Hi Gwen and Harley,

First let me say… Happy 4 month ampuversary Harley!!! I hope that you were able to celebrate this great day with Harley with something special. None of us ever know/knew how long we have left to share with our babies… so every day should be a celebration!!!

Don't feel bad about feeling closer to one Tripawd more than another and feeling a bit more awful when they loose their battle. I really do feel so sad whenever I read about another Tripawd loosing his/her battle. It brings back all the memories of when I lost my Jake and I remember that pain too well. But there are a few Tripawds out there, who were also goldens like Jake… and even looked like him so much they could have been siblings… those seem to tear at my heart just a little tiny bit more. I don't think there's anything to apologize about that… when you feel an extra little connection, maybe because your babies share the same type of cancer, or they are the same breed, or look alike, etc.

I feel that even if most of us have never met in person… that we all truely care about each other so much, as we're all going through the same scary… and in the end, very sad journey. I feel such a bond with each and every member here, whether they have already lost their battle, or are still in the fight… or even those that have just recently joined… I think that we all share the same feelings. We all love our dogs so much… that's why we are here!! I don't think I could have gone through Jake's diagnosis, surgery, recovery… and finally the end of his journey, without the support of all my Tripawd friends! Thank you!!!!

Hope I didn't bring everyone down too much… I really do want to help celebrate Harley's 4 month milestone… as it is a big one! Every ampuversary is a big one!!!

Sending you and Harley a big fat loving hug!!!

Angel Jake's Mom

Sorry to hear you're feeling so down.

Dante may not be a cancer survivor or fighter – but we recently lost our big guy who had many medical problems, and ultimately was taken at 15 years old by Kidney failure. I think for the last three years of his life I cried more tears than I ever have – each year we thought for sure he'd never see another summer (his favorite was the garden hose and laying by the campfire!) each time he came down with something, I thought for sure he wouldn't be coming home from the vet. I sat and cried with his big old head on my shoulder often, just hugging him. He wasn't sad though, and he did make a few more summers. Unfortunately this year, he didn't miraculously pull through to see nicer weather as he had before. He'd become old and frail, barely able to stand or walk at the end.

So while I don't have nearly the same experience or battle, I can definitely relate to some of the feelings you're having right now. Sending you lots of hugs and good thoughts from me and the 5 furbaby zoo of mine!

Happy ampuversary Harley! Give Harley a hug, and give yourself a pat on the back! You are a great mom for everything you have done for Harley and for all the love you give.

Happy 4 month ampuversary Harley   hope you enjoyed your very special day.  I know sometimes it's so hard to just live in the now and try to forget about the future, but I think that is one great life lesson all this has taught me.  Enjoy the moment and treasure it, everyday we get is a gift.  Last year when Tasha was diagnosed I felt an urgency to take her to the river  to swim thinking I will never get another chance,  here in Arizona it is almost river time again and Tasha's going to get to the river and swim again.  Anyway back to you Harley I am glad you got extra treats and got to spend lots of time in the snow and mud for your 4 month ampuversary!!

Jo Ann & Tasha

Shelby said:

If it would be OK with you, I'd like to name my motorcycle after Harley. I know a lot of people have Harley's but not a single one has a bike named after a tripawd hero.

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Harley would be more than honored!  Thank you!  Harley came to us with his name, but I do know he is named after the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota (where we got him from).  

Thank you to everyone for your kind, kind replies.  I have been out of town for a couple of weeks, and am now trying to get caught up on the forums.  My little "breakdown" is over with (I'm sure there will be many more … at least I hope he's around for many more!).  Thanks for letting me vent here … no one else would have understood.

I happened to watch Hotel for Dogs with my niece/nephews while I was away, and was happily surprised to see a tripawd in the movie!  The tripawd has a very small role, but it was still nice to see one included in the cast of dogs.  Although, seeing the tripawd did make me miss Harley even more.

Harley, thankfully, seems to still being doing well.  He had chemo #5 while I was gone.  And Michael allowed him to try the dog door, which, evidently, he had no problems with it; it still scares me, so I'm not allowing him to use it unless we absolutely need to (at least for now).

Again, thank you …

Gwen and Harley,

I feel so very guilty at missing your initial posting celebrating Harley's four month ampuversary. We were in Maui which may be a paradise, enjoying the humpback whales, but it is also an internet wasteland. It took me a half hour to update my own post regarding the tsunami scare.

You are just going to have to extend you PAWRTY celebrating that wonderful milestone of four months. We would like you two to share extra hugs, special playtime, special treats, and just for Miss Cherry – ICE CREAM. This four month ampuversary is so very special a milestone. I know that you celebrate each and every day together, but such milestones are definately a reason to pause and give thanks.

It is only natural to worry – we have all been there. We all know that we should remain positive and upbeat around our companions to help them lift their spirits. Of course knowing all this is much easier than doing. Each and every one of our members is different. Just because one goes down a particular path does not mean that a similar diagnosis will go down the exact same path. Enjoy your time together – I know that Harley does and Gwen should take her clue from Harley. As Jerry would say, enjoy each and every day – live for the NOW. This is said with all the love possible from a Spirit that even today want to put a smile on your face each and every time you see her banner.

Spirit Cherry's Dad

PS: I have already penciled in the 10th for that 5 month ampuversary posting. We will be watching.