live. work. dream.

Whenever I go MIA around here, it usually means I’ve been wrapped up is some major project – one that probably has something to do with three legged dogs. This time is no different.

I haven’t written since that silly Valentine’s Day post because I have been busy launching the all new and much improved Tripawds Gift Shop. This required dusting off the old right brain bits and lubricating my creative gears to come up with loads of new graphic designs for inspawrational three legged dog t-shirts, cards, stickers, mugs and other gift items.

It was fun designing all these new graphics, and it felt good doing it for something I am passionate about, without some client breathing down my neck telling me to make the text bold and red.

Oh, wait … the type on our new Tripawd Power design is bold and red! Well, not really… it’s Cooper Black actually, and more of a crimson. But there I go digressing, here’s the link if you want to talk about typefaces.

I would like to think this represents some of my best work. But that’s not saying much considering I haven’t done any real graphic design work since we sold our business nearly three years ago. But it is a nice feeling knowing that I still got it – if I ever really had it, that is. And it goes to prove that graphic design is like riding a bike, in more ways than one.

If you think you may have lost the touch, just jump back into your favorite Adobe product and start pedaling. And if your chain falls off and you just can’t get it to work right, call a professional. Anyone need a logo?

One year ago today, we made the hardest call of our lives.

In the most spectacular place on earth, Yellowstone National Park, we woke up that morning and understood that it was Jerry’s time to leave us.

The heartache of saying goodbye to our spiritual leader is still fresh in our hearts. Just thinking about it makes me cry.

Until that day, I never realized how the death of an animal companion could bring a person to their knees with pure grief.

Today, as I look over at ten month old Wyatt, a bundle of fur curled up in front of the fireplace, I know that we are setting ourselves up for another eventual heartbreak.

Their terribly short lives are the price we pay for having Dog as our Co-Pilot.

We posted this rememberance of Jerry on our Tripawds site today.

Since 2001, September’s been a sucky month, and I’m not sorry to see it go.

Eight years ago today, Jim and I went on a weekend motorcycle ride in Takilma, Oregon. We needed to get away.

9/11 had just happened. Clients were running scared, business was tanking, and we were stuck with a huge commercial property we couldn’t sell.

Just when life couldn’t get any more depressing, Murphy came knocking.

Or rather, a deer.

Eight years ago today on my last motorcycle ride, I got broadsided by a six point buck. One minute I’m riding my Virago on a glorious fall afternoon. The next, I’m lying on the pavement with EMTs hovering over me, puking all over myself.

I survived the collision. Two surgeries and three years later, my recovery was as good as it was gonna get. Knowing that I had narrowly escaped death changed my life, and Jim’s, in so many ways.

Still, I hate September.

Last year, September 2008 opened the door to more emotional trauma. That’s when we knew that Jerry’s time was at hand. Understanding that he was about to leave us was worse than anything I had gone through with the motorcycle wreck.

But now, in 2009, I really believe that September is going to roll on through without incident.

The Universe has been kind to us. We have our health, our crazy Dawg, and a roof over our heads.

Life is good.

We’re getting excited about the February 15th premier of the PBS Nature episode that tells Jerry’s story. PBS is promoting the show through their Nature Blog, YouTube, Twitter, and even a pet photo contest.

For a sneak preview of some of our scenes in the show, check out Jerry’s Tripawds website.

Back when we were in Los Angeles, we were thrilled to be invited by PBS to present the show at the Annual Television Critics Press Tour. This is a twice-yearly event where TV networks showcase their best work of the season. We were on the panel along with with the show’s producer, Ellen Goosenberg Kent, animal behavior expert Sarah Wilson, and PBS executive Bill Grant.

We were clueless about the significance of the TCA event. But then Ellen told us that not every show gets invited to the showcase, and this was the only Nature episode being presented. Later, as we were whisked into the Universal Studios Hilton ballroom with a large stage, gigantic video monitors and about 100 reporters, we got the picture.

Jim’s a natural at public speaking, and was great. As for me, I’ve always dreaded it, and if I didn’t belong toToastmasters once, I would’ve fainted. I did OK though, thanks to our “little Jerry” I held, a three legged stuffed dog that our friends Bob and Marianne Morse gave to him before we left Eureka (that’s Jerry’s collar on it).

The event was over in the blink of an eye, but the results have been encouraging. We’ve so far been interviewed by the TV Guide Channel, a Tribune News Media reporter, and this Tuesday, a San Luis Obispo area talk radio host, Dave Congelton, is interviewing us. Keep an eye out for your local newspapers to review the show.

As we watch this dream unfold, we can’t help but feel blessed for all of the incredible gifts that Jerry bestowed on us. He was such an inspiration, and despite the pain of losing him far too soon, we are comforted in knowing that his story will go on to inspire others all over the world through this show, and of course, his website. Many thanks to producer Ellen and our friend Luke for believing in his story.

Remember, Why We Love Cats and Dogs premieres Sunday, February 15 on PBS (check local listings).