When a new member arrives, it’s easy to remember how we were once in their situation; frantic, scared, alone, and desperately seeking some kind of direction that will lead us to the “right” choice for our animal.

During those dark times, we just want someone to figure out our dilemma and tell us “you should do this . . . ”

But ironically, perhaps the greatest lesson that we have learned since founding Tripawds in 2006 is,

There are no “right” answers!

Every situation is so unique, that we cannot legitimately say to someone:

“you should . . . amputate /not amputate / do chemo / go holistic / do nothing.”

This is why a good vet will never say those words to a client. Because what is right for one person’s animal is not right for another. We all come from such a variety of backgrounds that one answer, one treatment choice, one path, is not right for everyone.

The best anyone of us can do is share our experiences, answer questions as honestly as possible and support pawrents as they make choices during their Tripawd journey.

This is one of our biggest goals with Tripawds: to welcome everyone with open arms and respect their treatment choices regardless of whether or not we agree with how they proceed. New members eventually learn that the only “right” answer, is the one that works best for their pack.

Ultimately, the purpose of this pawesome community is to help Tripawds live the best life they possibly can within the parameters of their circumstances.

Thanks to everyone for making the world better for animals! And for your support, friendship and kindness to strangers across the globe. This is a really special community, don’t you agree?

Tripawders Gather for Friendship and Support

First, we want to extend a sincere appreciation to everyone who drove to the Mill Valley Dog Park and make this day so special! Over a dozen Tripawds were there, including those who arrived in time to be in the group photo:

Paw Patch Pastries Makes Tripawds Drool with Delight

We are honored that Carla Ocfemia, owner of Paw Patch Pastries, generously donated a delicious array of custom-made Tripawd treats, pawty favors and even a dog cake made with real bacon and cookies that spelled “Tripawds Rule”!

She even arrived with a shade canopy for tired pups. The treats were a huge hit and all doggies went home with full bellies and even more treats for the next day. Thanks Carla!

Paw Patch Pastries specializes in healthy organic dog treats made with no soy, corn, gluten or wheat. Her treats are all made in San Francisco and are especially ideal for dogs facing health issues. We encourage all Tripawders to support her business by shopping online at PawPatchPastries.com.

 David Oliver Captures the Magic

Another big shout out goes to Bay Area photographer David Oliver, who also donated his Saturday afternoon to documenting this historic event. We hope he’s not too tired from trying to keep up with our three-legged heroes!

This fabulous pet photographer is generously giving all of his photos from the afternoon to anyone who wants them.

If would like copies, please contact Tripawds Member Travis Ray through our Discussion Forums Private Messaging system or email him here.

And of course if you are in Northern California and looking for a great animal photographer, contact David today!

A special thanks to The Oaktown Pack who told Carla and David about the pawty.

The Magic Continues

The Nor Cal Tripawds Chapter is our most active face-to-face group in the world. Members like Lylee and Spirit Maggie’s Pack, Karen, Obie and Tani, often get together to share stories about life on three legs, and just be among other dog-centric friends.

Of course, it’s also a fantastic way to celebrate the incredible stories of long-term cancer survivors like Cemil, who is now nearly three years out from his osteosarcoma diagnosis. This big boy is a three-paw miracle!

Some folks, like Spirit Maximutt’s pack, John, Diane and quadpawds Bernie and Linda, even travel all the way from Southern California (about 10 hours away) to reunite with old friends who helped them get through the cancer journey.

When new members join in, the circle grows and the bonds grow stronger.

Hold Your Own Tripawds Pawty

Join in and share in the fun! If you want to create history in your part of the world and share the joys of living life on three legs in person with others, read:

Tripawds Blog: How to Create Your Own Tripawds Pawty

For more fabulous photos of this historic event, check out:

Lylee’s Blog: The Most Best-est Fab Tripawds Pawty Ever!
Ruby’s Blog: NorCal Tripawds Pawty!
Travis’ Blog: Travis Ray Reporting In

This OSU team, led by the renowned Dr. Couto, does extraordinary work for dogs with osteosarcoma and other bone cancers. As well as research, Dr Couto and his team also offer a free consultation service for owners, vets and anyone else who may need to have x-rays looked at to see if a lesion looks to be osteosarcoma. That consulation service could save time and in turn, a life.

Celebrate Darcy’s Legacy, April 6 – 13

Darcy joined Tripawds in December, 2007 when she was a new amputee, and continued to beat the odds for the next four years. Her Mum Bev posted many updates about her amazing life, here in the Forums.

This big beautiful giant thrived beyond anyone’s wildest expectations, until her battle with a heart condition called Dilated Cardiomyopathy suddenly took her from us on January 29 of this year.

Her loss came as a terrible shock, but there is comfort in knowing that Darcy’s incredible story will provide inspiration and hope to others who are faced with the devastating news that their dog has osteosarcoma. Darcy is proof that sometimes the odds can be beaten!

All Sorts of Items Available!

Please join us this Saturday f0r the first day of a weeklong Darcy’s Legacy online auction filled with all sorts of goodies, from t-shirts celebrating the life of all canines to books, DVDs, poster prints and more. All proceeds go to a great cause, we hope you’ll join us!

Here are just a few examples of items you can bid on:

Download Tripawds Wall and Counter Displays

Download and print these Tripawds fliers and cards, then put them up at local pet stores. Also, ask your veterinarian or oncologist to give them to all their amputation patients. Feel free to write in your contact information on the materials.

You can even give your vet a handy Tripawds Countertop Display to hold the business cards, and have the staff contact us for more cards or just let them know where they can find the electronic file!

Midwest chapter leader Barb Young has stocked several veterinary offices in her city with Tripawds materials. During her visit to the practice, she drops off some yummy dog treats, her own Mission of Hope business cards with Tripawds information, then leaves a nice letter for the vets informing them about Tripawds.

Contact us for an example of the letter.

While we are hoppy to send you some business cards, these downloadable fliers and cards are a big way we keep the costs of maintaining this community to a minimum. Thanks for helping us reduce our operating expenses.

Create Your Own Tripawds fliers

Do you want your Tripawd to be the star of your own flier about three-legged dogs? If so, create your own Tripawds flier.

Please note: Because the word “Tripawds” and “It’s better to hop on three than limp on four” are registered trademarks, we want to ensure their proper use, so please email your flier design to us for approval before distributing.

You may utilize these high-resolution logos in your poster, press release and other announcements:

Tripawds Logo in Black and White

Tripawds Logo in Color

Organize a Tripawds Pawty

Tripawds member gerrysmom created a Tripawds Party Flier when she wanted to organize a three legged meet-up in the Madison, Wisconsin area. Her Word doc is available for download and customization. Then, take your flier and:

• Post fliers at local feed stores and dog-friendly watering holes
• Create a Craig’s List posting
• Write a press release and call local TV and newspaper reporters

Finally, be sure to announce your three legged gathering with a new topic in the Tripawd Parties discussion forum as well as on our Facebook page. You never know who your nearest Tripawd neighbor will be!

Represent Tripawds at Dog-Friendly Events

Tripawds Members Barb and John Young regularly represent Tripawds at local pet fairs, media shows and events to get the word out about the capabilities amputee dogs, so that more people will consider adopting Tripawds.

Barb and her husband John attend these festivities as part of her Mission of Hope project to carry on her Hope’s legacy, which is represented at the events as an organization working on behalf of Tripawds. Now, Tripawds Member Heather Neal, Cadence’s mom, is also going to start representing Tripawds in the greater Chicago area!

Thanks for Spreading the Word!

We encourage other Tripawds members to conduct the same type of outreach in their cities. If you are interested in attending an event as a Tripawds representative, please contact us today so that we can exchange ideas about how you can help get the word out to as many folks as pawsible at each event!

Susan, Barb, John and Cadence

Some Tripawds members like Spirit Hope’s pack, Barb and John Young, along with Cadence’s Mom Heather Neal are sharing their knowledge about the three-legged lifestyle by representing the Tripawds community at dog-centric events like the My Furry Valentine Adoption Extravaganza held on February 11 in West Chester, Ohio.

As part of the Young’s dedication to their Mission of Hope project, Barb and John worked hard securing items to help support the Tripawds community, like delicious dog treats thoughfully baked by friend Susan Wykoff.

Barb Talks to Visitors

In addition, the Youngs had Tripawds bandannas and numerous animal-friendly items available for booth visitors.

“I was able to talk with several rescues and shelters and animal care professionals about tripawds and the information at their website, as well as educating the public about life on three legs,” Barb told us.

She added, “It was a long, but fun day with literally hundreds of attendees. About 261 animals found their forever home during the event! I got a sore throat!”

Cadence Steals the Show

Cadence Sparkles

A Tripawds exhibit is especially fun and attention-getting when a member makes an appearance, like Tripawds Ambassador Cadence.

This sweet girl is a bone cancer hero. She has bounced back from an osteosarcoma diagnosis last July, and is loving life every single day.

“I got emotional watching people interact with Cadence. Some did not even realize she had an amputation,” says Mom Heather.

Heather traveled to the event from Chicago because she says “I want to show others that amputation of a leg, although a life changing event, doesn’t have to mean the end of quality of life for a dog. Cadence proves that she is happy and loving life on three legs!”

Heather and Cadence

Cadence and her pack tell us they were also there “to give back and tell others about the Tripawds organization as well as talk about the help, support, and education I have received from so many individuals on the Tripawds site.”

This Midwestern Tripawds chapter is going to great lengths to help raise Tripawd awareness, and Heather, Cadence and the Youngs are looking forward to attending future events on behalf of Tripawds.

“My hope is that through the education that Barb is giving about Tripawds through Mission of Hope and interacting with SpokesDog Cadence at this adoption event, people will not overlook a tripawd dog when looking for a loving companion,” Heather explains.

Cadence the Star

We send our heartfelt thanks to Barb, John, Susan, Heather and Cadence for their generosity and dedication to raising Tripawd awareness!

Stay tuned for our next News blog post that describes how you can help spread the word in your community!

Tripawds members have often discussed creating some kind of traveling tribute item to honor our animal friends, that we could display at events like the upcoming Morris Animal Foundation Walk in California.

Well, Spirit Tri-Pug Maggie’s Mom, Karen, recently came up with a great tribute idea, and based on input from others, the Tripawds Tribute Leash idea was born.

The Tripawds Tribute Leash Project: Join Us!

We are creating the first traveling Tripawds tribute.
 All Tripawd canines, felines and quadpawd family members are invited to join in!

The idea is to pay tribute to all members of the Tripawds community. This leash will honor those who are still on the journey and remember those who have crossed the bridge.

We decided on a Tripawds yellow leash with a ribbon tied on for each animal who is a member of the Tripawd community.

Every member of the Tripawds community is welcome to send a ribbon to be added to the leash.

The Tribute Leash will be sent to different events around the country where Team Tripawds is being represented. We will continue to add ribbons, and new leashes as needed.

For now, the Tribute Leash will reside in Livermore with Spirit Tri-Pug Maggie’s Mom, Karen. The plan is to debut the leash at the Morris Animal Foundation Walk in Elk Grove in April. After this event, other members around the country can request it for their special event or Tripawds-related activity.

How to Participate in the Tripawds Tribute Leash Project

All ribbons must be received by Friday April 20
in order to be a part of the Morris walk on April 29.

• Use a piece of ribbon, any color; pick something that represents your animal friend. We want lots of color! Something sturdy is recommended, as the leash will be carried in walks, and shipped at least a few times a year.
• The suggest ribbon width is ¾ to 1 inch. Anything wider may not tie neatly. The ribbon should be at least 12 inches long, maximum of 18 inches long.
• Using an indelible pen (fine point sharpie works well) write your fur kid’s name, your name (optional) and any message you would like. Perhaps you would put dates, or nicknames, or a short tribute. You can write on both sides of the ribbon.
• Leave the center 4 inches clear of any writing; this is the part that will be tied around the leash.
• You may send a SMALL trinket or remembrance to attach as well, but it is not necessary. A tag is one idea. Some pet stores have machines that allows you to engrave a tag with anything you like.
• When you mail your tribute be sure to include a note with your name, your animal’s name, and your Tripawds User Name just in case Karen has any questions.

The ribbons and trinkets will be tied around the leash in the order received (except that Jerry will be first!). Angel and Spirit Tripawds will have a small piece of white ribbon attached when tied on to the leash.

We can’t promise that ribbons received after April 20 will be included in this walk, but they will definitely be added to the leash afterward for future events.

Please send your ribbon to:

Karen Riley
P.O. Box 2939
Livermore, CA 94551-2939

 Paws up to Karen for volunteering to head up this project. If you have a great idea to honor Tripawds and their families, don’t be shy! Contact us today!

During Tripawds’ early days, we used this banner area to liven things up with photos of Spirit Jerry, our founder. Later, some members like Nova the Queen, were given a banner to add variety. Our only policy was to pick a good photo that showed Tripawds loving life on three legs.

Afterwards we realized the banner area is a good place to honor the souls of Tripawds who have earned their wings. We agonized over who would go up there because we feel that all Tripawds members who pawsitively impact the lives of others should be honored. So we came up with an informal policy.

The Tripawds Banner Policy

First, we want to be clear that Tripawds banners cannot be purchased with certain financial contribution levels. Doing so wouldn’t be fair to someone who has provided a tremendous amount of help to others in the Forums, but hasn’t been able to financially support Tripawds on the same level that others can. On the other hand, some members who seldom post in the Forums are able to contribute financially, so we would like to acknowledge their support too.

Therefore, all future Tripawds Tribute Banners will be reserved for
those members who:

Have clearly shared helpful support, resources and encouragement
to others in the Forums on an ongoing basis. Or, have contributed behind the scenes
with ongoing financial support to help keep Tripawds online.

That’s it. We think it’s fair but we are always open to your ideas about making it better.

If we ever accidentally overlook a member who you think should be in a banner, we hope you’ll understand it wasn’t intentional. Thanks!

Tune in to Tripawd Talk Radio this Sunday to learn how to make it a positive event.  Bring your questions for animal communicator Stacy Krafczyk! Or post them here and join us in the chat room during the show.

Date: Sunday, February 19, 2012
Time: 3:00pm PST (4:00 MT, 6:00 Eastern)
Duration: 30 min.
Call In Number: (310) 388-9739*

Tune In Here: Introducing New Dogs to Your Pack
Share Link: bit.ly/ttr021912

*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.

Introducing a new pack member to your other furry and human family members can make or break a relationship. It can be especially traumatic if you are dealing with an illness in the pack, like cancer. In order to give your new animal companion the best chance at fitting in with your pack, you’ll need to learn several techniques to put everyone at ease.

To help you do this, we are pleased to welcome back Stacy Krafczyk, a professional animal communicator, intuitive reader, medium and Reiki Master. Stacy will discuss the importance of properly introducing and adding another animal to your household. She will present easy techniques for communicating to your animals and making a successful introduction, for both existing and incoming pack members

ABOUT STACY:

Stacy is from West Allis, Wisconsin. 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.

Related Podcasts:

Don’t miss these previous popular Tripawd Talk Radio episodes with Stacy:

More Animal Communication and Spirit Healing
Animal Communication Our Most Popular Live Show Yet

DISCLAIMER: Information provided at Tripawd Talk Radio is for entertainment only. Tripawds.com is not responsible or liable, for any damages resulting from the use (or misuse) of information contained in or implied herein.

To every Tripawds member who has
loaned a shoulder to lean on
helped a Tripawd find a home
represented Tripawds at an event
shared their Tripawd warrior’s story
been here through good times and sad
shown Barney a good time (and let him live!)
written a helpful guest blog post for the community
sent a gift of direct support or requested a Tripawds bandanna
shopped in our Gifts, Gear, Nutrition, Amazon or Downloads blogs
shared ideas for new content or given feedback about the website
made us laugh and smile with crazy videos, photos and poems
hung out in the Chat Room to help a pawrent in need
purchased anything through a Tripawds affiliate link
used their talents to help support the community
answered a survey or entered a contest
sent photos to celebrate a Tripawd’s life
coordinated a Tripawds pawty

Thank you! Gracias! Merci! Mahalo! Danke!
Grazie! Arigato! kawp-kun krap/ka’! Obrigado! Toda!

We are beyond grateful for everything that each and every one of you does to make this a supportive, educational and fun place to be. Tripawds couldn’t exist without you.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

“What a beautiful day we had for the Paw Rade in Mainstrasse Village!” says Barb. “It was great to have the opportunity to talk with so many pet owners, rescues and shelter people about the best group of folks around–the Tripawds community, our extended family.”

Barb and John’s “Mission of Hope” is their way of honoring the support they received while their Hope went through her own amputation journey and soon after succumbed to kidney failure. The Youngs have started this outreach program to offer information and support to Tripawd dogs in the Cincinnati area.

“Tripawds folks gave us so much support and encouragement after Hope’s surgery, that in honor and remembrance of her, we have started the Tripawds.com Cincinnati Outreach Program, ‘Mission of Hope’” Barb told us.

“It was easy to tell people how all of you have taken the path that is before them, and how you can help them along the way.

So many people told me that they wished they had known about tripawds when their pet had surgery,” she added.

Create Tripawd Awareness in Your Town

Spreading the word about the amazing capabilities of three-legged dogs is easy and doesn’t have to cost a lot. Print our free Tripawds fliers, then pass them out to your veterinarian, dog food store, beautify salon . . . “Anywhere and everywhere,” says Barb, “because there are people out there who need YOU and the support you and this community can give them.”

If you have an opportunity to set up a booth at an animal function, “do it!” Barb says. “It’s easy and you will get far more out of the event that you put in. Email me and I will give you all the info you need to do an event!”

At the Paw-Rade, the Youngs set up a beautiful table, and had beautifully-packaged, tasty homemade dog cookies ready for hungry pups.

Barb turned her kitchen into a biscuit bakery, and baked several different types of treats for the event.

Although competition was stiff among the many different treat vendors, Barb added a classy touch to her offerings. Instead of grabbing treats out of a jar when a customer requested some, she used tongs to bag their order. This gave her treats a cleaner, more sanitary look than typical treat vendors.

In addition to dog treats, Barb addressed the feline fans at the Paw-Rade, with her homegrown catnip treats.

They even had Charger, a Tripawd pup staff the booth to show everypawdy what three legged dogs can do!

“It really was a great time for everyone and gave me a good opportunity to talk with other rescues about tripod animals they might rescue in the future,” says Barb.

We’ve never seen a more well-dressed bunch of pups anywhere!

Thank you Barb and John for all of your hard work to raise over $100 to help Tripawds.com, and show the world that Tripawds Rule!

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