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Griffin's Journey
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New York, NY
Member Since:
24 March 2020
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24 May 2020 - 7:54 pm
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Since Griffin's rehab appointment on Friday, I've noticed that he is moving more fluidly and seems to have more pep in his step, especially on our morning walks of about 1.4 miles done all under his own power.  His new wagon arrived yesterday and we took it for a spin on our late afternoon walk, which allowed us to get home more quickly when we were caught in a downpour, although we both still needed to spend some time with a hair dryer once back home!  We used the wagon again this evening, when the photos and videos below were taken.  I popped Griffin into the wagon, pushed him to the park, lifted him out to run around, and then popped him back in for the ride home when he got tired.  The inside dimensions of his wagon are a standard medium dog bed size (30" x 20"), so I purchased a 3" foam bed with an indoor/outdoor washable cover which gives him a very comfortable ride.  Griffin seems to enjoy his new chariot a lot, and I love being able to push the wagon and keep him in front of me instead of pulling him behind me.  Bonus elements include brakes, all terrain wheels, a collapsible basket, and a canopy (which will be great on sunny days and kept some of the rain off Griffin yesterday)!  The new red wagon is going to get a lot of use this summer!

Napping with his Eagle buddy after a long morning walk.

Griffin enjoying his luxurious new limo!

We saw this duo paddle-boarding on the Hudson River tonight!

 

Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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24 May 2020 - 9:32 pm
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Griffin looks so content  in his Chariot!  And this was basically  his first ride??  He clearly knows exactly  what it's for and seems to really be enjoying the scenery while his Chauffeur  does all the work😎

Griffin loves his back scritches, especially  with his shorter  haircut.  That boy pops up with the biggest smile on his face.

This was the first video where I saw people.  Have they always been around or is  it because  "restrictions " are slowly being lifted just in time for the Holiday?

Hugs 

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

PS:  Glad the Rehab is beneficial

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

New York, NY
Member Since:
24 March 2020
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24 May 2020 - 9:59 pm
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Hi Sally!  I typically take videos on our morning walks when the park is fairly empty, especially during the week.  However, on nice days during the evenings, and especially on the weekends, the park has been much busier.  Most folks are doing a decent job of physically distancing and most are wearing masks, but there are definitely some people who are not taking warnings seriously.  There is an adult fitness area of the park with equipment for exercising that the police have shut down multiple times only to have men (who almost never wear masks) take down the "caution" tape as soon as the police leave the park.  It's a hard balancing act in NYC where we literally live on top of each other and the population density makes physically distancing more of a challenge than in suburban/rural areas, but for the most part, my fellow New Yorkers are doing their best to follow the rules and keep all of us safe. icon_lol

Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com

Member Since:
29 March 2020
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25 May 2020 - 5:51 am
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Hi Stacy, I love Griffin's chariot!!  It looks so comfy and Griffin is so happy in it.  Yes, I love the way you can push him now so you don't always have to be looking behind you.  Like I have said before, I can't believe how calm Griffin is and just goes with the flow.  He just sits there with a big smile on his face!  Jake would be bouncing all over the place smiley3

You are so lucky to have such awesome rehab facilities close by.  It really does sound like Griffin is getting such great care.  I go to the rehab Doctor next week, hopefully we'll like her!

Member Since:
15 March 2020
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25 May 2020 - 11:31 am
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Aww, look at Griffin go with his dapper new hair cut! He look so comfy in his plush new ride. 🙂 I think he might be pining for one of those paddle-boards though - don't you? It'll be great for the warm weather coming.

New York, NY
Member Since:
24 March 2020
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25 May 2020 - 11:46 am
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Connie - I think Griffin's age (he's 10) contributes to his laid back attitude.  He's figured out that he can still see all the sights and not have to wear himself out by doing all the walking.  He stood up a few times in the old wagon, which scared the daylights out of me, and why I was so determined to find a wagon/stroller that kept him in front of me.  It makes me so happy to know that he is comfortable and safe, while still getting to enjoy the outdoors.  I can't wait for Jake's stroller to arrive and read about your new adventures together!  ~ Stacy

Emily - I don't think paddle boards are either of our speeds!  The photo below was taken on vacation 2 years ago.  Griffin did not love being up on that raft, but he tolerated it so he could "protect" my godson and nephew.  He does love swimming, though, and I can't wait for him to get back in the pool this summer!smiley16 Stacy

Griffin-hanging-on-the-raft-july-2018-blog.jpgImage Enlarger

Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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25 May 2020 - 12:20 pm
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Love that new ride! Griffin is such a good dog to stay put inside and just enjoy the ride. I know our Wyatt Ray would be too, uh, excited, to keep his butt in the wagon!

I've seen so many dogs paddleboarding with their people. I know of a couple of very fit Tripawds who can balance on a paddleboard, but not many. That photo of Griffin with the kids is adorable!

It's just awesome that the rehab has already helped him feel better and more limber. The right exercises and direction makes such a difference for a Tripawd, especially over time. Will acupuncture be part of his therapy? Forgive me if you mentioned that earlier, I'm too lazy to scroll up! 😉

Hope you're having a lovely afternoon.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
1 April 2020
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25 May 2020 - 12:45 pm
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Wow Griffin looks so laid back and cool in his chariot! This is amazing I am laughing alone here just thinking stupid Arktik would be in a similar situation. I can definitely picture him freaking out trying to jump out and vocalizing very loudly his displeasure. I think this is an amazing option for dogs like Griffin who are just so chill. He definitely seems to enjoy this! You are such a great doodle mom! 

Every time I hear you speaking about NYC, makes me want to go for trip. I have been a couple of times and love the city! I was supposed to go in June but it will have to wait that this whole pandemic thing goes away. Meanwhile, Montreal is still a great city that we will get to enjoy soon now that they are starting to reopen things. As you mentioned it is similar here about social distancing. Some people are careful and respectful, but others do not car at all. Photos of Toronto showed a super crowded park over the weekend, it almost looked like a concert crowd icon_rolleyes

New York, NY
Member Since:
24 March 2020
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25 May 2020 - 1:30 pm
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Hi Jerry - Griffin did one session of acupuncture the week after he started chemo, but his oncologist wants him to have blood tests before each session to ensure his platelet count is fine, and that is just too much money (office visit + blood test = $250 + $140 for acupuncture).  [Right now you are saying, "Oh right, I remember that!"  I think it is one of the reasons why you wanted to invite Dr. Camps to speak for the podcast. icon_lol]  We might go back to it after he finishes up his chemo treatments.  But in the meantime, I am very happy with the work that the physical therapist did - it is so clear how much looser Griffin is when moving.  He has also started trying to lift his leg again to pee, which he had stopped attempting due to balancing issues. I don't think my insurance company will cover the rehab appointments because they are not done by a vet, but follow up appointments will be $160/hour, which on a monthly basis is pretty manageable.

Hi Patricia - I would be SO thrilled to meet you and Arktik in person if you were able to come for a visit to NYC.  I know travel is pretty out of the question right now, but it's kind of fun to dream about the possibilities in the future!  Griffin has always been pretty chill, but honestly, he would not tolerate the wagon if he was feeling 100%.  I used the old wagon a few times prior to his surgery when he was limping pretty badly, but I'm not sure I would have gotten away with it a year ago.  And nowadays, I used it only when I know he is already tired.smiley2

Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com



Member Since:
27 July 2014
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25 May 2020 - 8:33 pm
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Griffin and Arktik can meet at the Canada/US border! You two can yell back and forth, the dogs can sniff and chase each other. Call it "Paws Across the Border"

Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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25 May 2020 - 8:45 pm
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GREAT IDEA KERREN!!!! 😀   Paws Across the Border!!    Love it!!😎😎

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

New York, NY
Member Since:
24 March 2020
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267
25 May 2020 - 9:15 pm
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I think Patricia gets the better end of that driving plan!  It is 5 hours from NYC to the Canadian border and about an hour from Montreal to that same point - not that Arktik wouldn't be worth it!  sp_hearticon2 Too bad they don't live in Toronto - I have family in Buffalo who I'll be visiting at some point when travel restrictions are lifted.  I'd love for a Northeast US/Canada Tripawds get together event, though!

Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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26 May 2020 - 9:08 am
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Griffin did one session of acupuncture the week after he started chemo, but his oncologist wants him to have blood tests before each session 

Yeah I do remember that, but was wondering if this new clinic is offering it? And if so are they requiring blood tests?

I’d love for a Northeast US/Canada Tripawds get together event, though!

Boy that would be amazing!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

New York, NY
Member Since:
24 March 2020
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26 May 2020 - 10:55 am
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Hi Jerry.  The new place does only traditional rehab, no acupuncture.  I could say no to what Dr. Camps recommended and still do acupuncture at AMC, but for now, I'm happy with the place in NJ and the end results that I saw immediately from Griffin's session there.  icon_lol

Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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26 May 2020 - 3:28 pm
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Oh OK gotcha! Yeah if you're happy and Griffin is too, then stick to the new rehab place and keep acupuncture as a future option that may or may not be needed at some point.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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