i heart tripods

Lulu's Legacy Goes On

As posted earlier, Lulu passed away last Friday. She had recently turned 15 (and was weeks away from celebrating her third ampuversary). Unfortunately, cancer had recently spread to one, and then to many, of her vertebrae. She was on a cocktail of steroids and pain medications, but got to a point where the pain was too great. She also was starting to lose strength in her one back leg and it hurt my heart to watch her struggle to stand up and then struggle again to stay standing.

We had a BBQ for Lulu Thursday night, where we grilled steak, pork chops, and sausages for her. She then got a bacon breakfast and more pork chops the next morning. You can see her enjoying some bacon in the photo above.

At 6 PM on Friday I took her to Hope Vet, where her longtime vet Eliza Lischin and my friend Amie (a vet tech) were waiting for us. Maria, my friend and Lulu's, came with us. We then spent the next hour petting her, sharing Lulu stories, and feeding her a ridiculous amount of bacon and freeze-dried meat. It was seriously obscene how much food she ate. She got full at one point and was still taking treats and placing them next to her. After a breather she'd eat what she had saved.

When she went it was as peaceful as I could have wished. She put her head down, closed her eyes, and was gone...

She was happy, loved, and most importantly, full.

Over the next few months, Lulu's human pals will be sharing their favorite Lulu stories. I hope you'll come back often to read about how this amazing dog touched so many people. And if you want to share your own stories of how Lulu became a part of your life you can email them to me, lulumomma [@] gmail [dot] com.

We Lasted More than Most Marriages... And We Were Happier than Most

R.I.P.
May 1994 - July 31, 2009

I miss you more than anything...

When to Say When...

One of the things I’ve been dreading most since I found out Lulu had cancer was making the dreaded decision to call it quits. While I’ve never been in a life and death situation myself, I can only imagine what a difficult decision it is to finally let go and succumb to the inevitable. But making that decision for someone else, well that’s just cruel.

Until we devise a way to truly communicate with our loving pets, it’s impossible to really know what they want and how they feel.  We can guess, based on watching them day-by-day, but how can you really know?

Since discovering Lulu’s cancer has spread to her spine, I’ve noticed week-by-week a steady decline in energy level. Before, she would nudge me in the mornings and evenings to remind me it was time for a meal and a walk. Now, she simply sleeps. On walks, she takes care of business as soon as we walk out the door and pulls me to go back to the house. She actually seems miserable as I force her to just go a block, thinking the exercise will do her good.

I’ve stopped forcing her. Now we head out to the yard, where she does her business and we call it a day. By Sunday I knew that things were declining quickly, but it wasn’t until Monday morning that I realized that the dreaded day was upon me.

The Bitch Is Back – No, Not the Good OneWe need your help!

It's interesting how easily you can fall back into a routine; how easily you can take for granted the obvious blessing you've been given. When Lulu was diagnosed with osteosarcoma back in August of '06 we were told that with the amputation and the chemo she'd have about a year to live –- osteosarcoma eventually jumps to another area of the body, usually the lungs, no matter when you catch it. They say, once you've found it, the cancer has most probably already metastasized, which is really just a big word for ticking time bomb.

Well, a year passed (we celebrated), than another year passed (we quietly celebrated, not wanting to jinx anything). Over the past 2+ years Lulu's situation went from being my number one priority and concern to being a thing of the past. While always in the back of my head, I slowly was able to refocus my energy back to work and helping others (including the feral feline population in New York). Being able to put worries to the side is a great survival mechanism.

I have a friend that says, "As soon as you stop worrying, the shit hits the fan," and in a way I suppose that's what has happened...

A Ralston and Lulu Update

Sorry for the delay in getting an update to you all. It's been a bit crazy over here in the tripod household as I've been volunteering for Slope Street Cats, a trap-neuter-return organization here in Brooklyn . I've trapped four kittens so far, finding homes for three and deciding that the bitchiest of them all, Gizmo, would stay with us. So now there are three furry friends at my house. Oy! But at least Dim Sum has a young boyfriend to slap around. I always knew she was a cougar.

I'm venturing out on a major TNR project next week that will involve neutering and spaying an entire colony of feral cats (think: 10 to 15 cats) a few blocks from me. I'll make sure to post a link to the blog I'm starting in order to chronicle the TNR adventures.

Enough about cats, lets talk about our fave canine, Lulu. We're due to go in for an x-ray check-up next month, but so far she seems to be doing really well. Her only problem is that she tends to slip a lot on the hardwood floors in my apartment. I've gotten a large rug to help keep her steady, but I may need to get some more for the rest of the apartment. Otherwise her spirits are up, despite all the feline attention that's been happening over here the past few months. To give her credit though, she's been a great grandma to these little kitty critters.   

Ralston is also doing great. April, who originally took him in as a foster, has decided to keep him as he's getting along so well with the rest of her gang. Here's to Ralston having a better life on three than he did on four.

Don't forget that the holidays are coming up and there's sure to be a tripod lover in your family who's itching for a shirt to show their support. Order from the store by the 14th and you'll be in good shape to get your gift in time.

A Long Overdue Update

It feels like it's been a year... oh wait, it almost has! Lulu and I are closing in on her one year diagnosis anniversary and I have to say I'm really worried. When she was diagnosed last August, her oncologist told me that most dogs with osteosarcoma survive between 6 to 12 months if they go through chemo. Being only a month shy from 12 months, it's hard not to hear the ticking of the alarm clock next to you.

That said, Lulu is doing really well. She celebrated her 13th (!!!) birthday in May and we feted her finally becoming a woman with an unkosher Bark Mitzvah. Photos here.

She and Dim Sum are getting along splendidly, though Lulu occasionally growls at the wee one just to show her who's boss. I don't think she realizes that Dim Sum could care less what she thinks.

As for the I Heart Tripod charity, I finally calculated how much it's earned since it started almost a year ago -- $15,500. Can you believe that?!?! I was shocked when I tallied it all up. Minus shirt and printing expenses, that's roughly a $12,500 profit! When you take out Lulu's vet bills that's an extra $2,000 for pets in need. So far we've donated money to Sheila, who we're planning on giving more to at the end of the month (All shirts sold until August go directly to helping this adorable mutt suffering from breast cancer).

We've also donated money to Gravel, an adorable kitty in Brooklyn who's just been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. We helped her mom pay for the biopsy that gave her the bad news. We're really bummed Gravel's going through such a tough time.

And I know when I originally started this charity the idea was to help other animals diagnosed with osteosarcoma, which is still the plan, but these two guys came to my inbox and I couldn't ignore their plea for help. Hope y'all understand.

Also, in exciting news, many of you have asked whether I would make a "I Heart Tripods" shirt featuring a three-legged cat. Well, if all goes to plan, we'll be selling those at the end of August and they'll be done by two artists I really, really love. More on that soon!

kisses and licks,
sonia, lulu, and dim sum

Dogs Helping Dogs

Long time no post! It's been a crazy summer so far, filled with visits and birthdays. Lulu celebrated her 13th birthday last month and to fully ring it in I'm hosting a Bark Mitzvah for the little lady later this month.

Of course now that the invites have gone out Lulu's fallen ill -- she just doesn't want to admit how old she is. We rushed to the vet yesterday after 15 hours of non stop puking and pooping. After poop samples, blood tests and a series of x-rays the doc couldn't figure out what was going on so she was sent home with a shot of Pepcid AC, some fluids, and a bag full of Rx food, antibiotics, and probiotics.

She hasn't had an explosion since last night (knock on wood) and she seems to be on the mend, but is still super weak. I'm hoping she just had a wicked case of food poisoning, but I'm keeping a watchful eye on her. It's hard when your loved one has such a difficult medical history. I automatically thought the cancer had spread to an organ, thank god it hasn't.

While she was getting x-rays of her tummy I asked the doctor to also take x-rays of her lungs as I haven't gotten any done in a while. Those were clear of any cancers (Yipee!).

In other dog news, another pup is in need. Sheila, an adorable lady in San Francisco, had an exposed tumor and infection removed a few weeks ago. Her owners couldn't afford the $2K+ surgery but went ahead and maxed out their credit cards (which have a 22% interest rate -- eek!!!) to help their best friend. Now they need help paying it off.

If you can help (even a few dollars) please paypal n_f_j_m@hotmail.com. Or if you buy a shirt, tank, or tote from now until the end of the month all proceeds will go to Sheila. We got new muscle tanks for the ladies, so check 'em out!

How can you say no to this sweet lady?

Lulu and I are going to paypal the big S right now.

Hope all of you are doing well and are enjoying your summer.

Oh and for those wondering how Lulu and Dim Sum are doing here are some photos chronicling their love/hate relationship.

love + licks,
sonia + lulu

Updates

I want to start this post by expressing just how incredibly shocked I am about this morning's shootings at Virginia Tech. I hope none of you have any loved ones who fell victim to this horrific event.

On to lighter fare. T-shirts, tanks, and totes have been printed and I'm hoping to pick them up either tomorrow or the next day, so for you who haven't received your goods just yet hold tight. They're a comin'!

Unfortunately, those who ordered large women's tanks need to wait just a wee bit longer as Alternative Apparel was out of stock when I placed my order. They said I should have them by the 29th. I'll update as soon as I know when they'll be ready to ship out.

Thank you all for being so patient. This is a small operation, so things take a little longer than your big box store (but hey, your big box shop doesn't have such sweet Ts!)

As for dog updates:
Lulu is doing great. She's just the sweetest as can be. When we went to the farmers market this weekend I really thought we were never going to get out of there as people came up to say "hello" to this old lass.

Gypsy is back at home after THREE surgeries! Lets all keep our fingers crossed that Gypsy's uphill battle is finally over and she can relax in tripod style!

A new tripod pup, Marco (pictured below), just had surgery on his front leg last Thursday. The 11-year-old Rottie is doing really well according to his sweet mom. From Michelle: "It was hard to think about him not being the same dog but after my visit he proved he was still as hammy as ever." Aw! That seriously puts a big grin on my face.

And look at how handsome Marco is! Lulu would seriously be blushing if she bumped into this stud on her walk.

Osteosarcoma Gets the Today Show Treatment

Jill Rappaport, The Today Show's entertainment reporter recently did a segment for the show on her dog Jack's battle with osteosarcoma. I highly recommend watching it. Jill is a huge animal lover and she did an amazing job telling her tale. 

Jill also wrote a blog post about her and Jack's battle and then a follow-up due to the overwhelming response she got for both her post and segment.

I am beyond grateful to Jon Spooner for not only blogging about the "I 'Heart' Tripod" charity line, but for mentioning it in his comment (the 2nd on the page!) below Jill's original post. I've already gotten a few emails and orders from his comment. Thanks so much Jon! 

Now I'm trying to get in touch with Jill to see if she'll do a follow-up segment about ways people pay for expensive vet treatments. I've sent her an email, but if anyone knows her or any of the producers for The Today Show please nudge them. The charity needs national exposure in order to make enough money to give to the next dog.

On that note, I want to thank the girls over at Bust Magazine for featuring the "I 'Heart' Tripods" women's tank top in their April/May issue on stands now. Check it out!



We're one step closer to world domination!

Lulu and Dim Sum seem to be getting along rather well. They basically ignore each other, aside from the occasional eskimo kiss. I'm crossing my fingers that they soon sleep like this.



This is Brooklyn and his buddy. The kitty is laying in the nook where Brooklyn's leg used to be. Brooklyn lost his leg when he was hit by a car 8 years ago. From his mom Noelle, "Many months and many dollars later, it was the best idea to remove his left back leg. He was the silliest, happiest 3 legged dog for the next 8 years. I never had any problems with him getting around, just towards the end having to help him on the bed and up the stairs. Having hard word floors, we had strategically placed rugs to help him not slide into the walls and the furniture as he ran around the house."

So adorable. Unfortunately Brooklyn lost his fight with mast cell tumors (the same kind Lulu had removed a few months ago) on February 26th. Lulu and I send all our love to Noelle.

I also want everyone to put Fran and Gypsy in their positive mojo thoughts. Gypsy was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her left front shoulder. She had amputation surgery on Monday and was unfortunately sent home too early and had some complications. She was rushed to the ER where she seems to be stabilizing. I've got my fingers and toes crossed for this lady.



As sad as these stories are, it's amazing to meet other people out there that love their pets as much as I love mine. I wish everyone luck as they care for their best friends!

love + licks, sonia + lulu

Please Welcome Dim Sum

My mom thinks I'm crazy, but I've decided to keep this little dumpling.

How can you resist those crossed eyes! It's like she got dizzy looking at my geometric sheets.

Anyway, Lulu and her seem to be getting along really well. Lulu keeps pressuring the kitty to play, but the cat's not too sure about what this huge, three-legged thing is. They've touched noses quite a bit and yesterday little Dim Sum rubbed her head underneath Lulu's jaw. It was pretty cute, which kinda clinched it for me.

Dim Sum and I went to the vet today to make sure she's healthy, which she is despite still being a bit dehyrdated and skinny. I'm feeding her as much as she'll take in so hopefully she'll start looking more like a pork bun.

The name started as a joke after my bestfriend Sarah noted that the cat looked kinda Asian (Sarah's Korean so it's only partially offensive). I joked that maybe I'd call her Dim Sum, but after the laughter died down I realized it was a pretty cute name. So there you have it. Lulu and Dim Sum (hopefully) new BFFs.