Hi friends and fellow tripawds,
My mom and dad are resting now after the big Paw Rade in N. KY where they set up a booth for tripawds.com. I just wanted to share with you some of their comments: “Wow! I’ve never seen so many dogs in one place–and all of them dressed in Halloween costumes!,” and “Good grief, we sold sooooooooo many dog treats, and “Wow, that tripawd dog, Charger, really brought in the donation money! It was great that his owners, Gail and Dave, let us pimp him out!” and “My throat hurts from talking with people so much!” Anyway, just wanted you all to know that it was a beautiful day–I was there in Spirit, you know–and they took a gazillion pictures, which they will share with you after they recuperate from the day.
They talked a lot about me, Jerry, and the tripawds community and said, “these are caring, compassionate people who will help you get through this…” People really listened to mom, as she’s a real talker.
Anyway, I was happy to hear them say that they are doing all of this for me, and called it “Mission of Hope.” It will be only two months on Tuesday that I left my earth body behind…seems like much longer to mom. She still cries a lot….
Your furever friend,
Spirit Hope
Author: 4hope
My golden, Hope, was diagnosed with fibrosarcoma of the paw three years ago. Early on, she had traditional surgery to remove the mass, but the lump always came back. We found a wonderful holistic vet who was able to use Eastern medicine to keep the tumor in check for most of those 3 years. Recently, holistic care lost out to the cancer and her leg was amputated at the shoulder on Friday.
I joined this group to learn how I can assist her through the healing process and help her maintain a good quality of life.
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For the first few days following surgery, Hope was pretty high on tramadol and the patch. She seemed much better after the patch was removed, but refused to try to get up by herself. We had to use two slings to drag her outside to go potty and even then, she didn't go. She had only two bowel movements in the week and urinated only three times. She looked very depressed–like she had lost the will to try. The only thing that perked her up was food–Hope LOVES her food. Had she stopped eating, we would have been very worried. During this time, she continued to drink water.
On June 25, we took her to the surgeon and she manually expressed her bladder. It took three big, thick towels to hold it all! Immediately, Hope got up and starting walking around and had a bowel movement right in the doctor's office and then started exploring down the hall. If I had not been there, I wouldn't have believed it! It's only been one day since she started walking without any assistance, but she looks happy and she is no longer in pain from her cancer.
Another thing–her surgeon took her bandage off early. She said that some dogs really hate the bandage and to be carried around in a sling. Apparently, Hope was one of those dogs. Maybe having the bandage removed gave her some of her dignity back–you just never know how change affects our dogs.
Hope might not be running a marathon anytime soon, but we are so glad to see the progress she's made in such a short time.
View all posts by 4hope
oh hope, you are doing such wonderful things…two months isn’t very long, we know your mom is still very sad thinking of your passing. we can’t wait to see the pictures of the paw rade…we’re sure we’ll see your aura floating above the crowd!!
charon & gayle
Awww, Hope, your mama has already done so much in your honor, I can’t believe it’s only 2 months. You must be so proud of your mama.
We can’t wait to see pics. It sounds like a pawesome day!
Jackie, Abby’s mom
What an honor! Thank you so very much to your humans for spreading the word and sharing your story with others, as ruff as I’m sure it was.
It’s not easy parting ways when we turn into angel dogs, but at least our stories can continue to bring light and love into the hearts of our families, and now, total strangers thanks to your humans doing events for Tripawds.
Bravo you guys! We can’t wait to see the pics. And thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Rest up!
Wow, Hope, your pawrents are amazing! My mom still cries for me too, and it’s almost 2 months for me too (but of course you know that, since you and I play together every day). Thanks for all your hard work!
Spirit Chili Dawg
Mom and Dad are glad to help you all because you helped them when they needed encouragement or just a kind word. They said that they just want to show others the way to you…
My pawrents are retired and spend most of their time on animal rescue/transport/No Kill Nation/and volunteering with a non profit group that helps rescues and shelter do their jobs more efficiently; dad is their handyman. And of course, there are my five siblings to take care. I’m disappointed that Mack has become a Monkeybutt, but I could see it coming….They try to stay busy, but there’s always that quiet time late at night when I’m not where I’m supposed to be…they still have trouble with that, and seeing photos of me.
Two months isn’t a long time, but when you are missing someone, it’s an eternity. I am doing fine up here with Jerry, Chili Dawg (who I personally welcomed) and my other friends.
You must all stay strong and continue your work, in memory of us. While we know that you will never forget us, please try not to grieve for us as we are now happy, healthy, and running free. We will all be together again…
Mom is sending photos to Jerry’s mom to post, since she can’t figure out how to do that.
Your furever friend,
Spirit Hope
Aw, Spirit Hope. Two months is indeed an eternity when you’re missing someone. It’s coming up five months since Catie headed to the rainbow; I still have great difficulty looking at photographs of her without shedding a tear.
Happy, healthy, and running free. Those are comforting words.
Give our Catie a big smooch and a hug.
Carmen and Riley
Catie is a real purdy girl–she’s one of our golden halo girls; there are also golden halo boys. When we lay in the sun together, we form a really big halo when sunlight reflects off our beautiful golden fur. And yes, we are happy, healthy and have no memory of ever being sick. The days are not long for us, as they are for you when you are sad. We live in the moment and have each other as family. And we know that the decision to release us from failing bodies was a hard one, but we are glad that you gave us that gift.
Spirit Hope and her golden girlfriend, Catie