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The first milestones we face without our Tripawd family member are some of the hardest challenges we will endure in our grief. Here at Tripawds, you are never alone in these circumstances.

Today, Tripawds member and supporter OK Scout (Catherine Ronck) is facing a first difficult milestone herself, after Scout’s courageous, nine-month cancer battle ended in November. Today would have been Scout’s 10th birthday.

To honor his memory, Catherine sent Tripawds a generous gift of support and also wrote this touching essay, which we would like to share it with you as we wish her Golden boy a very hoppy birthday, and send lots of hugs out to Catherine.

“Today is Scout’s first birthday at the bridge; it would have been his 10th birthday here on Earth.

We had big plans for today, but instead of celebrating, we are left reflecting on Scout’s life. It was a good life, too short, but sadly, when dogs are concerned, there is never enough time. It’s been nearly three months since Scout died, and there are so many things I miss.

I miss our morning and evening walks. In the mornings, we’d head towards the elementary school to deliver my eldest daughter and go on from there.

In the evenings, we’d hit the streets again. In the summer, Scout would return from the walk and jump right into the pool for a quick dip– the purpose of this was not to swim, but to get soaking wet so that when he got out and rolled in the dirt, he would be completely and utterly filthy. When we lived in Houston, we’d usually start out in the neighborhood and then head over to the bayou.

Our neighborhood was mid-Century; each home had a large window in the front. Scout loved to center himself in front of those windows to do his business. When my daughter was toilet training, she too, loved to go potty in front of those darn windows, just like Scout. We had a portable potty for her, but you can imagine the scene…

One night as we were taking a nighttime perambulation (and Scout was doing his business in front of one of those giant windows), a police car pulls up and a police officer gets out. I make a big show of my poop bag thinking someone has finally called the cops on us, but it turns out she was just warning us of a suspect in an armed robbery– he was dressed all in black– had we seen him? Scout and I decided then and there to take up jogging.

I miss Scout grabbing the leash as we rounded the corner towards home. He loved to play tug of war with the leash on the home stretch. I’d eventually let him have the leash and he’d take himself home.

I miss Scout running from sprinkler to sprinkler on our hot summer walks. I always brought water along, but Scout preferred the neighbors’ sprinklers.

I miss closing doors after Scout. Scout was wickedly clever and could open any door that involved turning a handle and pushing. How he could figure out the opening of the doors and never the closing, I’ll never know.

I miss settling down on the sofa to read to my kids and having Scout, ever so politely, force his way into the best spot–scoot over little humans.

I miss immediately clearing off the counters after cooking– now I can bake a pan of muffins and leave the half full muffin pan on the stove to cool. I hate this.

I miss the sound of Scout drinking– it was always in threes– slurp, slurp, slurp… pause… slurp, slurp, slurp. Sometimes I imagine I hear this….

I miss Scout’s nighttime routine. First, he would lay next to my bed, then, after about 30 minutes, he’d pad over to sleep next to my eldest daughter, then at about 3 AM, he’d come back to my room and lie near the open doorway. Finally, around 5, he’d return to his bed next to me.

I miss the whistling sound Scout would make every time you said “RIDE.”

I miss driving with Scout’s enormous head jammed under my armpit.

I miss Scout being constantly by my side– no matter what room I was in, Scout would be there.

I miss the sound of Scout running to the kitchen any time a packet of cheese was opened– that dog could be in the farthest corner of the back yard and hear a cheese wrapper.

I miss his soft fur– goldens have a bad reputation for being shedders, but in fact, golden fur is fantastic as it forms “tumbleweeds” and these tumbleweeds collect discretely under the sofa or under the bed. No bother at all.

I miss those sparkling, mischievous, intelligent brown eyes.

I miss my furry vacuum cleaner. I have used the vacuum ten times as often since Scout died– turns out 3 small kids make ten times the mess with their food as Scout did with his fur tumbleweeds.

I miss Scout leaping over the front flowerbed to greet visitors. I miss running wildly after him to prevent him leaping up on their cars. More than one paint job Scout ruined…

I miss Scout offering his paw — he loved paw massages.

I miss Scout’s “love noises” when he was receiving a paw massage or other petting. Love noises were also heard in anticipation of food. Always a glutton.

Scout loved to lie at the foot of the stairs. I miss the final, furry step.

Scout’s vets blew his diagnosis– so he walked hundreds of miles on a cancerous, moth eaten leg. No problem for my too tough boy. However, if a a sticker should get lodged in his paw, he’d go down like he’d been shot, writhing in pain. You were an odd dog, Scout.

So many things I miss about you.

I am not usually a big fan of poetry, but the poem OKim1 posted in 2008 really spoke to me. Here it is again.

 I ONLY WANTED YOU

They say memories are golden
well maybe that is true
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.

A million times I needed you,
a million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you
you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly,
In death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place
no one could ever fill.

If tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
I’d walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.

— Anonymous —

 Happy Birthday Scout.

In Memory of Scout Ronck
January 31, 2002 – November 8, 2011

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The Tripawds community spirit sparkled earlier this week, when five members gathered at the Fiesta Island Off-Leash Dog Beach in San Diego, California.

They were there to honor the spirit of Tripawd Warrior Princess Abby, a special girldog who left us far too soon on Tuesday afternoon, when she found the perfect set of wings to help her soar through the heavens.

Tribute to Abby Day

Abby’s momma Jackie, who less than 24 hours earlier unexpectedly had to say goodbye to her princess, somehow found the strength to bravely meet up with everyone.

Perhaps it was because Tripawds members who were there had all been through the heartbreak of losing a pup to bone cancer and knew what Jackie was going through. When your grief seems unbearable, maybe being surrounded by people who can empathize is the only thing that can ease the pain, just a little?

Spirit Maximutt’s people, John and Diane, their infamous Bernie Bin Laden and sweet pup Linda, were there to support Jackie on her first day without Abby, along with the notorious Tripawds Spokesdawg Wyatt Ray and my pawrents, Jim and Rene.

The afternoon was dubbed “Tribute to Abby Day” and instead of everyone individually mourning the loss of one of the all-time greatest Tripawd Warrior Princesses ever, the power of the pack came together to watch fun, crazy canine antics take place between Wyatt, Linda and Bernie. What a beautiful day it was, on one of Abby’s favorite places on earth.

“If you’d told me I’d go back to Fiesta Island the day after losing our girl, I’d have said you were crazy,” said Jackie, in Angel Abby’s blog. “But that’s what I did today. And I’m so glad I went.”

Later, the gang went to In ‘N Out Burgers after, to salute Abby at her favorite restaurant, with her signature Flying Dutchman hamburger.

One of the best parts of the day was when Jackie presented my people with her handmade version of ME! My Momma got all watery-eyed when she saw it, it looks so much like me.

That’s me and Angel Abby. Aren’t we a match made in heaven?

Tripawds Members are There for Each Other

That night, my pawrents reflected back on the days following my initiation into Spirit Dog status. They recalled how alone they felt as they sat in their RV and cried through many dark, rainy nights in the Pacific Northwest.

And then they remembered . . . the only thing that made them feel better during that time, was meeting up in Washington with a fellow Tripawds member, Rocco.

Rocco and his pack made my Mom and Dad’s hearts sing once again! He was such a beautiful dog, and his people were so gracious to my grieving pawrents. The meet-up gave them the strength to smile and see that life does get better after the heart wrenching loss of a best friend. They hoped that Jackie felt the same way after their Tribute to Abby Day.

How to Help a Grieving Tripawd Pawrent

We lose far too many Tripawds to cancer, and each time, a human’s heart shatters into millions of pieces. As a bystander, it’s natural to feel like there’s nothing you can do to ease their pain, but you know what? There IS one way you might be able to help:

Reach out and ask a grieving Tripawds member if they would like some company, either on the phone or in person.

While everyone grieves differently, some folks would love to have an empathetic person to lean on, to listen and share the memories of their very special family member.

We will miss Angel Abby so much, but it’s great to know that her dazzling spirit will live on in so many ways, like how Tripawds members so often reach out and help one another.

Jackie, we know your heart still hurts, but we hope this day helped ease your grief a little. Thank you for  your kindness and meeting us on the beach, we’ll never forget it.

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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.

Ask Stacy questions about your beloved animals of past and present, by tuning in or joining us in our chat room on:

Date: Sunday, January 8, 2012

Time: 3:00pm PST (4:00 MT, 6:00 Eastern)

Duration: 30 min.

Call In Number: (310) 388-9739*

Tune In Here: More Animal Communication and Spirit Healing with Stacy Krafcyzk

Share Link: bit.ly/ttr010812

*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.

Stacy is a professional animal communicator from West Allis, Wisconsin. You’re welcome to ask her questions about your alive or deceased animal in this Discussion Forum topic or call in live to this Tripawd Talk Radio episode on 01/08/12.

ABOUT STACY:

Stacy Krafczyk works as a Professional Animal Communicator, Intuitive Reader, Medium and is a Reiki Master. She has worked with animals for over a decade doing humane work on a professional level and has assisted thousands of animals, domestic and wildlife, throughout the years.

Stacy has always had a strong bond and passion for animals since a child and is now being carried throughout her professional and personal life.

Her unique approach and gentle guidance will give you great perspective and understanding in all areas of your life and help you reach your greatest potential.

Also experienced with Energy healing modalities, Stacy is a Reiki Master Practioner and uses essential oils that are 100% natural and safe for humans as well as animals to help them overcome emotional and/or physical ailments.

Thanks to Tripawd Gerry in Wisconsin, we heard about Stacy Krafcyzk of All Spirit Healing, whose intuitiveness has shed a lot of light on what Gerry is thinking! Now, you can meet Stacy yourself this Sunday on Tripawd Talk Radio.

Date: Sunday, December 11, 2011
Time: 3:00pm PST (4:00 MT, 6:00 Eastern)
Duration: 30 min.
Call In Number: (310) 388-9739*
Tune In Here: Animal Communication and Spirit Healing with Stacy Krafcyzk
Share Link: bit.ly/ttr121111

*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. You may also post your question for Stacy in our Discussion Forums.

Meet Stacy Krafczyk, a professional animal communicator from West Allis, Wisconsin. You’re welcome to ask her questions about your alive or deceased animal in our  or call in live to Tripawd Talk Radio on 12/11. Just tell Stacy what your animal friend looks like, and post your question or call in with it.

ABOUT STACY:

Stacy Krafczyk works as a Professional Animal Communicator, Intuitive Reader, Medium and is a Reiki Master. She has worked with animals for over a decade doing humane work on a professional level and has assisted thousands of animals, domestic and wildlife, throughout the years.

Stacy has always had a strong bond and passion for animals since a child and is now being carried throughout her professional and personal life.

Her unique approach and gentle guidance will give you great perspective and understanding in all areas of your life and help you reach your greatest potential.

Also experienced with Energy healing modalities, Stacy is a Reiki Master Practioner and uses essential oils that are 100% natural and safe for humans as well as animals to help them overcome emotional and/or physical ailments.

Join the forum discussion on this topic.

For most of us, the amputation process is a trial-by-fire experience that leaves our heads spinning. If cancer is suspected, it’s critical for us to advocate for our dog’s treatments, even if our vets seem to be on the ball.

One of the ways we can ensure that all treatment options are presented to us is by ensuring that a biopsy is performed on our dog’s affected limb, before and/or after amputation.

Recently we were saddened to hear that a member’s vet did not send the dog’s amputated limb to a pathology lab for a post-op biopsy. This wasn’t the pawrent’s fault, they trusted their vet to follow standard cancer diagnosis protocols. Sadly, the vet didn’t.

Being angry about this error doesn’t serve a purpose, but we thought we could turn a regrettable situation into an educational one, by reviewing the importance of this procedure for new members who haven’t gone through surgery.

Why Are Biopsies Useful?

In “The Dog Cancer Survival Guide,” (one of the best dog cancer resources available) Dr. Susan Ettinger DVM, Dip. ACVIM (oncology) says:

“Biopsy reports are extremely useful because they give the diagnosis and a detailed description of the cancer cells. They will also often report the tumor type, grade and sometimes a margin evaluation (which tells you if the entire tumor was likely removed). The lab may also include comments about the cancer’s likely prognosis, but these comments, unfortunately, could be viewed as facts. Keep in mind that the biopsy report is only one part of the story, and your dog’s prognosis is not based solely on this one item.

For a more complete and reliable prognosis for your dog, it’s best to have a discussion with an oncologist who has examined him, reviewed his medical history and stated his cancer for spread. Putting that information together with the biopsy report creates a more complete picture.”

Biopsy Types

Biopsies can be performed before or after amputation. Before amputation, a fine needle aspirate can detect up to 94 percent of bone cancers. When a diagnosis can’t be confirmed with this painless, in-office procedure, an open incisional biopsy may be suggested.

An open incisional biopsy is a general anesthesia procedure that takes several large bone samples from the affected area. It is a painful procedure and one that usually isn’t done unless an exact diagnosis isn’t achieved from a fine needle aspirate. It’s roughly $300 and complications can range from infection to a pathological fracture of the bone.

Why Biopsy?

Bone biopsies are not necessary before amputation if you are certain that you will amputate. While bone biopsies will help determine what kind of cancer your dog has, and what kind of treatment is best if you are considering chemotherapy, bone biopsies are not necessary if you know you will not pursue chemotherapy.

If you are leaning toward amputation and your dog’s diagnosis is up in the air, spare your dog the agony of this expensive bone biopsy procedure and ask your vet to conduct the bone biopsy after the leg is removed.

Recommended Reading

The Dog Cancer Survival Guide by Dr. Demian Dressler, DVM and Dr. Susan Ettinger, DVM, Dip. ACVIM (Oncology)
Three Legs & a Spare, a Canine Amputation Handbook from Tripawds
Tripawds Discussion Forum: Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Final Diagnosis?

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When I was on my cancer journey, my doctor told us about “The Penny Jar” method, which can help pawrents measure quality of life as cancer progresses.

Spirit Bo’s folks also knew about this easy way to keep track of good and bad days. His mom Meghan generously provided the following description:

The Penny Jar Method: How to Measure a Dog’s Quality of Life
by Meghan Howell

“During the canine cancer journey, “bad” days are likely to arise. Sometimes the bad days are so overwhelming, we may overlook the many good days that our companions are having.

An effective way of assessing your canine pal’s quality of life is called the Penny Jar method.

To use this method, you will need two jars/cups and pennies. One jar is for good days and the other is for bad days.

It is important to establish a rubric, or standards, as to what constitutes a good or bad day. You can write out your rubric or keep a mental note of it, and it should be tailored to your dog’s specific issues.

For example, the most important issues that you may keep track of could be

• appetite
• mobility
• breathing

Of course, each dog is different and will have his/her own set of standards to track.

After establishing the issues that you want to monitor, you will need to decide to what degree or how many of the variables will need to be abnormal to count it as a bad day. For instance, if two of the issues are off that day, you may want to count it as a bad day.

It’s important to remember that it is your dog’s health and days that you are assessing, not your own. A bad day at work should not equate to a bad day for your Tripawd.

Be sure to make the Penny Jar part of your daily routine so you do not miss a day. Sometimes, the good days are smooth rides and we may not think about the Penny Jar until a bad day hits.

Always add pennies daily in order to get an accurate assessment of your dog’s quality of life.

Be Consistent; there are No Wrong Decisions

The Penny Jar method can be used as a tool to aid you in the decision to set your dog free. You will need to determine at what point your dog no longer has a good quality of life.

At first glance, you may think that when the bad day jar has more pennies than the good day, it will be time.

However, some may decide that after multiple, consecutive bad days the time will be right.

When using the Penny Jar method, it is important to be consistent. There are no wrong decisions as long as you are honest with yourself and your Tripawd!”

Many thanks to Meghan for sharing this important tip with our community. If you would like to share tips from your own Tripawd journey, contact us here.

Recommended Reading:

• Bo’s Story, a Tripawds Dog Blog
• So Easy to Love, So Hard to Heal, by Laurie Kaplan
• The Quality of Life Scale for Pet Pawrents
• The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer
• “Pet Loss Articles and Books Resource” by Christine Davis
• Land of Pure Gold Foundation’s Vet Hospice Care page (scroll down about halfway).

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For many humans, the closest comparison to the unconditional love of one’s Creator is the beauty of Dogs. As the video GoD and DoG illustrates, the similarities are uncanny.

We thought about this recently when Karen from Connecticut wrote to us to tell us the heartbreaking news about the tragic death of her dog, Molly.

Molly passed away immediately following her amputation surgery, the same afternoon her Webmaster harness arrived from Tripawds. Grief stricken and heartbroken, Karen shared the devastating news with us. We were heartbroken to say the least.

In her grief, Karen sent us this beautiful letter reflecting on the afterlife of animals. With her permission, we are sharing it with you today. We think you’ll find it as touching as we do.

“I know that so many people have their own concept of what happens to animals when they die. I’m sure we’ve all heard of “Doggie Heaven.”

Well, I’ve been a born again Christian now about 20 years and in all that time I’ve never heard any real positive talk about animals or pets and Heaven. I’ve just mostly heard that dogs don’t have spirits and so I assumed they can’t go to Heaven. The Bible talks about there being animals in Heaven. . .

The Lord Jesus Himself is to return on a horse, so you know there must be animals in Heaven. . . . . so why not our pets?

I was speaking with my Pastor’s wife today about Molly and how I had this funny image of Jesus with Molly. It almost looked liked the old 38mm home movies where everyone waves into the camera. I couldn’t hear what the Lord was saying, but Jesus was waving at the camera and was talking to Molly as if to say “Look! There’s Mommy!”

The image went away, but then it came again. I thought that it must have been something that I just created out of my own heart because that’s what I wanted to believe. But, then I remembered that God gives us the desires of our hearts and so I thought that perhaps He really did give me that picture.

After telling my Pastor’s wife about that experience she said,

“Well, animals don’t have spirits because they’re not made in the image of God, who is Spirit, but they have souls.

And just like our souls are our will, emotions, memories and who we are, their souls are the same. And although our soul goes with our spirit when our body is gone, their souls go to Heaven – back to the Creator, when their bodies are gone.”

I may not have chapter and verse to prove it, but in my heart it just seems right. God’s so good so why wouldn’t He make a way for them to be alive in Heaven? Our pets have souls and souls never die!

That’s really something you can hold onto!”

 - Karen L., Southbury Connecticut

Rest in peace Molly. You will always be an honorary Tripawd in this community.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Spirit Jerry, October 1, 1998 to October 3, 2008

Jerry, has it really been three years since the last moments when we rubbed your velvety ears and smelled your sweet puppy breath?

Time moves so fast, but your spirit, your lessons, your life, stay forever young and always a part of us. Even as you soar through the heavens, you continue to do your job, spreading the word about all that really matters in life . .

Like when you paid a visit to our friends who were visiting Bangor, Maine, a few weeks ago. They knew you from the PBS show, but never got the chance to meet you in pawson. One day they decided to grab a beer, and being dog people that they are, decided to head downtown to visit the Sea Dog Microbrewery.

As they roamed the bar to check out the dog mementos, something made them look up on a wall full of pictures. And who, out of the hundreds of photos tacked to the wall, barked out to them?

You! In this early Tripawds business card that we left in the bar, the day you hopped in on all threes and charmed all the bar flys, back in September, 2007.

Thank you for making our friends smile, and bringing back so many good memories of that momentous occasion when you reached the East Coast, despite all odds.

Fear not, brave Spirit Jerry. For today we will will not grieve, or cry.
We will cast aside our tears and celebrate your life!
Here’s to you, a very special pup who will go on living in the hearts of many,
from sea to shining sea.

Click here to view the embedded video.

In Memory of
Jerry G. Dawg, Fearless Leader and Furever Friend
October 1, 1998 – October 3, 2008

Date: This Sunday, June 26, 2011

Time: 6:30pm Eastern (3:30 Pacific)

Duration: 30 min.

Call In Number: (310) 388-9739

Tune In Here: Tale of Two Tripawds – Eisen and Hurley

Share Link: bit.ly/ttr062611

Learn about their treatments, nutrition plans, how they are coping, and what their pawrents hope for the future. Ask any questions you have before the show, by replying to this topic or join us in the Chat during the broadcast.

About Our Guests:

Hansome Hurley is a large, older  Rottie-Mix pup from Washington who lost his leg to osteosarcoma in April. Cancer took is right front leg leg but Hurley is proving that it won’t take his spirit. He is undergoing chemotherapy at Washington State University and meanwhile, doing great and loving life.

Eisen the Incredible is a bone cancer veteran from Colorado and one of the first Tripawds featured here back in 2007.

As a 12.5-year old German Shepherd Eisen has beaten the osteosarcoma odds for over three years!

Instead of chemotherapy, Eisen’s Mom chose a holistic medicine route and since 2007 she has had Eisen under the care of the famous holistic vet, Dr. Charles Loops.

Related Blog Posts

Hurley’s Journey

Birthday Boy Eisen Beats Bone Cancer Odds