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PLEASE NOTE: Jerry cannot reply directly to all comments posted below. If you have questions about canine cancer or concerns about your three-legged dog, please add a topic in the Tripawds Discussion Forums where Jerry and everyone else can share advice and input. Thank you!

If you’d just like to say woof, or throw me a bone, please sign my guestbook and see what others have to say below.

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  1. Julia says:

    Thank you so much for this website. My almost 10 year old Rottweiler, Benson, had his right hind leg removed almost two weeks ago and I was scared beyond belief about what was to come. Although the first week was traumatic for Benson and our family, this second week has been fantastic. Thanks to the stories I’ve read on his site, I was better able to navigate our way through the operation and post-op care for Benson.

    Benson is now up and walking around happily – he is certainly a very different dog to the one before the amputation, he’s practically a puppy again! We now have the Ruffwear harness and I think it’ll come in handy soon. I’m so happy we could buy it here in Australia!

    Thank you, thank you, thank you for all that you do and the support you offer.

    • admin says:

      Thanks for the kind comments, and bless you for taking such good care of Benson! Please consider dropping by the discussion forums, or starting a blog to share his story. And if you haven’t seen it yet, you might be interested in reading Nikki The Rott’s blog.

  2. jerseymay says:

    Jersey May and I want to thank you for having this site for us.I wish I had found it sooner but its the next week or 2 (depending on how Jersey May hold up) is when I think I will need this site the most to help me cope.
    You are the best! Thank Jerrry
    Jersey May and Papa Jon

    • admin says:

      Thanks for the kind words Jon, it’s all the community members that make this site what it has become. Best wishes for Jersey may and facing the weeks ahead.

  3. LuLu Perez says:

    My name is LuLu, but my mom calls me “Lu-the 3-legged laugh attack”. I’m a 2 1/2 year old Chow Chow and German Shepard. I don’t even notice I’m missing a hind leg until someone points it out, but even then my mom says, “chin up little girl, you’ve got this.” I can even fetch…sorta. It’s more of a soccer goalie move to get the ball stopped then I bring it back… sort of.

    The best part about being a pretty, smart, confident girl dog- who happens to be missing a leg – is that I can pretty much make men do what I want. If I limp up to them, they’ll pet me for a long time. If I’m laying down and a man wants me to play fetch with me at my doggy park, I just sit and he throws the ball right to me…and I have taught most of them to fetch when the ball goes past me. I love my life!

    Thanks for starting such a great group of unique furry people like me. I look forward to the next event!

    Chow~
    Lu

  4. Addi's Mommy says:

    THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS WEBSITE!! We recently adopted a ‘tripawd’ from the local animal shelter and our family could not be more blessed. When we are out for our daily walks we often here “Aww poor puppy?” — my response if “Don’t let her hear you say that b/c she has no idea she has 3 legs”. She runs around the yard playing catch with my husband and the kids and I’m proud to say when playing with my mom’s 4 legged dog, Addi will win a race to the ball every time with her 3 legs!

    The vet brought her to our house two weeks ago to see how she adjusted and how she and our cat would interact. She wasn’t in the house for 5 minutes and we were totally in love with her (needless to say she stayed)! Thanks again for this wonderful site and community to share our love for our tripawds!!
    ~~ Jen and Addi

    • jerry says:

      Jen, thank you for coming here to share Addi’s story. It’s stories like yours that continue to provide the inspawration and support to pawrents when they are faced with amputation for their best friend. Come visit our Discussion Forums when you can, and start a blog about Addi so the world can stop saying “awww poor puppy!” once and for all!

  5. Jeremy Frost says:

    I just found this website while frantically trying to find some comfort from what is happening to my beautiful Meea, a 7 year old rottie. She is at the vet right now getting her front right leg amputated because of osteocarcinoma. I am dying inside waiting for the call of how the surgery went. I am so glad there is a community out there for this kind of stuff. I will update when I find anything out. Thank you for all of your stories and having such a good community website.

    • jerry says:

      Jeremy, we’re so sorry about your girl, and send our best wishes for a speedy recovery. Don’t give up hope, as you can see, lots of dawgs can live a great life on three legs! Please visit our Discussion Forums and let us know how she’s doing OK?

    • Luda says:

      Jeremy hold in there and be strong Meea will be fine and when she has recovered from her surgery cherish every day with her I was where you are now with my Rottie Luda this time last year he had his right front leg amputated due to ostesarcoma too and here we are now 1 year on and still clear and enjoying life to the full. Thinking of you and Meea. xx

    • jer4me says:

      Well, the surgery went well and she is doing well considering the situation. The part that is hard for me is that she has to stay until Monday. I want my girl back home with me, but I know it’s a good idea to keep her there and monitor her for the weekend. I will update again when I get her home and have some time with her and see how she’s doing.

  6. Suana says:

    What a wonderful resource you have for everyone!! thank you for all you do to help others!!!

  7. Casey says:

    Today is my lab Annie’s 2 year ampuversary. She remains free of the soft tissue sarcoma that she had – and 3 previous surgeries couldn’t beat. She was just diagnosed with lymphoma but so far she is doing very well :-) Thanks for your wonderful community!

    • jerry says:

      Hoppy Ampuversary Annie, two years is just miraculous! Fabulous! Wonderful! Thank you for sharing your story, you give hope to so many by doing so. Many hugs to you and your Mom.

  8. dyre says:

    Hi! My name is Kim and my Tripawd is Dyre. His right leg was removed because of Cancer. My vet Dr. Liz Gray from East Lane Veterinary Hospital in Leaburg, Oregon told me about your site. The sight has amazing information. I appreciate the time and support put into this special club. I feel more connected having people going threw the same things. I donated $50.00 to this web site and hope to do more as time goes on. Thank You!

    Sincerely, Kim Hove Eugene, Oregon

  9. fourrotts says:

    I am wondering if anyone can help me. My 10 year old Rottie Beau lost his leg (front left) to osteosarcoma. (March 21010) He has had four chemo treatments all spaced apart and will be having his fifth one this coming Monday. Has anyone else done chemo on their dog and how many treatments did the dog go through? He is doing well and I hope and pray he continues to do well. Any help would be great
    Thanks

    • admin says:

      Thanks for the comment, how is Beau doing? Share his story with the Tripawds community and find much more advice in the discussion forums. Also, don’t miss our recent video interview with Dr. Mona Rosenberg discussing chemotherapy for osteosarcoma in dogs.

    • Ludasmum says:

      Hi.
      I have Luda who is a 6 year old rottie he lost his front right leg to ostesarcoma and had the initial 5 chemo sessions. He now has chemo every 3 months and I just want to say he is doing fantastic he just celebrated his 1st ampuversay last week on July 15th and he had chemo that day and x-rays and he is still clear of the horrid C. So hang in there and enjoy every day with Beau and make it special. xx

  10. Cathy says:

    I have a log in, but can’t for the life of me figure out where I can post something under Coping with Loss (for Skyler – who earned her wings June 11, 2010)

    • admin says:

      Hi Cathy. We’re so sorry for your loss of Skyler and apologize for any trouble your having with the forums. Log in to the discussion forums and visit the Coping With Loss forum. Click the “add topic” button, give your thread a title, and share your thoughts about Skyler… Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, please let us know.

  11. Jordan says:

    Hi, My name is Jordan and I am a 10 year old female collie. I have developed a Chondroma in my left right hip and leg. They tell me this is a people tumor and very rare in dogs. So go figure, I had to be the one to have it. My family is struggling with the findings of the oncologist and surgeons. The only thing that is possible right now is to remove my leg and possibly part of my pelvic bone which then would require reconstruction. The tumor is benign as far as they can tell so I don’t think I will have to have chemo or radiation. My family wants me to be here with them for as long as I can so I will be having my surgery next week. I know they will take good care of me and I want to show them that I can be the same loving dog after the surgery as I was before. My brother, Jag, is part of our family too. He has been a great big brother so I know he will do his part to help too. I’ll be back in touch to let you know how everything goes. Thanks for making this blog available. I think it will help my family a lot.

  12. Ashanti's mom says:

    Our red-nosed pit, Ashanti, who’s almost 8 lost a rear leg to osteosarcoma two weeks ago. She hasn’t missed a beat because she apparently hadn’t been using the limb. We aren’t planning to try chemo due to cost and no guarantees. Not even sure we’ll do chest x-rays every 3 months as what would we do if it has spread. The hardest part has been knowing we’ll probably lose her before our 14 year-old cockapoo or 16 year-old beagle. Ashanti’s so gentle and pretty (for a pit!); my neighbor says, “nope but she’s buff”. ha. Had hoped she’d live a long life and continue to be a breed ambassador. Anyway, celebrating her while we have her and thankful for great veterinary care. The day of her surgery, our vet walked her out to me. Ashanti walked out the door, down the steps, and squated without a wobble to potty. Vet said, THAT’s why I became a vet…animals are so resilient! :-)

    • admin says:

      Thanks for the comment Sharon and best wishes to Ashanti! FYI: Jerry lived nearly two years after his osteosarcoma amputation and we too opted not to do IV chemo – just a healthy diet and supplements, lots of love and plenty of three legged adventures. We chose not to do regular x-ray, but when we finally discovered he had lung mets we started him on K9 Immunity and Metronomics. Ask you vet about metronomic treatment for cancer dogs, and consider sharing Ashanti’s story in the forums or a Tripawds Blog!

  13. Hunterborz says:

    My beloved borzoi past a year ago (cancer) and not a day goes by that I do not consider myself lucky to have been enriched by his influence. It seems many of the responders on this site agree we have been given a rare opportunity to have connected to these animals in such a way it has changed our lives. We come across certain ‘loves’ of our life that are summed up as rare, beautiful, and limited. Jerry was one of these. Thank you for reminding us how ‘precious the time’ is with our beloved family (dogs and cats).

    • jerry says:

      Hunterborz: “rare, beautiful and limited.” You described the gifts we receive from our beloved companions so beautifully, thank you.

      Our sincere condolences for your loss. We know your borzoi will always be by your side, with his spirit in your heart. How wonderful that you shared such a powerful bond together.

      {{{hugs}}}

  14. tarheelgirl48 says:

    Woof Jerry, I loved your touching story! I am also an angel and hope to meet you flying by on a cloud one day.

  15. Julie says:

    Wow… I just watched the PBS video and it went straight to my heart… What a tremendous gift you gave yourselves (all three of you). I mostly just want to thank you for helping me come to peace with the way I handled my sweet Shasta’s diagnosis. She was six months shy of her 13th birthday when I lost that silly girl. The beginning of your story where you point out the CFO part — so much Shasta. I work from home contracting and she definitely was the 5:00 bell. Time to play. Time to rejuvenate the soul!

    I don’t have to tell you the shock of taking a limping lab to the vet for a little arthritis visit and coming out with a diagnosis of bone cancer with 1-2 months to live. I visited an oncologist and, like you, I decided going in and out of the clinic for chemo, etc. was not for us. Amputation at her age wasn’t really an option. I have another tripawd, (rescued from abuse), so I wasn’t really worried about that aspect, but, the condition of Shasta’s spine and other bones would have made for a really tough recovery and it was not recommended. So we chose to live out the rest of her days on pain killers….and just LIVE. I don’t regret the decision, but it’s still so easy to fall into the trap of guilt and questioning myself…. did I let her have long enough, was I afraid of the cancer, did I make all the right choices… for her? I lost her on 4/22 after only 3.5 weeks, but we spent every minute of those 3 weeks in a very present state. It was a powerful time and when I decided to let her go, we were both ready. My 15-yo dalmatian passed (basically of old age) 3 weeks later, so it’s been a rough couple of months here.

    I am so grateful that you shared your story — to be honest, I don’t feel like I’ve had the space to grieve properly yet and I have a feeling it’s going to hit me like a ton of bricks one day when I least expect it. Thanks for providing a little pressure release. RIP Jerry and all the others who’ve battled this crazy cancer.

    • jerry says:

      Julie, your letter went straight to our hearts too, what a story. We are so sorry about your two pups, life is so unfair when we get hit with so much all at once. Our sincere condolences go out to you.

      We tell everyone there that the only “right answer” when it comes to bone cancer and amputation, is the one that is right for you and the pack. We’re all so different, and how we choose to handle medical decisions for our animals is a highly pawsonal one. No story is alike. After I earned my wings, my pawrents questioned their choices too, but I came back in different ways to remind them that looking back is a waste of time. I want them (and you) to remember my biggest lesson: all we have is NOW, so make the best of it because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed? I can hear Shasta whispering that to you too. You did right by her and your Dalmatian. Promise me, no regrets, OK?

      Give yourself time to grieve and allow it to happen on its own timeline. Only until it’s all out in the open can you fill that void with the many happy memories of the life you shared together. Then, perhaps some day another pup (a tripawd maybe??? Hmmm….) will come along to help you love again. No rush though, we understand.

      We are grateful you watched, and took the time to write. What an honor. Thank you so much, you made our day.

      Run free Shasta, we know your spirit will always shine on in your Momma’s heart, and ours too. xoxo

  16. Deb says:

    As many have said…Thank you so much for inspiring us that have had to face cancer with our own dogs…the diagnosis of bone cancer seems so overwhelming and final until it settles in and you realize that the only time that matters to our dogs is the time spent with us…its such a comfort…like they know we need the support and distraction from the reality of the situation…God Bless all the happy Tripawd’s that do so much to help us realize what real living is all about…RIP Dear Jerry and all the beautiful Tripawd souls who hop on eternally in Heaven…:)

    • jerry says:

      God Bless all the happy Tripawd’s that do so much to help us realize what real living is all about

      Yes! We’ll toast to that with some ICE CREAM! Thanks for writing and being here with the community, it wouldn’t be anything without the good pawrents like you.

  17. Cherry says:

    I finally got to see this show and was so happy that I did. I laughed, I smiled and I cried. Of course, I know Jerry’s story but it is such a wonderful story of love that it bares repeating. The way dogs impact the lives of so many people is a story that never grows old. We have lost three dogs in two years and two of them to cancer. They touched our lives and we are better people because they were in our lives. It is only because we love them so much that it hurts so much to lose them. It could not have been easy for you both to have the “world” share in your private moments but we all learned because you were willing to let us be there. I know people who saw this show will look at Tripawds in a different light because you exposed yourselves. Maybe some will give their dog a chance at life when they would have given up without hearing Jerry’s story. Thanks for that and for all the wonderful work that Tripawds.com does for those of us learning to adjust to life with a tripawd. I guess we would have made Cherry’s journey without you and the tripawd community, but it would have been much harder.

    Emily, Spririt Cherry’s Mom.

    • jerry says:

      Emily, thank you so much for the kind words. You and Bob do so much for the Tripawds family, and canine community in general, we can’t begin to thank you enough. All of the heartache you’ve experienced over the last two years is incomprehensible to us, and is so unfair. But yes you are right, it IS only because we love them so much that it hurts so much to lose them. That is a great way of putting it.

      We do hope that others will see that there is life after a cancer diagnosis for dogs (and cats too). When PBS asked us to be on the show, it was surreal, but at the same time we felt honored knowing that Jerry’s story could reach so many people. He is the reason why we felt OK with the cameras there, as strange as it was. We’re much more comfortable behind the scenes, that’s for sure.

      And again, it’s the incredible family here, like you and Bob and Spirit Cherry, who make Tripawds what it is. This community touches us deeply. Thank you for all you do.

  18. Peggy says:

    I was struck last night by how much Jerry resembled my dear sweet Jessie who passed last year at 13 to lung cancer. Thank you for the gifts you gave Jerry, he was a lucky pup and you were lucky people to know such a terrific dog.

    • jerry says:

      Peggy, we are so sorry abut Jessie. Cancer is so difficult. But I’ll bet he’s watching over you making sure that you keep on smiling. Thanks so much for watching the show and taking the time to write. We’d love to see Jessie’s photo if you get a chance. What a coincidence, two J-names! Jerry was mostly Shepherd but also part Border Collie.

      • Peggy says:

        I always assumed Jessie was all Shepherd, but I adopted her from a rescue at four so there was no knowing for sure. Jessie was a she, but I’m not sure she knew it. She was the first female dog I’d ever seen lift her leg to pee, LOL. She spent the last three years of her life going to work with me, sleeping under my desk, greeting Mr. UPS who carried treats and making everyone who came into the office laugh.

        The AKC will tell you that shepherds are aloof, even distant with strangers but she never met a human she didn’t like. I think it’s her body type and size and her energy that made me think of her when I saw Jerry’s story on Nature. She also dearly loved snow and playing with ice in the winter. She never let on that anything was wrong until the night she had trouble breathing and I rushed her to the vet. I had always asked her to choose her own time because I knew I could never do it for her. Even that she did for me. She passed on Valentines Day 2009.

      • jerry says:

        Peggy, what a lucky girl Jessie was to be able to spend time with you all day! She does indeed sound a lot like Jerry and they had so much in common. He too was very social and loved other dogs. He would play all day if we let him, and he also spent time at the office with us every day. Like Jessie, he looked forward to greeting the FedEx guy each afternoon. And if it wasn’t for him, we would have taken things waaaay too seriously during the work day.

        Bless you for adopting that special girl, what a life you shared. We hope she and Jerry have found each other and are having a ball in the snow.

  19. debra matias says:

    What a beautiful story. What a blessed time to have Jerry in your life. What you did for Jerry was remarkable. I know he loved both of you for it. God Bless.

    • jerry says:

      Debra, thank you so much for watching the show, it touches our souls knowing that his beautiful story continues to bring smiles to people’s faces. But really, what we did was nothing…it is Jerry who gave so selflessly to us. There is no other love like that of your one true Soul Dog.

      Many hugs to you….

  20. Kathleen Anclam says:

    I am so honored to have seen you on the pbs program. I cried when I heard you say we will know when he becomes lethargic when he stops eating. I put my little baby man my pom down on Jan 29 after 15 years and four months. He woke me every morning happy boy he taught me so much. My saddest day the biggest loss of my heart and I have lost many folk in my life but none compare. So to see you and your Jerry and the love you had that special bond so touched my heart. You are both such wonderful people I am so happy for the love you shared with Jerry I admire you for what you did and for the people who think you were crazy for what you seemingly gave up I am sad for them for they are not aware of what you gained. You will forever be in in heart.

    • jerry says:

      Kathleen,

      We are thanking YOU for taking the time to watch Jerry’s story and write to us. Our hearts go out to you, we are sorry for your recent loss. Fifteen years is a long time for a dog but a mere blip in time for humans. There is never enough time to give all the love we can to our furry family members, is there? We hope that as time goes by the memories that you shared with your boy will lift your heart once again.

      It take a true animal lover to understand the depth of love that one can feel toward these creatures that give so much to us and ask for almost nothing in return. Thank you for sharing your story, you have touched us tremendously.

  21. Mary says:

    “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”
    Mahatma Gandhi

    I wanted to reach out and hug Jerry as I watched him in his story.
    I thank his pawrents for sharing the story and letting me know I am
    not the only dog/animal lover that would go to similar lengths. I would
    not have the resourses to travel as much, but I did spend a year trying
    to save a rescue I had for only a the year when I discovered a tumor on her belly. I took her weekly for shots and she lived about a year. People think you are crazy to spend the money and effort, but they just dont
    understand the love, the bond.
    I have had others since, all from the shelters and all great dogs but the dog I have now, I truly cant imagine my life without him. He is just the best.
    Other than when I am at work, he is with me always. I take him everywhere I go if in his best interest. I dread the day he may not be with me. While I watched Jerry’s story, it just made me think how much more I want to love my Murphy. At any time we are vulnerable to such
    a sad situation for our beloved pets.
    Thanks again to Jerry and his owners for sharing their story.

    • jerry says:

      Mary, thank you for sharing that beautiful quote. It is so very true isn’t it?

      Thank you for watching Jerry’s story and taking the time to write. No, you definitely aren’t the only one who understands how much an animal can impact our lives. What a saint you are for helping your rescue girl, how fortunate she was to have you in her life during her last months on earth. I wish we could foster but our current situation won’t allow it, maybe some day.

      We’re truly glad you found your soul mate. Jerry was ours, and if there’s one thing he taught us was to live in the moment and celebrate our loved ones, even during the darkest of days. So jump for joy and go out and have some fun with Murphy!

      P.S. there’s a great book out there called “Cambium”, about a dog named Murphy, that you might enjoy:

      http://amazon.tripawds.com/2010/01/11/book-review-cambium-and-the-life-of-lanagan-murphy/

      Thanks again for writing.


      Rene, Jim, Spirit Jerry & Wyatt Ray

      • Mary says:

        I clicked on the site you provide about the book, Life of Lanagan Murphy
        and the pic of Murphy, is almost my Murphy! My Murphy is a mix of golden and collie and some think corgie. A little more golden that Lanagan Murphy. He looks like a little more Husky to me, but how gorgeous. I shall more than likely buy.
        Thanks for link,

      • jerry says:

        Mary that is so weird! Wow! Your Murphy sounds like a gorgeous pup. Cambium is a great book, I’m sure you’d enjoy it, let us know what you think if you get it.

  22. wendi says:

    Glad PBS found you both and your angel Jerry for their show. I want to share what may be a hopeful future for all of our doggie angels that come to us. To make this short. I will try and gist this story. We lost a 6 year old dog to cancer, who had been on nothing but regular dry dog food her whole life. A couple of years later, I ended up with a wonderful chow/shepard mix angel in my life. She was around 5 when I got her. She was an exceptional companion and found me when my boyfriend and I split up and Gracie stayed back with him. After that, he decided she must be my dog and gave her to me. But, from day one. I never feed her off the shelf dry food. I was determined to prevent her from getting cancer. I feed her cooked chicken, rice, and vegies, everyday.. Only in the end, when she seemed to want more vitmin foods, I incorporated a little of some Bison specialty dry food with her chicken. She stayed with me for 15 years. She never got cancer! In fact, she was in perfect health in many ways when I had to make the decision to put her down, the worst thing that has ever happened in my life. Her blood work was perfect. Her coat was shinny. But, she got which I didn’t understand, strokes, deminitia, lost her eye sight, and hearing. The hearing was actually taken away from her by a careless vet, at the age of 15. The vet drapped her head carelessly over a sink too long when they cleaned her teeth.. and when she came out of the vets office. She was completely.. Deaf. It was the first awful thing to happen to her. But, she managed because she could see.. I was denial of her old age, because she looked so good. It wasn’t until her last year of life that people stopped asking me how old my puppy was. She had turned white and frail. In the end, she could not figure out where she was, how to get up, and how to get around. I guess in doggie years she was around 140. She never did tell me it was time to put her down. She was staying for me, even though she was almost immobile. Anyway, my story is that I believe I prevented my friend from getting Cancer, by NOT, feeding her dry food. I would highly recommend giving your dog real meats and veggies, just like you give yourself. This may not work in every case. But, I think we would see this rash of Cancer in our friends subside with a more natural doggie style diet. I am trying to learn more how to prevent dementia in dogs, and think that I might have been successful with tumeric supplements, but she’s gone now.. Haven’t decided yet to replace my angel with another. Good luck to everyone and have fun each and everyday with your special angel in your life. Sincerely, Wendi

    • jerry says:

      Wendi, thank you very much for watching Jerry’s story. We are amazed and thrilled that your special girl lived such a long, healthy life! What a wonderful story, thanks for sharing it with us.

      We agree completely that it’s the commercial pet food out there that is wreaking havoc on their health. It’s funny to think that humans feel it’s OK to feed a living creature a prepackaged dry food that is so NOT alive, isn’t it? We’re just glad that there’s higher quality kibble out there for those families who aren’t ready to make the leap to home cooking.

      With more education and advocacy, the good people like you out there who take the time to write about your experience, will help change this. The animals thank you and so do we. Many hugs going out to you.

  23. Maggie Hess says:

    I foster for a rescue, and take care of private rescues. Have had amputees in the past, and have a beautiful greyhound now. Will recommend your site to owners. Thank you for providing support for these wonderful animals and their humans!!

    • jerry says:

      Maggie, you’re such an awesome human for fostering those special Greys. Thanks for spreading the word about Tripawds, if there is anything we can do, like posting Tripawd Rescue Stories or whatever, please let us know OK? Thanks again.

  24. Jocelyne Houghton says:

    I just watched the Nature program Why We Love Cats & Dogs, and I want to thank you for sharing Jerry’s story. I went through a similar experience with my friend Luci, a wolf-shepherd hybrid who got osteosarcoma in first one then the other front paw. She thrived for a few months as a tripawd, and then we had to say goodbye. As devastating as that was, there was something incredibly intimate about the experience. Luci was a true friend, who taught me so much about living, and she remains a blessing in my life, 10 years later. Much love xo

    • jerry says:

      Jocelyn,

      We are touched that you took the time to write after watching Jerry’s story, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. And also, for sharing Luci’s Tripawd story. Ten years ago, tripawds were even more rare, so kudos to you for being brave and giving her the best life possible during cancer. You are definitely a Tripawd Leader.

      Yes, it is so very painful to say goodbye but if we can quiet our hearts enough to listen even during that time, our fur kids still have so much to teach us. Jerry’s lessons about living and dying will be with us forever.

      Right now, we have a wolf-dog Tripawd on the site named Magic. He is in the advanced stages of osteo, and as much as we are trying to help his Mom Diane, I think that she would really be touched beyond belief to hear from someone who has also been through it with a wolf-dog. If you have the time and care to share your experience, her story is here:

      http://tripawds.com/forums/treatment-and-recovery/magic-back-from-the-vet/page-2/#p29422

      Thank you again.

      Rene, Jim, Spirit Jerry & Wyatt Ray

  25. Gina says:

    Enjoyed watching Jerry’s story [again] on PBS’s Nature. What amazing life lessons animals can teach us. And thanks to Jerry’s pawrents for being such a great example of wonderful students. I hope when the time is right, a new dog finds it’s way into their lives. I have a perfect tripawd of my own (albeit of the feline persuasion). She brings me great joy everyday *smile*

    • jerry says:

      Gina, thank you for watching the show again! You are so right, our animal family members are the wisest teachers of all, if only we would take more time to be better students.

      We actually did add another family member last fall. He’s the opposite of Jerry, pawsonality wise, but again, is instructing us about life in so many different ways. We are new students all over again.

      Tell us more about your Tripawd in our “Share Your Story” Discussion Forums if you’d like. Kitties (and all other 3-legged species) are most definitely welcome at Tripawds!

      Thanks for your kind words.

  26. sharon kern says:

    Jerry, what a special, wonderful boy you are!! And what special parents you have.
    I just saw you on t.v. and I cried for sadness and joy! I’m sorry that you are sick and hope that you have beaten the dreadful disease and I’m so happy that you are loved and living life to the fullest.
    I will pray for you, Jerry and tell mom and dad to update us on how your doing.

    • jerry says:

      Sharon, you are too kind, thank you for watching and writing to us, we are honored that you took time out to do that.

      I know it was hard to watch my story at times, but I want you to know now that I am no longer in pain or living with that awful cancer. On October 3, 2008 (which coincidentally was the same day as the Feast of St. Francis), I earned my angel wings in Montana. It was a terribly sad day, and although it took lots of time for our hearts to heal, we now understand that our spirits will be intertwined forever.

      You can read more about my last days here:

      http://tripawds.com/2008/11/01/saying-goodbye-how-we-knew-part-1/

      Please take comfort in knowing that our Tripawds community continues to help others who are going through what we did, so don’t be sad OK? I hope that the love of a furry family member will bring a smile to your face, today and always.

      Many hugs to you,


      Rene, Jim, Spirit Jerry & Wyatt Ray

  27. Shell says:

    I came across you on facebook. I have a website that regards animal welfare, rescue and responsible ownership. One of the pages on it is links to other informative and worthwhile sites. I hope it is ok that I linked your site there. If it is not you can email me and I will take the promotion of your site down. I was just so impressed with what you do here I wanted to share your site. I hope that’s ok.

    • admin says:

      Thanks for the comment! Please feel free to add a link to the Tripawds three legged dog community! We did not yet see the link you mention on your resources page.

  28. I’m a friend of Tripoli’s foster mom and I’m so happy that you featured him on your website! I was wondering if you’d consider promoting another tripod that I’m fond of. Morgan’s picture can be found on my blog. She is in a wonderful rural no-kill shelter, but their adoption rate is very low and Morgan really deserves to be in a real home. She was left to die after being shot. Someone was curious about seeing a blood trail and at the end of it, they found Morgan. Unfortunately in the country that is the cheapest form of euthansia – I guess whoever shot her didn’t think she was worth an extra bullet.

  29. I never realized there was such a wonderful resource for three-legged dogs. Thank you for sharing Tripoli’s story in your forum. I will let you know when he’s adopted, and make sure to pass on your website to whomever adopts him as well. Thanks for providing such a great website!

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