Mom went running today, and felt my presence more than ever. On a beautiful spring morning in the Texas Hill Country, her heart was comforted as she ran toward the dawn sunrise.
The golden light lit up shiny new green leaves on big oak trees. Then she saw the reddest “vermillion flycatcher” bird that she’d ever seen, and smiled thinking about how my spirit was there in that beautiful creature.
Six months later, it’s not that it’s easier to live life without me around to cuddle and hold. She still gets all watery-eyed, even just writing this.
It’s just that with the passage of time, she’s able to better accept that I’m not gone, I’m just everywhere now.
If you’re new here and asking, “So what?” … this was a big deal for us here at tripawds.com because this episode of Nature features me and my pack on the road sharing that incredible bond which only true animal lovers can understand.
Check it out and tell a friend! There’s also only one week left to submit your pet photos for Nature’s Why I Love Cats and Dogs Photo Contest so act now.
We must give a special shout-out to producer Ellen Goosenberg Kent and her crew. Since they first followed us around Santa Fe last March, we’ve wondered what would come of the hours of footage they shot.
Well, Ellen did a simply amazing job telling Jerry’s story! We have now seen it about a dozen times and still cry every time.
We are just astounded to think that our story has touched so many people, in such profound ways. If the response here and on the Nature website is any indication, Ellen is sure to be nominated for another Emmy!
And if traffic is any indication of our future success with this website, Jerry’s legacy is bound to live on here forever.
We typically averaged about 900 unique visits a day. Yesterday alone we had more than 6,000 visitors!
Thank you Ellen. Thank you Nature. Thank you PBS.
And special thanks to all the viewers out there who dropped by to discover Jerry’s full story and share their own puppy-love stories with us. Thanks to all of you, we continue to spread the word that it’s better to hop on three legs than to limp on four.
For Jerry’s whole story, be sure to tune in at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, February 15! You’ll also hear from many other pet owners and various animal behavior experts. Check your local listings for exact time and station.
I joined my people – in spirit and on stage – as they helped launch Nature’s Why We Love Cats and Dogs at the recent TCA Press Conference. The event turned out to be a bigger deal than they expected, but then they really had no idea what to expect.
Jim and René sat on a big stage under bright lights with the program producer Ellen Goosenburg Kent, animal behavior expert Sarah Wilson, and PBS executive director William Grant; and I sat on their laps. After being introduced by WNET’s vice president of content, they walked on stage while a trailer played on huge screens.
Watch Nature’s Why We Love Cats And Dogs February 15, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. (Check local PBS listings for station and time.)
When the lights came up on a ballroom full of reporters, the questions began immediately. How did you decide to sell your home and travel in an RV? How old was Jerry? How’d he lose his leg? Is he still with you? Will you get another dog? Are you still traveling in your RV?
It was all over in an instant. Or so it seemed. But there were plenty of cat questions too. And questions about therapy dogs, animal shelters, and Obama’s dog.
It was strange seeing me larger than life, in front of such an audience, but luckily they were finally able to see the finished program the night before in their hotel room – good thing they brought a laptop! It blew away all of their expectations, but again, they had no idea what to expect.
By no means is the show all about me. It consists of interviews with dozens of pet owners – cat people, dog people, and those who love both. We hear from animal behavior experts who help explain Why We Love Cats and Dogs. The program delves into the relationship we share with our animals, and they share with each other. My story is but one of many touching human / animal bonds.
There is the cat who saved an alcoholic’s life. The woman who broke up with her boyfriend because she couldn’t love him like she loved her dog. And many more. There is even some science explained behind cat agility training. Yes, cat agility!
Two segments feature me in my element – out in the woods with my people, and at my first oncology visit where Dr. Mullins discussed treatment options.
The Nature crew followed us around for a couple days and got to see how I loved life on three legs, and how my people loved life with me.
We are honored that PBS chose us for this program, and that they chose this program to promote the upcoming season of Nature. So mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details.
We are excited to announce the upcoming premiere of NATURE’s WHY WE LOVE CATS AND DOGS airing nationally on PBS Sunday, February 15th at 8PM (check local listings) NATURE is produced by THIRTEEN in association with WNET.ORG for PBS.
We were met at Dr. Mullins’ office by the show’s wonderful producer and camera crew. They followed us around for a couple days to capture the incredible bond I shared with my people. Then when they heard I was getting sick on the ranch, they visited us again for some more quality time together on camera.
The program gets personal with animal behavior experts and pet owners to find out why people are so attached to their four legged friends.
Or in my case, three legged!
There should be a great deal of info as the airdate gets closer, and we’ll be sure to keep you posted as we hear more. Tell your friends and mark your calendars!
My people are off to the TV Critics Conference in Los Angeles tomorrow where they’ll be sitting on a panel when NATURE announces and previews the show. Stay tuned for more details or download the Nature Press Release PDF.
This is truly exciting for my people, but bittersweet without me. We owe it all to Luke at 2 Dogs 2000 Miles who told the NATURE producer about us. Puppy up my friend!
Today marks six months since my spirit was set free.
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