you all love and happiness for the new year!!
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou…..ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
3:52 pm 2 January 2010
Zeus
Moderator
posts 745
12
Thank you for reminding me…with my own post….of all the wonderful things that Zeus taught me and yes…continues to teach me. This was a beautiful message that you wrote – thank you for that.
I know, for me, that I've stayed away at times because I either didn't want to bring the forums down with my own sadness or else it was too difficult for me to hear of more losses…but you're right – that is NOT in the spirit of our fur kids and even though they are physically gone from this world, they are still with us (me) and I need to always be striving to live the way Zeus taught me:
One day at a time mommy
Stop and chew the sticks mommy
Let's go for a walk mommy – even if it isn't very far
Unconditional love mommy
What time is it Zeusy? It's NOW mommy!!!
comfort others when they are sad mommy
lean on me when you're sad mommy – it's OK to cry in my fur
remember the simple things mommy
and remember that I'm always here mommy – in spirit now, but I'm still here
We wish all our beloved tripawds and pawrents much love, laughter, health and happiness in the New Year and in every day. It's a special family that we have here….I cherish it with all my heart. Thank you Rene and Jim, Wyatt and Spirit Jerry for giving us such a wonderful place to come to and be a part of.
Happy New Year everyone ~
Love Heather and Spirit Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus – Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
5:10 pm 2 January 2010
hugapitbull
My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Moderator
posts 3167
13
Beautiful, Heather. A reminder we all need from time to time.
And BTW, the tears fall again….. Missing Zeus….
Shanna & Spirit Trouble
Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging
RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
We honor our fellow November Five members who will always remain forever in my heart
Nova – the lone survivor, live proud and long
Spirits Max, Cherry, & Tika – who made half the journey with us and greeted Trouble at the Bridge
Thank you Shanna – (((hugs))) to you and Trouble….enjoy and cherish all your moments…I know you do.
xooxo
Love
Heather
Heather and Spirit Zeus – Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
12:32 am 3 January 2010
shiloanne
Oregon
Member
posts 204
15
Please don't forget Shilo Anne… Although her fight was short, she was a ery tough girl to the end… Please see Shilo anne at http://www.shiloanne.tripawds.com
Shilo diagnosed with osteosarcoma 9/4/2009, amputation 9/9/2009. ShiloAnne lost her battle 11/23/2009 where she regained her fourth leg and is patiently waiting for her parents to join her. We will always love you baby girl.