Dakota must celebrate a subdued 7-month ampuversary today, as we remember the terrorist attacks and all the innocents who died that day. It is a milestone for Dakota and I certainly appreciate it and am grateful for his presence.

Dakota will be seen by his vet this coming week because I've found two sizeable lumps on him–right (remaining) armpit and left low belly-hip area. I think they are lipomas, but cancer survivors get their lumps manipulated by their doctors, don't they? He won't appreciate it but I'm in charge.

So today while thinking of what the date has come to mean, try to reclaim some sense of normalcy and don't let the bad guys win. And I mean whoever the are, nuts with guns and bombs or tiny little cancer cells.

Shari

Happy Lucky Number 7, Dakota! I say, Celebrate!!! All of us are so very lucky to have every moment that we have, and in honor of those who've not been so fortunate, it is our responsibility to carry the torch — brightly, joyfully and with a sense of deep and heartfelt gratitude for the gift we've been given.

Hoppy Ampuversary, Dakota!  If Chili Dawg were still here, he'd be celebrating his ampuversary today with you.  Tell your woman to break out the good meat- a cheeseburger or steak for your dinner!  Today is a day to honor our heroes, remember the fallen, but also to celebrate the freedom we have been given, so don't be subdued on your ampuversary.  Life is too short and cancer has claimed too many to not relish each and every moment we have together.  So live it up on this your ampuversary!  We will give Finchy some extra treats in your honor.  Oh, and Noah sends a kiss on the nose too. 

Happy lucky number 7 Dakota, and I am proud of you for the way you are celebrating your ampuversary on this sad and memorable day. But I do agree with Abby – lets dont let those terrorists win, bring on the cheeseburgers :) 

but also well said as Gayle and others said, all in all though as today has unfolded it has had sobering memories throught the day , but there seems to be an unusual air of peace and beauty today… I hope that feeling has been with you Dakota and and family and the rest of the tripawds gang as well. 

Coopsdad and Angel Cooper

Never too late, Elizabeth. You know how we like to drag these celebrations out so we just run right into the next one! If Dakota and Sammy join the "lumpy boy club," I need to find someone to join me in the "waddling lady club." All these goodies!

Shari

Dakota Dawg said:

I need to find someone to join me in the "waddling lady club.

I hear ya there, Shari. Since my walking buddy no longer has the distance in her legs, my exercise routine has gone completely into the toilet! Last summer we hiked nearly every day on the trails near our house and I did four 5Ks, and this year, I think I've walked a total of maybe two miles all summer long! And boy, do my jeans feel tight these days. We need a support group or something — the Moms of Tripawds Treat Intervention Hotline. "Walk away from the cookies, and you won't get hurt!"

Micki