Join the forum discussion on this topic.

Tripawds canine amputation handbook, “Three Legs & a Spare” is currently being revised for a new edition to be published sometime this year.

If you have purchased and read our first e-book, we would love to hear your suggestions in the comments field below and in this accompanying forum post, about how we can make the second edition even better.

Readers, please tell us:

• what was the most / least useful content in the book?
• what you did / didn’t like about the material
• which book sections need improvement or editing
• did we give enough examples for each type of Tripawd? For example, did we share enough information about senior dogs, puppies, dogs with or without cancer, etc.
• what can we do to improve the book layout

We would also love to hear which forum posts and Tripawds blog content published after October 2010 (the book’s publication date) would be most helpful to include in the new edition.

Since Three Legs & a Spare is essentially a compilation of the best material found throughout the Tripawds community, we want to know which newer Tripawd stories, anecdotes and blog posts you feel would help potential new Tripawds pawrents. Don’t be shy, we’re happy to include your Tripawd’s story too!

And of course, feel free to share anything else about your experience with this canine amputation guide. We want to ensure the next edition of the book is better than ever. Thanks.

Join the forum discussion on this topic.

Every Tripawd has a great story to tell, and we want to share yours with the world in the newest edition of Tripawd Heroes, a collection of three-legged love stories.

From now until September 19, 2011, we are accepting submissions of photos and stories from Tripawds members who want to star in this book. A limited number of pages are available to share stories so please read on for details and act now for your best chance to be included.

Inspiration Instead of Fundraising

Since love alone cannot pay to keep this community online, all proceeds from this book will go directly toward defraying the costs of keeping Tripawds online. This special project is our latest effort to avoid another annual fundraising campaign. That’s right, with this project and the various other ways to help support Tripawds, we hope to never ask members for money again.

Instead of endless fundraising appeals, you can get a beautiful full-color, 7″ x 7″ soft cover book featuring the inspawrational stories of amazing canine amputees. Act now to include yours! The books will make great gifts for veterinary offices and help keep Tripawds online. It’s a win-win for everypawdy. The price has not yet been set, but since we will only receive a couple bucks from the sale of each book, no discounts will be available to those who participate.

How to be Featured

Tripawd Heroes will feature a number of inspawrational dogs who have been active participants of the Tripawds Community over the past four years. Remaining pages are available for up to 12 stories. Each dog featured will receive one page with 3 to 5 photos. Exemplary photos may warrant full-page presentation.

This Tripawds photobook will be available for ordering by mid-October. The first 12 members to submit their story will be considered for publication. Here are the details:

• Submission Deadline: Monday, September 19, midnight
  
• Story length: 250 words maximum
• Can be about Tripawds past and present, single or multi-Tripawd families*
• Photo Requirements: 3 to 5 high quality photographs (300dpi minimum)
• Please include name, city/state and your Tripawd’s milestone dates.
• All three legged dogs welcome! Tripawds is not just about cancer.
• Include your Tripawds blog address, if applicable.
• Participation is limited to Tripawds members only. (Register here.)
• Submit stories in the body of an email to jerry with photos attached, or compress your images together (.zip or .sit) and use the Tripawds contact form.
• Please be aware that space constraints may prevent us from including all stories, but read on for information about upcoming editions.

*Stories with more than one Tripawd will be featured on the same page.

Customized Books Will Be Available

Anyone who misses this deadline will have the opportunity to be featured in a future edition. In addition, customized versions of Tripawd Heroes featuring your story – and your dog on the cover – will be made available for an additional fee. Stay tuned for complete details.

Create Your Own Photo Book Now!

Can’t wait for the new Tripawd Heroes? Want your very own book telling your dogs story in detail? Create your own custom photobook using Blurb!

On behalf of everyone who finds value in being a part of this community, thank you for your continued support and participation!

Next Sunday, August 28 at 6:30 pm Eastern, Tripawd Talk Radio is hoppy to host renowned dog behaviorist Sarah Wilson of MySmartPuppy, speaker, instructor and author of numerous books about everything dogs.

Tripawd Talk Radio Chat with Sarah, Sunday 8/28

Join us for a fun discussion about how to maintain postive behavior in dogs after any major surgery.

Learn how to adapt training techniques for recovering dogs, how to handle pack-mate interaction, and much more!

Date: Sunday, August 28, 2011
Time: 6:30pm Eastern (4:30 MT, 3:30 Pacific)
Duration: 30 min.
Call In Number: (310) 388-9739*

Tune In Here: Behavior Training Tips for Dogs After Surgery

Share Link: bit.ly/ttr082811

*You do not need to call to hear the show. Listen live here and join us in the chat room or call (310) 388-9739 with your questions.

About our Guest:

Sarah Wilson is an experienced professional dog trainer, behaviorist and an expert in the human-animal bond. Since 2000, she has run one of the most active dog training and care communities on the the Internet, MySmartPuppy.com. Sarah loves working with all dog/human teams but has a special place in her heart for the shy/sensitive/deficit dogs.

She appeared alongside Tripawds founder Spirit Jerry, founder of Tripawds, in PBS Nature’s “Why We Love Cats and Dogs,” regularly contributes to New England Cable News “The Secret Life of Animals,” Comcast’s Pets on Demand and Nick Jr.’s “A Pup Grows Up.”

With eight books to her name (including My Smart Puppy; Good Owners, Great Dogs; Childproofing Your Dog, Dogology: What Your Relationship with Your Dog Reveals About You) and a ninth on the way, she is a prolific and popular writer.

An engaging speaker, she has taught at Tufts-Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, American Council of the Blind, Pet Sitters International, International Association of Canine Professionals, The Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers, Puppyworks, The ASPCA, Groomers Expo, and many more.

Join us in the Tripawds Live Chat during the show or post your questions in the discussion forums.

Reply to this topic with any brief questions for Sarah. This Topic will be updated with a program podcast after the show.

Recommended Reading:

Sarah Meets Tripawds Spokespup Wyatt Ray: Tripawd Confidence Starts with You

Sadly, all of us experience it at some point, but we don’t have to go though it alone.

Tripawds will always be a place to turn to to share the good times and sad ones, to celebrate and to reminisce.

When you need more information to turn to for comfort and help, here are some ideas. Be sure to check the Grief Support tips on our Resources Page too.

We’ll update this regularly. If you have any good resources to share, please let us know in the comments section below.

Tripawds Discussion Forum: Coping with Loss

Question Yourself to Prepare for Loss
Tripawds Founder Jerry asks, “Which would be worse: the pain of missing your pet or to watch his condition deteriorate?”

Thoughts on Grief
Spirit Indi’s Mom shares her method for coping with loss; “The work is to find the balance and be at peace with the empty space. Don’t try to fill it up, hard as it might be. Because it is what it is. It is what it is, says love.”

Anticipatory Grief: Trying to Cope with the Impending Loss of Tshuvah
Tripawd Mom Beth wonders how she will cope with the loss of her beloved Tshuvah, who was just diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma.

On Deciding to Say Goodbye and How to Know When “It’s Time”
As Henri’s condition deteriorates, his Mom wonders, “Why after all of this, am I second guessing myself, feeling guilt, questioning whether it is the right time etc? I guess part of me believes he will get better, but I think I know what the truth is.”

How to Decide About at Home Euthanasia
A healthy discussion that anyone facing end of life decisions for their dog should hear.

Inspawrational Quotes
Quotes to inspire and bring peace to broken hearts.

Jerry’s Story: Coping with the Inevitable

Jerry lived with osteosarcoma for 24 months. Toward the end of his time on earth, he and his pawrents chronicled the emotional rollercoaster they rode.

Buying Time on an Emotional Budget
May 19, 2008: When it comes to cancer treatment, it’s not about what things cost. It’s about maximizing quality of life and preparing for the inevitable.

Acknowledge There is Nothing to Lose
August 24th 2008: Jerry ponders Steve Jobs’ quote, “Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.”

What to Expect Next. . .
September 17, 2008: Jerry talks about the progression of osteosarcoma lung metastasis in his body, and maintaining a pawsitive but realistic outlook.

Saying Goodbye: How We Knew (part 1)
November 1, 2008: Spirit Jerry says “I’ve always tried to be upfront about my cancer, so in the next two blog posts, my pawrents and I feel strong enough to share the details of our last hours together.”

Free Companion Animal Grief Support Counseling

The Argus Institute
The Argus Institute is staffed with professional clinical counselors who give free information and emotional support to pawrents facing hard decisions surrounding their animal’s health care.

Tufts University: Pet Loss Support Hotline
Tufts veterinary students work alongside trained psychologists to help provide one-on-one counseling with grieving pet pawrents. There is no formula or time limit. Staff members listen, realizing that no two callers or situations are alike.

ASPCA Pet Loss Support Hotline: (877) 474-3310

Ohio State C.A.L.L. (Companion Animal Listening Line): (614) 292-1823

Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support Hotline : (517) 432-2696. Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Eastern time)

Cornell University Pet Loss Support Hotline: (607) 253-3932
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday -Thursday evenings (Eastern time)

University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine “C.A.R.E. Pet Loss Support Hotline”: (877) 394-2273

University of Florida Pet Loss Support hotline: (352) 392-2235
Leave a message and someone will call you back within 24 hours weekdays; weekend calls are returned on Monday.

Hospice Care Resources

The Animal Healing Project presents organizations, articles and resources for home hospice care for companion animals.

Home Care Tips for Your Terminal Pet, by Alice E. Villalobos, D.V.M., VCA Coast Animal Hospital and Cancer Center, California.

The Nikki Hospice Foundation for Pets shares pet loss support and resources.

Pet Loss Support Page teaches us how to define “quality of life” for an animal.

Grief Support Books

“The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer: Lessons on Living and Dying from My Canine Brothers” was the most powerful tool my pawrents found to help them cope with the emotional toll that cancer took on our pack.

“For Every Dog an Angel” Celebrates the Bond between humans and their beloved canine companions.

“How to ROAR and Recover from Pet Loss“ is a step-by-step guide to recover from the loss of your best friend.

Children and Pet Loss

Tips for Responding to Children’s Needs During Pet Loss from the Argus Institute.

Tips for helping children cope with pet loss from the ASPCA.

General Pet Loss Comfort

Christine Davis, author of “For Every Dog an Angel,” presents a guide to coping with grief and loss.

The ASPCA’s Guide to Pet Loss

Read Our Review of Heartsmith Pet Memorial Lockets.

See the Tripawds Remembrance Page for Pet Urns, Memorial Boxes and More.

This incentive was an autographed copy of Guardians of Being, by inspirational teacher Eckhart Tolle and artist Patrick McDonnell, creator of the MUTTS comic strip.

This book is special to because we met Patrick, and because of the powerful ways it reminds us to live each day to the fullest, even as we face ruff times.

“The dog has no self-image, good or bad,

so he has no need to play roles,

nor does he love himself or hate himself.

He has no self!

How to live free of the burden of self –

what a great spiritual teaching.”

- Eckhart Tolle, Guardians of Being

Thank you so much to everpawdy who gave any amount to the campaign, and a hearty thanks, wags and woofs goes out to the fabulous fifty Tripawds members who gave more than $50.

Today we put all fifty names into a hat, and instead of having Wyatt draw the winner, Admin Guy was going to do the honors.

As the names were being shaken up in the hat, one flew out and landed on the floor! The name that flew out was Jane and Cathy, Moms to Spirit Skyler.

Thank you Jane, Cathy and Spirit Skyler, for helping us to keep the lights on. This community is a special place because of the advice, support and encouragement you give to all of us at Tripawds.

Everyone here helped us to exceed our campaign goal, and for that we are so grateful.

The costs of maintaining the Tripawds doghouse are covered for another year, and now we can focus on bringing you more news, tips and information about life on three legs.

Thank you!!!

- Jim, Rene, Wyatt Ray and Spirit Jerry

Here are some highlights from recent blog posts:

Cool Gifts for Tripawds community

• Tripawd Chloe designed the first Tripawds Tribute t-shirt for Team Tripawds to wear at the Morris Animal Foundation K9 Cancer Walk in Los Gatos, CA on 10/10. Walk with Team Tripawds in spirit and order yours today.
• Get your official Tripawds Rule! Bandanna for the low price of whatever you can afford!
• Goldens, Labs and German Shepherds are now featured in our latest Tripawds propaganda.

Tripawds Nutrition and Health

• Strengthen your Tripawd’s bones with Synflex, a premium glucosamine arthritis supplement made in the USA.
• Learn how Wysong’s new starch-free, high protein kibble can help your dog fight cancer
• Aloha Medicinals has cancer care kits with items to help fight canine cancer care at home.

Gear for Tripawds on the Go

• Power Paws dog socks give better traction on slippery surfaces at home
• Forget the old school post-surgery satellite dish collars, now there’s better alternatives to the Cone of Shame
• Ease your dog’s weary bones and post-surgery swelling with Bella’s Pain Relief Pack, a hot/cold pack made just for dogs.

Download Useful Tripawd Tips and More

• Dr. Dressler, author of the Dog Cancer Survival Guide, has a free e-book about diet and nutrition for Tripawds with cancer.
• Did you know that chiropractic care can help your Tripawd live a more comfortable life? Watch Fortis get chiropractic care and read how it works for him.
• Why is it that some Tripawds come home from surgery with staples, and others come home with stitches? Learn more from our 2010 Tripawds Amputation Survey.

Bargains for Tripawds from Amazon.com

• Big dogs can save until 9/30 on Dr. Dressler’s Apocaps cancer fighting immune system supplement with a special coupon code redeemable at Amazon.
• Learn exercise and rehab tips with how-to dog massage and physical therapy books.
• Set aside some leisure reading time with Last Dog on the Hill, a book about a remarkable dog named Lou who will met your heart with his story of fearlessness and dedication.

These Tripawds blogs are here to help you make the best decisions about living life with your Tripawd. Since Tripawds can receive a small commission through products purchased via these blogs, they also help support this community. Even if you don’t buy the product we specifically mention but do end up buying something from that storefront, your purchase will still benefit Tripwds.

If you have any tips, product recommendations or news that you want to share with us, please do, and we’ll mention it the appropriate blogs. Thanks!

Join the forum discussion on this topic.

Do you have a pawesome veterinarian?

Does your vet know about the world’s biggest community for 3-legged dogs and their humans?

Whenever you meet a vet, or someone who works in a vet’s office, be sure to let them know about Tripawds, by passing along  a stack of Tripawds business cards, or one of these nifty countertop displays.

These cards and displays are pawsible thanks to everypawdy’s generosity during our Annual Tripawds Campaign. Thank you!

Tripawds’ motive with these outreach materials is to spread the word, but our other objective is to find veterinarians who can take a few minutes out of their day to help alleviate the more technical concerns of pawrents, in our Ask a Vet Discussion Forum.

Since 2008, TazzieDog has generously staffed this forum, but it would be fantastic if more vets could chime in to help free up some of her time. We know how busy vets are, and are grateful for any level of participation they might be able to offer, either in the Forum or in a monthly “Ask a Vet” Live Chat.

Next time you’re headed for a vet appointment, remember these Tripawds business cards and flyers you can print at home. Take some along and ask them if they’d like a display! If so, we would be hoppy to ship one to their office, along with more business cards, or you can feel free to contribute to the community by ordering a vet display in our Amazon Blog.

Then, don’t forget to gently persuade your vet to come visit our Forums and chime in occasionally! Thanks so much.

Living in the moment is hard when there are so many opportunities to allow blame and guilt into our lives. So how do you keep cancer’s evil twins out?

Read “The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer: Lessons on Living and Dying from My Canine Brothers.” When I got sick, it was the most powerful tool my pawrents found to help them cope with the emotional toll that cancer took on our pack.

Others agree that is an awesome book. Doug Koktavy, the book’s author, was just honored with three different awards by Colorado Independent Publisher’s Association.

In March, The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer received the honor of first place in the “Self Help” category, as well as Merit awards in Spirituality and Memoirs.

This is the kind of book that will calm the fears you have about the decisions you are facing and teach you how to make the most of every day without letting regret and remorse get the best of you and your canine kid.

Whether you are in the midst of coping with the shock of diagnosis or mourning the loss of your beloved friend, this book will help with your emotional healing.

And, remember: For every copy of “The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer,”  purchased here, Doug will donate $10 to the Tripawds community.

Join the forum discussion on this topic.

When I was being filmed for the PBS Nature show “Why We Love Cats and Dogs” the show’s producer told us about another documentary she was working on.

It was a story about desert dogs that U.S. soldiers had bonded with while on duty in Iraq, even though the military has a “no pets” rule for deployed soldiers. Her movie is called “No Dog Left Behind,” and it shows on the Military Channel network (scroll down for a preview).

One of the Iraq war dogs featured in this documentary was Nubs. He isn’t a Tripawd, but Nubs is a real hero to us, and we love his adorable book!

The Story of Nubs

Wild packs of dogs roam everywhere in the dangerous deserts of Iraq, living short, brutal lives. But one special dog found refuge with a lonely soldier named Major Brian Dennis.

Nubs didn’t care about the military’s “no pets” rule. He stuck around, and showed this soldier and all who encountered him that love, faithfulness and companionship will always prevail, even during wartime.

When Major Dennis’ troops had to move over 70 miles away and the military gave strict orders to get rid of Nubs, our four legged hero ignored that command. This brave, formerly abused wild dog set out in freezing weather and dangerous wartime conditions to find his brokenhearted best friend.

Nubs’ book, “Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle” is now in print. We received a review copy, and loved this book from cover to cover. Although it’s written for kids, the colorful photos and graphics make the story an entertaining read for adults too.

Nubs book can be purchased here. Remember, every purchase made through this link helps support Tripawds’ efforts to keep our community online!

This dynamic duo are world famous celebrities now, making public appearances everywhere, like on the Today Show:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Meanwhile, if you have cable or satellite television, you can see an in depth version of Nubs’ story, in “No Dog Left Behind.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Join the forum discussion on this topic.

My pawrents were devastated when the vet said I had lung mets. It was like reliving my cancer diagnosis all over again.

That’s when our friends Joel and Ross, Moose’s Dads, pointed us to “Overcoming Fear and Guilt When Canine Kids Get Sick.”

This powerful essay, written by Denver lawyer Doug Koktavy, helped Mom and Dad by finally convincing them that blame, fear, anger and guilt are a waste of precious time when living with cancer.

An Excerpt from “On Fear”

© Doug Koktavy

“. . . I realized my fear of the disease was the fuel that was being used against me. Devilishly clever, my biggest enemy was not the disease, but me. I was the power source being used to generate the very negative energy destroying my own being and wasting a special day with my beloved dog.

This paradoxical contradiction was glaring. I had thought the growing presence of disease was causing my mounting fear. In fact, just the opposite was occurring. My daily increasing fear was causing the disease to grow and become more powerful. I decided it was high time to start working for me and the Beez, not against us.”

Doug’s story brought tears to my pawrents eyes, and his straightforward coping pointers gave them the motivation they needed to get on with life.

His essay is one of the most powerful tools around for coping with serious illness in our animal friends.

Now, Doug has turned his essay into a full-length book called “The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer: Lessons on Living and Dying from My Canine Brothers.” The book details how his two special boys helped him make the most of their time together.

“The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer” includes lessons about:

• Listening to our pets
• Gaining a new perspective on our pets’ end of life care
• Dealing with anticipatory grief
• Conquering guilt and fear: living in the present
• Developing a Presence Plan
• Finding humor in the worst situations
• Understanding our place in the circle of life

We love this book. Our favorite holistic vet, Dr. Marty, agrees:

“Not only is it so well written that you become a bystander observing the story from within, but the compassion for the vital connection we share with this wonderful kingdom oozes out of and between the lines.”

–Martin Goldstein, DVM, author, The Nature of Animal Healing, and host, Ask Martha’s Vet, Martha Stewart Living Radio

Proceeds Benefit the Tripawds Community

With this book, big-hearted Doug has set out to accomplish two impawtant things:

1. Help you cope with your best friend’s terminal illness, and
2. Help companion animal groups by donating forty percent of the proceeds for each book sold.

For every copy of “The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer,”  purchased here, Doug will donate $10 to Tripawds! We are so excited about his generous offer to help us maintain this community.

We recently had the opportunity to talk with Doug about his book and this is what he had to say about The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer. Check out our video interview above, then be sure to head on over to BeezerAndBoomer.com, and get your copy today!