My heart goes out to you.  As I read this story, I'm crying for a beautiful dog I never knew.  I'm sorry for your loss, but what brave dog Jack was.  I admire you for all that you did for him. Hang in there.

Jack was a truly remarkable dog, and had an equally remarkable caretaker.  I am constantly amazed at this woman, Jill Rappaport, who has shown the world what true compassion and unselfish dedication to animals can do to improve and extend the quality of life of our pets and of all animals.  The Today Show should feel great pride to have one of the best correspondents on the planet!  Thanks to Ms. Rappaport and the Today Show for showcasing a series of pet related educational masterpieces which help us all better understand the true importance of animal rights.  And to Jack, who will forever be remembered as a brave and sweet miracle.  

Jill"
I was so very inspired by Jack's story, that when my 10-year old Lab, Barley, was diagnosed with the same bone cancer that Jack had, I asked the vet to take her leg off, "like Jack's".  I was told she had 3 to 5 months to live and that was September 2007.  Barley developed a hematoma on her leg after a biopsy and on Easter night, it ruptured and we rushed her to the emergency Vet at midnight.  The next day her left leg and part of her shoulder were removed!    Two months later, we moved into a house with 17 steps up to the main level, but Barley has been such a GREAT trooper and runs every time her daddy called to go for a walk!  Barley is doing Great and I don't think I would  have had the courage to have her leg removed, if it weren't for Jack's story.  Thank You so much Jill and I am so grateful to you  and so inspired to keep my precious dog around a lot longer because of your blog.  Jack had a wonderful, wonderful life, thank you for everything you did-what UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!!!

Thanks for sharing this incredible story about Jack, the Ambassadog of Hope - especially inspiring to old dogs like me...

This story brought tears to my eyes.My Muffy (a bichon frise) passed away four years ago. My Muffy was my furry daughter and the hairy sister of my son. There was definitely sibling rivalry between Muffy and Scurry my kitty cat.We lost a very special member of our family who was so full of life and love. I understand your pain and identify with your loss.

This story brought tears to my eyes.My Muffy (a bichon frise) passed away four years ago. My Muffy was my furry daughter and the hairy sister of my son. There was definitely sibling rivalry between Muffy and Scurry my kitty cat.We lost a very special member of our family who was so full of life and love. I understand your pain and identify with your loss.

My condolences to Jill and both her families (at home and the Today Show) who loved Jack.  I have seen the segments and the Oprah show and fell in love with Jack myself.  He was a remarkable fellow whose zest came through the television and warmed my heart.  And Jill in time your tears will stop and a smile will make you glow whenever you sit and remember your times with Jack and your heart will feel your love for him without breaking.  It has been 3 years since I lost my Bud (also a shephard lab mix) who was 13 when he passed and the first year was the toughest but now when I look at his pictures or close my eyes and visit my memories with him, my heart just warms and fills with all the love and joy I felt for him when he was here with me.  Let his siblings comfort you during this time and know he is looking after you still from above.

"Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... "


I had a beagle dog for a little over 16 years; I got her tiny little pup, she passed away this year and I still miss her very much.
Until wee meet again...

I am typing through tears.  Jill, I believe you and this brave soul will one day be united in heaven.  My deepest sympathy.

Jill, Our pets are truly members of our family and constantly give unconditional love.  My sympathy goes out to you. CS - West Virginia

Dear Jill,
Please accept my sympathies on the loss of your beloved Jack.  He was truly an inspirational figure.  May the memories of the good times help your heart heal from the pain of his passing.  One day you'll be together again.

What a beautiful story.  For those who have never known the love of an animal as a true companion, this may be difficult to comprehend.  But as one who had the love of an animal to help her through a life crisis, I surely understand your love, devotion and now your loss.
When we finally were faced with the challenge of putting down our beloved Yellow Lab, the vet comforted me with these words. . ."All doggies go to heaven and sleep on satin pillows."  I know that this is where Jake is now.

Jill -- Your story brought tears to my eyes but thank you for sharing Jack.  I understand and I'm sorry for your enormous loss.  Yet I'm thankful that you have so many warm, funny, engaging stories and photos that will keep him close to your heart.  I have two fur babies of my own and they are my best friends.  They rejuvenate me with their greetings and endless love when I arrive home at the end of the day.  It's also comforting to know that there are many others, like you, who love & care for animals the same way that I do.  With sympathy.  

Jill - I can truly relate to how you feel (well, almost). My best friend and love of my life, Zeus (10 year old golden retriever) was recently diagnosed with Osteosarcoma and we amputated his right front leg on April 9th of this year. 4 rounds of chemo and all the love and attention in the world and he is recovering and doing amazing. He is my wonderdog and my hero and I can only hope that I face my obstacles and live my life with as much determination, patience and grace as he does. I treasure each and every minute that I'm blessed with him.

Thank you so much for sharing this incredibly painful time with all of us. I love what you are doing with this experience and the message is clear and heartfelt - no matter who we are, where we are or what we have be given, no one is exempt from challenges and heartbreak. Life is a gift that should be treasured one day at a time...and respected by all.

I can't wait to read your book and would love to know what other things you are doing to stay involved with canine cancer so I can help too.

Dear Jill, I am truly sorry for your loss.  As I sit here reading your story, the tears are running down my face, and my heart goes out to you.

I too am fortunate to have a furry little boy in my life -  guess what, his name is "Jack!"  He came to us through our local animal shelter several years ago.  He is a rescued dog from Puerto Rico.  I can't imagine my life without him, he is just the best dog on the planet.  I often call him my "Little angel in a fur coat."  He has brought so much love and joy to our lives, and countless hours of companionship.  I sometimes whisper to him that "If I go first, I'll wait for you, and if you go first, wait for me."  Even in death our spirits go on, and I truly believe that our beloved animal friends do go to Heaven and greet us when we get there.

So, God Bless you and Jack, and everyone he touched.

Dear Ms. Rappport,
    I am very sorry for your loss. Time will be your friend to help ease your pain. I too know the love and then the painful loss of a German Shepherd. I also know about this rare and aggressive cancer, Osteosarcoma. My parents loss their Malamute to it and in 2006 my then 15 year old nephew was diagnosed with it too. He is still fighting this insidious sarcoma but lives his life to the fullest. There is a man walking from Austin, Texas to Boston, MA with his two great Pyranees in memory of one he lost to this cancer and to bring public awareness to Osteosaroma. I believe the site is 2Dogs,2000 Miles. Jack sounds like he was a wonderful, loving dog and had a loving owner. You both were blessed.
Sincerely,
Judy

Dear Jill, I am truly sorry for your loss.  As I sit here reading your story, the tears are running down my face, and my heart goes out to you.

I too am fortunate to have a furry little boy in my life -  guess what, his name is "Jack!"  He came to us through our local animal shelter several years ago.  He is a rescued dog from Puerto Rico.  I can't imagine my life without him, he is just the best dog on the planet.  I often call him my "Little angel in a fur coat."  He has brought so much love and joy to our lives, and countless hours of companionship.  I sometimes whisper to him that "If I go first, I'll wait for you, and if you go first, wait for me."  Even in death our spirits go on, and I truly believe that our beloved animal friends do go to Heaven and greet us when we get there.

So, God Bless you and Jack, and everyone he touched.

Jill My heart goes out to you. My husband and I lost our beloved dog Spunky to cancer Dec.10. He also did so well thru chemo. But we still lost him. He would have been 12 in April. We miss him dearly every day. He will be in a hearts always as will YOUR BELOVED JACK. They went over the rainbow bridge. God Bless

I had the pleasure of meeting Jill and Jack at the center in westbury - the Today Show did a story on Sammy after his car acciden when he was 16 yrs old -I know her pain first hand - my sammy the doxy passed away last saturday after loving us for over 19 years - our hearts are shattered and we are very lost without our sammy routine. I am so sorry for Jill's loss. You were blessed with a very special gift - Jack was lucky to have you as his mom!
may you rest in peace jack.

I have had the privilege of knowing Jill and also of meeting Jack at his home with Jill in Long Island and having shared inspired moments with both of them.
Both Jill and Jack are Life altering inspirations each in their own right.
I also saved a stray german shepard...and was devastated when he passed on of liver cancer. But we were with him right to the very end and knew when it was time for his wonderful life to have to come to an end because our PAL made it very clear to us that he wanted to go. So we were all there to hug him, love him and hold him over at his vets office when he was put to sleep out of necessity. And when he died, he passed from our loving hands straight into   G-ds and it was all so peaceful. Jill, just so you know, Wendy and Steven have you and your entire family of relatives, animals, friends and co-workers (all who love you and loved Jack) in our prayers.
Tomorrow we will give you the biggest hug you absolutely need and deserve personally from both of us for sharing such a special part of your life with so many so unselfishly.
You are loved...and these two friends of yours are some of your biggest fans ever.
Love forever and ever and ever...Wendy and Steven

To Jill in Memory of Jack:

At the finest level of my being,

you’re still with me.

We still look at each other,

at that level beyond sight.

We talk and laugh with each other,

in a place beyond words.

We still touch each other,

on a level beyond touch.

We share time together in a place,

where time stands still.

We are still together,

on a level called Love.

But I cry alone for you,

in a place called reality.

~ Richard Lepinsky

I am so sorry for your loss.  We had to put down our 14 yr old German Shepherd 3 1/2 years ago and the pain is still there.  We know that he's in heaven and having a time of his life now.

In my next life, I want to come back as one of Jill's rescued dogs!!!  Not only does she provide them with the greatest medical care but she gives these otherwise forgotten creatures the most wonderful lives imaginable through an infinite amount of love.  Jill is an inspiration not only to pet lovers everywhere but to everyone period! Jack was THE coolest and we will remember him always!!!!

This is a beautiful tribute to an amazing animal.  My heart breaks for Jill as I know her dedication and unconditoinal love for Jack.  Just looking at Jack's photo brings tears to my eyes. Look at that face!!! He was truly one in a million.  He was the the sweetest most courageous dog I have ever known.
Thank you to Jill for sharing his story with the world.  You have helped save so many animals lives through Jack's story.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

My deepest sympathy to you and your furry family. Thank you, Jill, for bringing attention to this disease. Osteosarcoma is a horribly aggressive cancer that can have a very poor prognosis, with only months to live. This dog's journey gives me hope. Jack's story could almost be Chief's - a Dalmatian mix we found at the ballpark when he was 6 weeks old mooching popcorn from the stands. He started limping in March 2008, so I gave him some anti-inflammatories and he would be better, then limp again, then better again for about 10 days. I took him to the vet who noticed a lump that I swear had not been there the day before. When the vet came in with the x-ray results my light hearted question was "how bad is it and how much is it going to cost me?". It was very bad and very expensive. I cried all weekend and lived on the internet searching for information for hours on end. Chief had his left front leg amputated after x-rays, bone scans and lab work showed no obvious spread of cancer. He was 6 1/2 at the time and had always been in perfect health. He had his leg amputated in April and 4 rounds of chemo at Purdue Vet Hospital, which is 3 hours from our home but the best place for him. His last chemo was July 9 with a bone scan that showed no spread still. He still needs a chest x-ray in the next few weeks, to watch for spread to his lungs. He will go back in October and every 3 months for follow up chemo, to keep things in check. Chief is doing great, so far. Our furry family is a bit smaller - 2 other large dogs that were stray or shelter rescued, and 2 cats (we just lost a 3rd kitty unexpectedly in May). It has been hard at times, but now Chief runs, chases, plays, steals bones from the other dogs just like he used to. He lays on my lap and sleeps with me at night. We are still praying for as much time as possible while appreciating every day we have together.

On behalf of all the members of the Bone Cancer Dogs support group, we share in your grief and mourn the loss of this wonderful dog who brought awareness and hope to bone cancer dogs everywhere. Jack will always be remembered as a brave spirit, a fighter who lived his life to the maximum and proved that dogs can LIVE with bone cancer.
Godspeed, Jack

Our sincere condolences,
Ana - Owner/Moderator
Bone Cancer Dogs
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/bonecancerdogs/
www.bonecancerdogs.org

Jill,
I was so saddened to hear of Jack's passing. My husband and I also had a dog diagnosed with osteosarcoma, our 1 yr old pit bull named Buddy.So we very much related to you and Jack.
When I heard Al and Natalie send their condolences to you on national TV, I cried for you and Jack, but I also cried because I was so touched that our society has finally come so far as to understand the grief that we, whose pets are our children, feel. Thank you for the awareness that you have brought to that and also to encourage the rescuing of homeless animals. I so admire you for this.
It is so very painful to lose our best friends, but take comfort in knowing that you gave Jack a wonderful life and you were a terrific Mom. My heart goes out to you.
With sincere sympathy,

I hope you will create a Jack Rappaport Canine Osteosarcoma Research organization.

Because of a dog like Jack, my own battle with bone cancer would have been different. But, my doctor was able to perform a limb sparing surgery on me, he said, because what he learned from a dog with the same kind of tumor surgery.

Dogs and people, both, get sarcomas. It is a rare cancer that is not sufficiently addressed in the research field. Research gets done on those cancers which are well populated. Though we are closer to cures and better treatment plans for other cancers, sarcomas fall far behind.

I hope that Jack's representation in the canine cancer world also put funding into the right hands to create a better future treatment besides amputation. I hope Jack's being featured on TODAY and Oprah will help make the world aware that rare cancers like osteosarcoma, even in dogs, especially in dogs, needs serious consideration.

When making a donation to a cancer group, ask them what percentage of your donation goes to sarcoma.

Think about if Jack's life was worth all this, and still NOT having a sustainable way to support research focused on osteosarcoma research.

I hope you will create a Jack Rappaport Canine Osteosarcoma Research organization.

Dear Jill, my condolences on your loss of a great member of your family.  I know how precious our fur people can be to us, have rescued my share also.  I would like to send you a couple of poems that I have written in the past, I feel that you would appreciate them and hope very much that they will be accepted.Again, all my sympathy is with you.
        HEAVEN? , or “another place”?

Do you want to go to Heaven?  Have you thought it over well?
We’re taught that it’s a lovely place, preferred by most over hell.

Heaven has a golden gate, and Angels with shimmering wings.
A clear blue sky and sunshine, all manner of wondrous things.

Of course there is the ‘other’ place, so hot and full of flames.
And little demons with pitchforks, who include you in ghastly games.

Do I want to go to Heaven?  Not sure, still thinking it through.
I’ve heard things about an entry rule that surely can’t be true.

‘They’ say pets can’t go to Heaven, it simply is not allowed.
For they don’t have a ‘soul’ like us; ‘they’ say with heads reverently bowed.

Look deep into your dogs’ eyes, when his head is laid on your knee.
You’ll see only love and loyalty there, no malice nor greed will you see.

Or when you’re blue or hurting or sick, your cat will jump on your lap.
He’ll cuddle and purr just to comfort you, and give your chin a kiss or a tap.

Perhaps there is ‘another’ place where pets can live as well.
Maybe not as grand as Heaven, but far better than hell.

With grass and trees and rain showers, where my pets can be with me;
For where ever my pets eventually go, that’s where I want to be!

If animals don’t go to Heaven, I don’t want to go either.

Pat Collins, 9/9/2002

                     "STRANGER"

A stranger came to our neighborhood one day, he liked what he saw, decided to stay.

He didn’t need much, just a meal and a bed, but our next door neighbors looked at him with dread.

They said “he can’t stay HERE”, he’ll upset our life, he’ll be in the way, he’ll cause nothing but strife.

So he came to our door and made his request, he was quiet and helpful, a most perfect guest.

Our dogs didn’t like him, they tried to attack, but firmly, with patience, he taught them respect.

They barked and they snarled and told him: “Go Away”!  But he finally convinced them, he was going to stay.

He helped feed them nightly, no matter the weather, a self imposed chore that we all did together.

He earned their acceptance, he had that knack, you could see him out with them, just one of the pack.

We soon grew to love him, he made his own niche; became one of the family and we were truly enriched.

He went for walks with us and helped us with the weeding, and when we had guests, he was there with a greeting.

He had a great soul, so loving and giving, he didn’t demand much, just helped us enjoy living.

He was one of a kind, he cannot be replaced, he was taken too soon, his time with us raced.

We never took his picture, never thought of the danger of losing him so soon and we just called him
“Stranger”.

He is with us in memory, at least we have that, and we’ll never think of him as “ONLY  A CAT”

Pat Collins, 1998

                   

                   
               

So very sorry, jack was a wondeful ambassador for dogs diagnosed with bone cancer.  My own dog, was diagnosed with osteosacoma when she was 7, we too opted to do amputation and chemo, we were incrediably lucky we were one of the ten percent that actually beat the cancer and it never returned we lost her over 7 years later two weeks before her 15th birthday to a massive stroke. Dogs like Jack bring awareness to people that being diagnosed with cancer is not the end, especially as dogs diagnosed with osteosarcoma are usually given such short odds of a couple of months which with treatment as jack and my bracken showed is just not true where there is life there is always hope. Thankyou

Jill,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your sweet dog Jack... I lost my son Brandon to the same disease Osteosarcoma when he was 22 years old... whether a human or a dog it is a very painful loss.. My thoughts are wiht you

God Speed, Jack.  You will be missed by many.  I lost my Cynnamon last November of osteosarcoma also.  She was 12.5.  She will be happy to show you around.  Prayers for you Mom Jill.

Dear Jill, It was difficult reading about Jack through my tears. You and Jack were such an inspiration to me and my beloved Gretzky (12 yr old sheepdog mix). Gretzky was diagnosed with OS in the front left leg in Oct '07. Before making any decisions, I came home and begin researching the internet for anything I could find on OS. I came upon Jack's video and watched it repeatly and tried to visualize Gretzky as an amputee...I was so amazed at Jack's story plus so many positive stories on the bonecancer website, that I knew amputation was our only hope. It was 9 months 8/7 and he is still going strong.
Jill, Jack is at the rainbow bridge and he's happy, healthy and running pain free! You are in my thoughts and prayers!

Jack, a brave German Shepard, had more guts than any politician I know, especially on the Democratic side. Sorry to hear he's gone.

Jill, thank you for sharing Jack and his journey with the world. It brought attention to this horrific disease and let others know there are options when you get this devastating news. Having gone through this journey with 4 of my dogs, it is heartbreaking to witness, but it also seems to bring out some incredible qualities of our dogs. To watch them face such adversity with grace, dignity and spirit, they teach us life lessons of how to cherish each day, not take things for granted, and live life to the fullest. You gave Jack a loving home that he might not have otherwise had when you rescued him off the streets. You gave him a chance to live with cancer and when it was clear his mission on earth was fulfilled, you did the most unselfish and loving thing a mom could ever do and that was to release him to start another journey. When you look up in the dark starry night and see a brightly shining star, that will be Jack watching over you. He is not gone, just gone ahead. Until you meet again one day.....Godspeed Jack. My deepest condolences go out to you and your family.

the loss of a dog, is the loss of a family member.  i pray your loving memories of Jack will provide some comfort for you.  Jennifer, McHenry, IL

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