Charles Dickens wrote “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times”………that pretty much sums up my feelings over this past year! For sure, it was the worst of times; I never knew I could feel such soul-shattering grief and live to tell about it. I stopped eating, my hair fell out, and I cried every day for 3 months. I went through months of second-guessing our decision; “did we do the right thing?, did we make a mistake? will we regret this later?” What doesn’t kill you DOES makes you stronger.
I have had a dog in my life since the day I was born. Growing up we had German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers; I’ve been a “dog mom” to six canines – three sets of Doberman/Westie combos – but I’ve never come across one as special as Nitro (“no, Kodi, this doesn’t mean I love you less!”) With him I’ve experienced fear, despair, hope, strength, courage, faith, grace, acceptance, joy, LOVE!
It was also the best of times…I found a new family here at Tripawds, that I feel saved my life and my sanity! You will never know (maybe you will) how much you all mean to me. I feel closer to you guys whom I’ve never met than I do to some of the people in my life. 🙂 John also feels gratitude to you all for grounding me, listening to me, consoling me, celebrating with me. Without you all, he would’ve had a whole lot more “crazy” to deal with! 🙂
Here we are one year later and Nitro is a happy, healthy (to the best of my knowledge) boy who is lovin’ life on three legs. Looking back, we did the right thing – no regrets. He’s here with us, for which I give thanks every day!
Team Tripawd!
One happy family!
Nitro doesn’t give kisses, but he’s a GREAT hugger!
EXTREME CLOSE-UP
My Canine Warrior
Tattoo in his honor
We’re so cute!
“Every once in awhile a dog enters your life and changes everything”
I LOVE YOU NITRO!
June 22nd, 2015 at 9:13 pm
Pawesome Pics!!! And nice shirts too. 😉
June 21st, 2015 at 4:09 pm
Thank you for the kind words Sally. We are so blessed in so many ways! I cherish every single day with him. And I thank God for finding this support family.
Paula
June 21st, 2015 at 4:16 am
Having the hardest time responding to blogs! So this is very, very delayed…HAPPY ONE YEAR AMPUVERSARY NITRO!
Paula, John, Kodi and Nitro…a good looking family so fullmof love and happiness! Great family portrait!!
Every single picture makes me smile and they just warm my heart! I LOVE the one of Loki and Nitro looking up in unison…ADORABLENESS!!
And that is the best tatoo! Love that! You did a splendid job of designing it!
I don’t knkw if you’ll see this respo se because it’s an older blog. But I’m going to respond here to your latest blog (because I keep getting a. “Error” if I try and rsubmit replay) and hope you get this.
The “badge holder”……WOW!!! WOW!!!! WOW!!!! WOW!!! WOW!! Brilliantly do e! OMD!!! My job doesn’t rewuire a badbe, ut Ill make up one just so I can have Rene design one for me!!!
That is sooooooo unique! And that IS a perfect likeness to Nitro!!!
Oh sweet Paula. We all understand “crazy” here! This journey takes you right over the edge sometimes. But then the Tripawd Universe is right there to pull you back! You are a very kind and compassionate soul. All tne dogs in your life are lucky to have you as their human.
Sending you and your pack lots of love! And an extra steak for Nitro! ONE YEAR AMPUVERSARY AND LOOKING FORWARD TO A GAZILLION MORE!!!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
June 21st, 2015 at 4:01 am
Testing…testing…
June 17th, 2015 at 2:12 pm
Hoppy Ampuversary Nitro. Way to kick butt.
Paula, you couldn’t have said it any better. That is what this family is here for to guide, comfort, keep grounded, celebrate etc with you.
keep kicking butt Nitro. Love all these pictures. I love the hugs that he was giving you. Great family picture I hope you had that framed 🙂
xoxox
Michelle & Angel Sassy
June 21st, 2015 at 9:39 pm
A little late, but thank you Michelle for all you do (and have done) for making me feel better about this journey we’re on. It means the world to me.
Paula