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Opie became immortal today
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Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Member Since:
27 October 2009
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1
20 April 2010 - 5:25 pm
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Hi Friends,

Opie became immortal today. 
We just couldn’t watch him suffer any longer.  I can’t say that I am sure that he “let us
know” as many have posted that their tripawds have done.  All I know is that yesterday and this
morning, he would not get up to get a drink or to eat.  We have been bringing all that to him.  With encouragement, he struggled to get up on
his feet to go outside to relieve himself and then it was as if he got stuck in
that position.  He would turn and look at
the door with his chest heaving with each shallow breath, but it was as if he
could not muster the energy to take that first hop toward the house.

He no longer had any interest to stay outside.  Tennis balls held no appeal.  He was still drinking and eating, but he
wouldn’t lift his head to do so.  I called
Joe to come home from work.  When the
truck came down the driveway Opie responded with a few barks, but did not turn
his head to investigate.  When Joe came
through the door, Opie wagged the tip of his tail a few times, but there was no
head-splitting smile with the squinty eyes for his pop today.

With encouragement, Opie loaded up into ‘his’ car; his
second home.  He went with me everywhere in
that car.  His ability to get in the car
unassisted caused a glimmer of doubt in my mind that maybe it wasn’t yet time.  I kept looking for those “signs” from Opie; the
ones that everyone talks about. I don’t know if I got them or not.  But then I started thinking, “Do I really
have to let it get to the worst he can bear before I let him go?  Does every tail wag have to be expended
before I set him free?  Is it wrong to
decide not to make him go through more misery given that there is a possibility
or even just a hope of finding a few more ‘good’ days, hours, minutes?     

I know that everyone was saying to give him time and maybe
he would rally, but we couldn’t do it.  I
hope that our decision was made with Opie’s best interest at heart and was not
done just to begin to relieve our discomfort, anxiety, and fear.  I feel as if my daemon has been ripped from my soul.

The people on this site, on tripawds.com, are the reason we
found the strength to go through with the amputation therefore, we thank you for
all the post-amp happy months (a little over six) that we had with our best boy.  Thanks too, for all the help and advice along
the way.

In a few days or weeks, I will do the ‘whole-life’ tribute
to Opie on his blog, but for now I am hoping you will let me stick around on
the site…maybe I can help someone like you all helped me.  Don’t expect too much though, because Opie
was the funny, interesting one…I have always been kind of his straight-man. 

Nancy (Still Opie's mom)

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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20 April 2010 - 5:33 pm
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You better not go anywhere! Opie will always be welcome here, in spirit or otherwise. His loss brings tears to my eyes. It was too fast, too soon. But it does sound like he let you know, at least physically. Bless you for all you did for our hero from up north. And please know that we are here for you during this difficult time. Thank you so much for sharing Opie with us all.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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20 April 2010 - 5:40 pm
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Oh Nancy, our hearts are hurting for you and the loss of our great Tripawd warrior Opie. We are truly, truly sorry, this all happened so fast, it seems unreal.

I do think you saw the signs he was giving you, I really do. You know him so well, and you responded with the heartbreaking duty that one must do when its clear that our best friend is hurting too much to go on. No, I dont believe you did it for your own sake, you most definitely did it to help him in the best and hardest way. We are deeply sorry.

Oh my gosh of course you can stick around. But please take care of your own needs first and know that if you want to talk, we are here. Take whatever time you need to grieve and feel better, we will always be here.

And for now, know that there is an entire community here who will always remember your boy as a true hero, and a shining example of all that is pawsible during a life on three legs while battling cancer. You are both our heroes forever.

 

 

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
10 March 2010
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20 April 2010 - 6:13 pm
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I wish you could feel the warm hug I am sending to your entire family...of COURSE you did the right thing.  I pray I have the wisdom and insight and perfect sense of timing when Magic is ready to go play with Opie.

 

God bless you.

Los Angeles
Member Since:
2 November 2009
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20 April 2010 - 6:19 pm
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I am so so sad and can't hold back the tears.  It sounds like you did the right thing for Opie and it was his time to leave our world.   He made us all laugh and smile and brought so much love and humor to this site.  He was an incredibly special golden tripawd and he will be deeply missed by all of us.   It just won't be the same without Opie.....those are some big paws to fill.

I bet Opie's probably schwimming right about now and looking down at you with his big golden smile cool)

You are in our thoughts and prayers and we are so sorry for your loss.

Kami, Mackenzie and Kobe

 

 

My sweet golden Mackenzie.  She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2  although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home.  She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009.  She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes.  I love you Mackenzie!

Winnipeg
Member Since:
13 July 2009
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20 April 2010 - 6:27 pm
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Yes it does seem sudden. It seems he was just stuffing tennis balls into his mouth the other day, and I had no idea he was having problems until about 2 days ago. But that is what is so amazing about our dogs. They live life so large until the end. Sure wish us humans could do that.

It indeed sounds as though it was his time. When they are in pain and you know it really is not going to get any better, well, that is when we had to let Tazzie go and it sounds as though that was the case for Opie.

Even if it is the right thing for Opie, and it was, I am so very sorry for the pain you are feeling now.

Tazzie's mom

p.s. We definitely expect to hear more about Opie and Opie's Mom in the future.

 

Member Since:
5 April 2009
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20 April 2010 - 6:47 pm
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Nancy, our hearts are broken and we type this message through tears. We are so sorry Opie left us today.

We know there is a crater size hole in your heart, what wonderful and brave Tripawd he was. Thank you for sharing your amazing dog with us. I always knew there was a bit of the dickens in Opie and that's why he made us laugh so often.

We are sending a whole family hug and prayers for peace. You knew it was time and you helped Opie once more. We know how much you loved him and he knew what a wonderful loving family he had.

I can only imagine what's going on on the other side of the bridge, so many great dogs running amok and having such a splendid time. I'm sure Opie's welcome was a tremendous occasion!

Take time to cry and miss your wonderful boy, but please stay in touch with us, we have so much more to learn about your very special boy Opie.

The maid, the chauffeur and Shelby, the P.P.

 

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Member Since:
28 November 2008
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20 April 2010 - 6:47 pm
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Nancy, I am so very sorry this day had to come so soon.  I love the pics of Opie in the snow.  What a beautiful boy. I'm with the others, of course if was the right time.  In my heart I know we make that final decision with love, and none of us would make that decision without lots of forethought. My soft weepy tears have returned for your hero.  I wish you peace in the days ahead and hope the beautiful memories will soon replace the pain in your heart.

Holding you in my heart.

RIP sweet Opie.  Run free at Rainbow Bridge.

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.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.

On Tour

Member Since:
20 January 2009
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20 April 2010 - 6:48 pm
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Rest in peace old friend. Jerry's tribute candle burns bright for you at Tripawds headquarters this evening.

Kirkland, WA
Member Since:
2 June 2009
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20 April 2010 - 6:54 pm
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Now Opie, now that you are invisible, don't go playing any tricks on your mom and dad!  They know you're there without you getting into any mischief 🙂  Please say hi to all our other friends that you now can see, and give them all our love as they welcome you, their newest pack member.  Speaking of packs, tell your pawrents that once a tripawd member, always a tripawd member.  We lub you, Opie!

 

<3 Laura 

Las Vegas, Nevada
Member Since:
14 August 2009
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20 April 2010 - 6:59 pm
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We are all "Goldens" today.

 

I can't write anymore.  Nancy  and Joe knows.

 

Her Retired AvatarComet - 1999 to 2011

She departed us unexpectedly  January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.

She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.

Mesa, AZ
Member Since:
27 April 2009
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12
20 April 2010 - 7:22 pm
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Nancy, there comes a time when you just know that they are ready and Opie let you know in his own way.  Reading this brought tears to my eyes, knowing that another one of the Trooper Tripawds has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.  He will always be a part of you and we will always welcome you here.

Chuy & Eleanor

Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!

Chuy's Short Stories

Member Since:
7 August 2009
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13
20 April 2010 - 7:41 pm
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Dear Nancy and Joe: We are so very sorry to read this. It did seem to come very fast. But also maybe---Opie was living life to the most, enjoying life, until the past few days when things turned for him. You did do the right, loving thing, although we can only imagine how difficult it was for you. Opie was a beautiful, funny boy and surely he is in tennis ball heaven with all the other Tripawd heroes. He is your guardian angel now.

Please know our hearts are with you. Opie was a shing example of Tripawd zest for life---how good life on three legs can be. Bless you for all the love, courage, and good humor you've shown Opie and and all of us here at Tripawds.

Love, Eve, Romeo, and family

 

Portage Lake, Maine
Member Since:
8 December 2009
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14
20 April 2010 - 7:51 pm
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Oh Nancy....seemed so sudden...I don't know what to say...I had just written you a personal email before I saw this post.   We all loved Opie and his stories...he was such a story teller...and you, Mom...had better stick around this community!

I am just sooooo sad for you right now...so sad..  You did the right thing...he was telling you he was ready by his signs..

What a dog.

XOXOXO

Tracy & Maggie

PS We have Opie's note that came in the KillBarney box...I am saving it forever...signed in Opie fashion with style way-cool

Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09

Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13

http://maggie.t.....t-24-2013/

Member Since:
10 February 2010
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15
20 April 2010 - 7:54 pm
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Nancy,

I am sending a big hug your way.  Please know that I am thinking of you and Opie.  Opie will always be with you!

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

 

Heaven was blessed with another Golden Angel today! 

 

XOXO

Wendy & Henri 

 

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