When my people first saw pictures of Rocco, they knew we just had to be related. And when we found out Rocco lived along the route we were taking on our full-time RVing roadtrip, we were all excited to meet him.
While I didn’t quite make it, Jim and René did get to meet Rocco. The visit, just a week or so after my passing, was therapeutic.
More than just looking like me, Rocco’s similarities were uncanny. We both play ball, eat grass, swim, and have great big smiles with worn down teeth.
Meet Rocco in this video and see what his wonderful people have to say about their battle with cancer, and his amazing recovery.
If you have not yet submitted your photo and story for the 2 Dogs 2000 Miles Cancer Dog Calendar, be sure to do so soon! The deadline has been extended until November 16.
If you have not heard about the first canine cancer calendar, here’s the scoop: you’re dog can be a calendar girl! Or boy … tripawds.com is proud to support 2 Dogs in the continuing effort to raise awareness and funds for cancer research with the 2009 Canine Cancer calendar.
If you – or someone you know – has or had a cancer cancer survivor, we’d love to share his or her story in this 2009 calendar featuring beloved cancer dogs. Simply submit a high-resolution photo and a brief story to calendar@2dogs2000miles.org then wait for the voting to begin.
Too bad dogs can’t drink wine, because last summer, my pawrents got to try out Three Legged Red, a red wine made by Dunham Cellars of Walla Walla, Washington. The good people at Dunham were nice enough to send us a bottle last summer, after my Mom told them about Tripawds. Three Legged Red is dedicated to Port, Dunham’s three legged mascot, who is now romping around the heavens with me.
When we were in Colorado, Mom and Dad wanted to go someplace really special to try out the wine. In August, they packed up one of the jeeps at the ranch, and we went camping at the top of a beautiful mountain. We had cheese and crackers, and Mom and Dad tried the wine. They loved it! Mom says it goes beyond any red “everyday” wine they’ve ever had. It’s a little hard to find, but you can buy it online. Check out our review:
Months later, a strange thing happened, the day after I left for the heavens. Mom and Dad were walking around Yellowstone. They were so sad, and feeling really down, so they went into the Old Faithful Inn to have a tasty beverage. When they looked at the wine list, guess what they saw? You got it! Three Legged Red!
Coincidence? I don’t think so!
They had a couple of glasses, toasted our forever love, and basked in our memories together. Now, it’s their favorite all time wine.
Here’s to you and Tripawd pawrents everywhere! And a big Thank You to Dunham Cellars.
It’s been one month since I passed and my people continued on with their full-time RVing adventures. They say it just isn’t the same without me.
Sure, its been ruff, but all the comfort and love they receive from this growing community of tripawds and their people makes it easier every day. Thank you for your continued support.
The next day we headed north to Yellowstone. It was just like the old days, traveling and hanging my head out the truck window.
I even made it up to the Continental Divide, for about the eighth time in our journey. Only this time, walking a few yards to the sign was all I had in me.
We took lots of pictures. As we got to Yellowstone, I was feeling OK, but very subdued from the bad episode the day before.
Many in the Tripawds community were surprised when, on October 3rd, my pawrents announced that I earned my wings. The day before, by the looks of my popcorn video, it seemed that I was doing OK. And although October 2nd and October 3rd were only one day apart, within those 24 hours, things changed dramatically.
I’ve always tried to be upfront about my cancer, so in the next two blog posts, my pawrents and I feel strong enough to share the details of our last hours together. My pawrents words are in italics.
While we hear lots of success stories in the forums from three legged heroes and tripawd cancer survivors, we can’t stress enough that every dog is different. Sadly, problems can arise when it comes to amputation.
Take Rownik for instance. This otherwise healthy young pup was recently lost due to complications from amputation surgery for a malignant tumor.
Our most sincere thoughts and best wishes go out to his people who were generous enough to donate the Ruff Wear harness they purchased prior to Rownik’s surgery to another dog in need.
As Yer Big Dog recently told us about his 2,000 mile cancer research walk, “this is no longer a cause, it’s a war” … and we must continue our battles together, fully aware that we will win some and lose some.
Please join us for our first official “Ask a Vet” chat will take place on Wednesday, October 29 at 9pm Eastern, 6pm Pacific.
Our vet will be Dr. Pam Wiltzius, a veterinarian in Puyallup, Washington. She has generously offered to participate in this informal chat session as her schedule permits.
Dr. Wiltzius graduated in 1992 from University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 2003, she and her husband moved to Puyallup, WA where she currently works at River Road Animal Hospital. They have 3 dogs, 3 birds, and 1 lizard.
Looking forward to chatting with you on Wednesday, 10/29!
The following Guest Post was kindly written by our friend Kim. If you would like to share your Tripawds story here, please write to us today.
Buster will be 11 in mid December. On the 25th of this month it will be his 6th month ampuversary that he lost his leg to a chrondrosarcoma. It has been a learning experience to say the least. From the misdiagnoses to the amputation I’ve learned not to take the little things for granted.
Buster loves to lounge, go for walks and protect his turf. He recently took on a possum defending his territory. He truly is his happiest being outdoors close to nature, especially during this cool fall weather. I would say he ambulates well. He still has his good day and bad days, I would say due to the weather. Sort of like a barometer. So we go with the flow… Everyday is a happy husky day.
Join others in the new Tripawds Chat for live discussion of whatever is on your mind.
This live chat room is provided for tripawds blog subscribers and all registered users of the tripawd discussion forums. If you do not see the post functions beneath the chat room, please register or log-in to participate.
Periodically we may host scheduled chats with specific topics or perhaps special “ask a vet” sessions. So stay tuned, and until then tune in … you never know who might be online and able to offer support in the time of need. Perhaps you!
When my people first saw pictures of Rocco, they knew we just had to be related. And when we found out Rocco lived along the route we were taking on our full-time RVing roadtrip, we were all excited to meet him.
Too bad dogs can’t drink wine, because last summer, my pawrents got to try out 
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