In our latest Be More Dog media appearance on the Dog Cancer Answers podcast, Rene and I discuss life with a three-legged dog for listeners on the Dog Podcast Network. We tell the backstory of Jerry’s cancer diagnosis, and how that led us to leave the default life behind and travel full-time in and RV with our Chief Fun Officer. And, we provide details about how that bittersweet journey led us to create Tripawds – now the largest online support community for three-legged pets and their people – which we still operate from our mobile headquarters, more than 13 years later.
Listen to full episode at: dogcanceranswers.com/jerry
Enjoy this brief teaser video of the 33-minute episode, which I compiled for the Tripawds Youtube channel. It features comments from host and Dog Podcast Network founder James Jacobson. Then read on for episode notes and quotes…
Jerry may have lost one leg, but that diagnosis urged Rene and Jim to build an incredible lifestyle, write two books, build an amazing international community and a foundation…
Keep in mind, it all began with Jerry’s diagnosis and the wake up call it provided for Rene and Jim. We can take many lessons from that story – perseverance, adapting, looking forward – but the most important one, I think, is Be More Dog.
—James Jacobson, Dog Cancer Answers
Dog Cancer Answers: Season 2 Episode 37
EPISODE SUMMARY: When their vet recommended amputation for their dog (Chief Fun Officer Jerry), Be More Dog authors Rene and Jim were terrified. Little did they know that this diagnosis would help them do a 180 and start living life to the fullest again.
As it turns out, three legged dogs don’t just thrive—they can teach us a lot about this adventure called life. Rene and Jim tell us about their RV lifestyle, writing two books, meeting MUTTS creator Patrick McDonnell, and forming Tripawds, an international community for three-legged dog parents. Friendships, foundations, support groups, and even international parties have grown from what seemed like an unmitigated tragedy. And it’s all thanks to Jerry, a three-legged dog who taught his parents how to live in the moment.
This episode is a gold mine for any dog parent living with or facing amputation, as Jim and Renee have created an amazing community and resources. But the life lessons and joy are worth hearing for anybody and everybody.
See full episode notes for complete details and links to all resources mentioned on the show. Many thanks to James at Dog Podcast Network for inviting us to share our story about life with a three-legged dog on Dog Cancer Answers.