It has been a long time since I posted anything about Harley and his journey as a tripawd. I believe it is because of how well he did. We made it 1 year and 9 months before Osteosarcoma won the battle and Harley went across the Rainbow Bridge this morning, February 4, 2015.
The Osteosarcoma showed up in his spine and began to effect his other rear leg in the middle of January. He continued in his normal ways, just slower and needing more pain management. No problems with eating or drinking or sleeping on the bed….then last week everything crashed a bit more…the use of his other leg weakened on a daily basis and we had to help him out and in with our old valued towel as a sling like we did when we first started this journey. Yesterday when he didn’t want to eat breakfast, we knew it was time…no matter how much we wanted him to stay with us…
Harley had a great life! And ever since becoming a tripawd, I have learned more about who I want to be as a human and also how important our four legged kids are to our lives and how they impact us with so much unconditional love. We treasured every extra day we got and have not regretted the decision to proceed with the amp in any way.
Our beloved boy is no longer in pain, not sure if he get’s his leg back once he crossed over…but either way it won’t matter to him…it never did. So with many tears we say goodbye, but we know he has many friends on the otherside that he now gets to run free with…and better yet, no more pain.
To our friends we have made in the tripawd community…thank you, thank you, thank you!! Your friendship, support, caring, and kind words have made each portion of this journey a bit more bearable. Thank you for the strength to do the right thing, even though you didn’t even know you were helping…I tend to be a lurker…so you may not have heard from me…but I have been reading about you…
RIP my sweet boy!
Love to all,
Ilene & Jim (Lucky & Sunny)
Angel Harley
Ilene & Jim I am so sorry. I know this part of the journey sucks so bad. You will have good days & very very bad days for a long time. I know Harley will be with you. Watch for the signs. Pennies from heaven. Heck sometimes it is even more than a penny.
I know you had a rough time I am glad your pack was back together when this event occurred. RIP Harley. Fly free dear boy.
You will have a home here no matter what Ilene
Hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
I’m so sad to hear Harley has crossed The Bridge. But please know that he had an amazing bunch of Tripawds friends waiting for him, and welcoming him! It’s never easy losing a best friend, no matter how long they are with us. Sending healing thoughts to all of you.
The Bridge just became a little bit sweeter and even more fun!
I KNOW so many of our Bridge occupants were there to greet Harley….many of his friends who traveled the tripawd journey with him and went to the Bridge before him.
As far as ice cream goes, I’m pretty sure my Happyy Hannah was standing there with thirty seven bowls of ice cream and fifty eight ice cream cones for Harley! Ya’ see, at the Bridge dogs can eat all the ice cream they want without throwing up!
Jerry is their passingnout Purple Hearts for bravery. Some of the other dogs are paasing out the ariius fourth legs! Most all dogs skip getting that leg back…never needed it anyway!! Heck, Harley didn’t even need another front leg when he would dig himself holes!
You have written a beautiful tribute to Harley. When he needed your selfless love the most, you were able to give him the gift of release from an earthly body that no longer served him. He knew you would honor his desire to transition when he showed you he was ready.
You were privileged to have Harley in your lives…and he felt the same about having you in his!! Your bond is unbreakable!!
The upcoming days, weeks and even months will not be easy. You have cared for your boy all his life, but especially this past 21 months. You have watched his every move 24/7. He has been part of your daily routine, your habit, your focus. The intensity of this journey is like no other…and the intensity of sadness snd grief is gut wrenching and seems never ending. Please stay connected to us. No one understands like we do.
Every single picture of Harley just melted my heart. I hope you will continue to share photos and stories of this delightful boy! He is such an incredible inspiration…such a ray of hope!!
Harley will continue to inspire and touch lives here. HARLEY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!! His life matters!
May all the thousands and thousands of delightful memories Harley left for you continue to push the sadness away and bring a smile to yojr heart. That would make Harley wag his tail…a lot!!
Gonna go fix a bowl of ice cream and share it with my dogs tonight in honor of Harley.
Surrounding you with Harley’s gentle and pure Grace..
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
Hey guys, I’m so sorry to hear about Harley, please accept my deepest condolences. You all fought so hard, and led your life with amazing gusto and beauty, there is no better example of how to make the most of a crappy situation like cancer.
Thank you so much for sharing that journey with us and future Tripawds to come. I know it’s hard to go on without him but I know that his sweet soulful spirit will stay strong in your lives forever. May it guide you when you are faced with adversity and remind you that Harley would want you to live as he did.
Lots and lots of hugs coming your way.