If you’re new to the Tripawds community, you may be wondering: Who is this Jerry G. Dawg character? Well in short, Jerry was The Best Dog Ever. At least to us. And he’s the entire reason the Tripawds community exists.
Jerry lost his leg to osteosarcoma in 2006, a time when it was difficult to find pawsitive examples of life after amputation for dogs. We share Jerry’s entire story here, but in short, he inspired us to create a little blog all about his recovery and life on three legs. Over time Tripawds.com blossomed from there. The rest is history as they say.
Today is October 3rd, the tenth anniversary of the day our once-in-a-lifetime dog got his wings. Just two days past his 10th birthday on October 1, we set his spirit free after two amazing years traveling in our RV together, always making sure we followed his lead to Live in the Now.
It’s still difficult not to get watery-eyed over his passing, or angry that cancer took him too soon, but in his honor (oh how he hated it when we were upset!), today we shall celebrate the life he shared with us, and the entire world. We were so blessed to have him as our wise sage, and will always be grateful that he chose us that day in the shelter.
Ten years have passed in a heartbeat. We still miss him every day.
To Jerry
https://youtu.be/C_xqxhHO8Zg
That day at the shelter you jumped into our laps with a mission. Happy to find the people you were destined for, we had no idea how much you would change our life (and the world!) when you chose us as your unsuspecting students. Ignorant of the bond that’s possible between two species who don’t even speak each other’s language, you were so patient with us as we stumbled our way through the education of a lifetime.
We made mistakes, but you forgave, always willing to let go of the past and rejoice in the moment, so that not one second of our time together was ever wasted. Through good times and sad, you were always there for us, ready to wrap your paws around our hearts and help us find joy in everything.
Ten years later on October 3, 2008, Saint Francis and the dogs of heaven brought you the most perfect set of wings. You took them and soared into the sky blue heavens, perfect and whole once again, happily free of the broken shell that housed your beautiful soul. Life would never be the same.
In your honor, we celebrate the wisdom you shared in lessons such as:
- Every day is a great day. Live each day as if it were your last, because it very well may be.
- Don’t let adversity slow you down. Enjoy those things you can do, right now.
- Take time to smell the roses. Observe the world around you, you never know what you might miss.
- Go and Do. Get up, get out and seek adventures.
- Simply be. No matter what’s going on, where you are, be happy within.
- Never give up. Do everything within your power to reach your highest aspirations.
Thank you Jerry. The world is a better place because of you.
I was not quite ready for this story and am sitting here completely choked up with tears in my eyes. What a beautiful story, I am so grateful to have found this site.
Dash, we are glad you found us too. Thank you for the sweet note. Let us know how we can help you in your own journey.
PS Okay, a bit blurry eyed over here too with that video. If only our dogs and cats could live with us eight up to tje day we transition, and then go with us into the next dimension.
WOW! Talk about a life well loved and well loved! That Jerry enjoyed every moment veing with you!! That boy had a fun filled life!!
I loved the tug of war part of the video. He was NOT giving up! And playing ball with Jim and bumping tje ball right back to him with great precision..BRILLIANT!!
And hearing his bark again, his splashy sounds as he frolic in the water…..PRICELESS!
Beautiful tribute
We are glad you enjoyed the video, Sally! Yeah, it brought back lots of good times with that dog. Giving him the adventures he so patiently waited for all his life was the least we could do to pay him back for all he did to help us be more grounded human beings.
Yes, I agree with PETRA. We HAVE gotten to meet Jerry. It’s not “just” through the great pictures that tell his story or the fantastic banners that you share with us. Nope, that’s just part of his LIVING LEGACY.
That “Wise Sage” continues to live on through you and continues his Soul’s Purpose through your Soul’s Purpose. Not “happenstance” at all. Destiny, guided, divinely driven, reunion of Soul’s…whatever you want to call it, JIM, RENE AND JERRY came together at this time to teach us all soooo many life lessons.
And of course, let’s not overlook the lives of dogs and cats all over the world who have been given extended quality time because of the “little blog” you started ten years ago. And for those tragic cases where little, or no extended time is given, we are able to reach out with love and support that can only been found here from those who understand the journey like no others can.
Jerry and his humans created a “Universe of Love” where there is no judgement, no right or wrong. There is an acceptance and support given to each individual for whatever “forced choice” they need to make.
We all come together here because of our unbreakable bonds with our dogs and cats. Make no mistake about it, the bonds we form with each other are just as deep and just as unbreakable. Regardless of age, race, skinny, fat, differing political views, rich, poor, etc….LOVE brings us together and LOVE is what unites us and makes our hearts all beat in harmony as one.
Yes, the lessons Jerry taught us, and continues to teach us, are timeless.
When Jerry picked you, he knew you would understand his journey is more than “just” about thriving on three legs. His message of love and acceptance resonates through you two every single day.
Thank you. Thank you.
Love and light
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Sally, your way with words is beyond anything I could ever write. You speak from the heart, with unmatched wisdom. Thank you for your kind words and taking time to honor Jerry’s life. Truthfully, all of what you see here is because of what he taught us, and all the lessons and love that followed through the wonderful people like yourself that he has brought here. Making Tripawds a judgement-free, pure love and support zone, is what we owe him and all the animals in this world who are unburdened by the human brain. We are honored to be paying back that debt through this community, with so much help from loving, brilliant people who happen to find themselves here because of a dreaded disease, accident or other reason. Thank you thank you for allowing us to continue paying it forward. xoxoxo
LOVE you Jerry! Now and furever. We will be eternally grateful to you for inspiring your pawrents to create such a wonderful resource and loving community! We were all so sad to lose you but we know you were needed over the bridge because they didn’t have a CFO until you showed up!!
xoxo,
Codie Rae and the Oaktown Pack
Love you back CR & the pack. We couldn’t do Tripawds without your love and support. And we love the thought of Jerry G. Dawg, Rainbow Bridge CFO. Thank you!
Jim and Rene, we got to meet a beautiful soul named JERRY through the two of you! I have watched his 10 year tribute video and even though I never got to meet Jerry, I cried tears for you both… it is obvious as to how much you love and miss your boy still, you have captured some beautiful moments that will be with you furever!
Thank you Jerry for being the special soul that you are and special thanks to both of you for giving your life to Tripawds and all of us who have needed the support.
Stewie is thriving on 3 and we never would have imagined it possible, but for Tripawds.com! Thank you!!
Lots of love from Super Stu and his ever loving Pack
xxxxxxx
Petra, we so appreciate your beautiful note and loving words, thank you. It’s almost like you have met him, because you embody the spirit of Be More Dog. Each time we look at Stewie we are amazed and so grateful that you and Paul took that brave step into Tripawdland. You are all a great example of what is possible on three legs for a giant breed dog. What a joy and honor to have met all of you!
Tears for you and your beloved Jerry, as much as for me and my beloved Dreson who was also taken after battling osteosarcoma. Seeing my incredible boy struggling on 3 legs nearly broke me. I was therefore so fortunate to come across your organization and am so grateful for all the widom and knowledge and HOPE I took from it. It’s lovely of you to celebrate Jerry with such a loving tribute. Perhaps he and Dreson have shared a romp or two.
The Best Dog Ever, and Best Owners Ever!
Jet, you are so wonderful, thank you!
Great tribute! Thanks for sharing!
And thanks to Jerry for creating this community!
Awwww. Anytime my friend. Thank YOU for being part of the magic.
Beautiful Tribute for a beautiful soul!
The world IS a better place because of you three!
Destined to change the world Jerry and his pawrents and they HAVE! We are all grateful for a place to land and find the support we need.
We are all hopping on because you showed us all three is more than pawsible and to be more dawg/cat. We are furever grateful for everything you do and teach every one of us on this journey!
Standing ovation to you three!
Holly, Mark, Purrkins & Saxton
XOXO
We are blushing Holly, thank you for the heartfelt note. The magic that is Tripawds happens because of great people and pets like you. We are blessed.
I wish I had met Jerry, but I’m so very glad that I’ve met Wyatt (and of course, the two of you! <3). I just can't even imagine how what our journey with Murphy would have been like without this place. Jerry's legacy is truly that, a legacy. He has spread love, awareness, life-long friendships and more – wow. That's a lot to do in one lifetime!
Love you guys!
Donna
Lots of love back to you Donna. What a joy to meet you, and so comforting know that Angel Murphy will always be part of the fabric of the community that surrounds newcomers with support. We are so grateful to be part of your life.
Such a beautiful boy! and goofy which is always my favorite kind of dog.
Love to you on this heartbreaking anniversary! You have truly saved so many of us and changed all of our lives!
(is that “my” cathedral?)
hugs
Teri
>> is that “my” cathedral?
Yes! 🙂
He sure was a goofball Teri! I have no doubt you would have loved him.
That is a beautiful tribute, Jerry was truly special and so are you Rene and Jim. Thank you Jerry for inspiring a place that helps so many people in need. Thank you also for the special friendships and bonds that were possible because of your story.
Love you guys,
Jackie and Huckleberry
xoxoxoxo
And your story too, Jackie! Thanks for sharing your wisdom and support with the community. We are better because of it.
Echo Michelle & Angel Sassy’s remarks, especially as my GSD also diagnosed with osteosarcoma. 8 weeks today my 8 yr old GSD had his leg amputated. All the support and comfort I have received has been from this community. What an amazing & beautiful legacy Jerry leaves with us. So sorry anyone has to go through this, but so glad i’m not alone & have somewhere to turn to for support.
Kerry & Mac thank you Jerry & co xxx
Kerry and Mac, we wish that you didn’t have to join because of cancer but are so honored we can be here to support you in your journey. May Mac kick but for a long, long time!
Thank you Jerry for inspiring the most wonderful & supportive online community xox
Awww, you are so welcome Isabelle!
He looked like such a fun dog! You hit the jackpot when he picked you, as did all of us when we found this site. Thank you for changing my life!
Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro
It really wasn’t us Paula, it was all Jerry Magic that created this place. And it’s our honor to be welcomed into Nitro’s journey. We are better people because of your boy. So thank YOU.
Hoppy Angelversary Jerry.
You needed to give a tissue alert. Sitting here crying. Wonderful job on the memories on the video and on your post. Thank you Jerry if it weren’t for you we all wouldn’t be here together.
xoxoxo
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Just hoppy tears OK Michelle? Promise? Thank you for being here to watch the video and all your support. You are such a joyful gift to all of us. We so appreciate and love you, the girls, Bosch and unforgettable Sassy.