What a beautiful picture of Jack on the cover of your book.  You can tell by the picture that he is happy and loved.  You are so lucky to have had Jack in your life.  I have a rescue dog named Justine with 3 legs and she is my best friend. I feel privileged to have her as my friend. Thank You for sharing Jack with thw world.  Thank You for your love of animals.

whenever I see a story about a dog that has changed the way people thinks about having a dog, it just makes me feel so good. My husband and I have shar-peis which all have been rescues. We have buried 5 shar-peis and now have only 2. We even had a Katrina rescue. We have went to Virginia,Maryland, and North Carolina to get these dogs. They have brought so much joy in our lifes, I wouldn't trade not one moment that I have had with them.  We also have a boston terrier and jack russell. My husbands mother passed away a couple months ago so now we have 4 in all. People ask me if we were going to keep them and I said of course. I couldn't live with myself knowing that they would be taken care of.

I am happy for you both that you had the resources to heal Jack from his cancer.  Our beloved, golden retriever, Polly, was only 7 when she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.  We tried to the best of our limited resources to heal her but it wasn't meant to be.  After 2 surgeries, weeks of daily treatments and numerous appointments at the oncology hospital an hour away, we had to put her to sleep.  Not a day goes by that I don't think of her and miss her and shed some tears.  She was the perfect dog.  Rest in Peace, Polly (08/04/08)

.. so love this story. I am just like you where my dog is my child. Our dog had an a tumor on his gum about 6 years ago. Thank God it wasn't cancerous, however it still cost us over $3000 to save his adorable face. He lost all his front teeth and gums, however they were able to save his canine's. My husband and I adopted him from my mother-in-law after she passed away. He is the best part of our family now and forever.

What kind of dog was the big white one with spot on eye?

I have a "grand dog" named Trey who also has three legs.  When my daughter found her, she had been hit by a car.  Since the leg was removed when she was a puppy, she was able to adjust to having three legs.  We love her very much.  I have a beautiful picture of her, but I don't know how to send it to you.

Jill,
I am moved by Jack's story.  I also have an inspiring  dog story to share.  My brother is a single adult male and his dog's are his life as well as income. He trains hunting dogs, retievers for duck hunting.  His own dog Ruger was in training to receive the various awards dogs get through different trials.  Ruger was working for his masters when it was discovered that ruger had cancer in his front leg. The leg was removed and as soon as Ruger was able, back to work he went. My Brother never treated him as if he was handicapped and Ruger never new any different.  He did have to adjust his stance when rliefing himself and naturally figured that out on his own.  I'm proud to say that Ruger earned his master's status and went on to participate in national trials in Va. a few years ago.  He was retired after that but continues to enjoy running and the water.  Both he and Fred(my brother) are quite remarkable and great love story.

Loved the story! Jack had a special life because he was treated with dignity and care. What an example of his triumph and Jill's generous heart.

Can I ask a quick question? What was the breed of the dog sitting on the floor next to Jill during the interview with Meredith? He was white with a little black mark on his eye. He was beautiful!

While I really enjoyed this story and thought it was quite well done, 8 months ago I BEGGED you guys to do a story of my dog, Ziras.  He was a retired police dog diagnosed with Lymphoma.  Ziras managed to get thousands of dollars of drugs off our streets during his lifetime and gave the best years of his life to our community.  I wanted to get the word out so that perhaps a "retirement fund" of sorts could be established for these wonderful dogs who serve, protect and defend communities all over America.  

I am still very passionate about this subject and would love to talk with someone if you're interested.  Police officers have retirements and pensions...perhaps it's time to consider benefits for police dogs as well.  

I seen this story on the Today Show , it really was very touching. I have a pet named Samantha who I would not want to see in pain. I am going to purchase the book Jack & Jill.  

What a beautiful story!  Tomorrow I am taking my three year old border collie mix to the vet to talk about doing at home dialysis.  Our vet thinks he was fed some of the tainted dog food from China and it destroyed his kidneys.  The vet that saw him when he was a puppy only gave him six months to live.  Because I would not allow him to die without trying everything, I found a vet that put him on a special diet and a lot of medicine.  No, it has not been cheap, but he is a part of our family.  I don't like needles, but how can I look into his big brown eyes and say I didn't try everything?  Even if dialysis only gives him a few months to live, I tried and I know I did all that I could.  Thank you for doing everything for Jack.

what a meaningful story .....you are such an inspiration for us...your  stories always have a message of hope for animals and people....i never miss you....chaerlene

I am gratified to know that someone found comfort and inspiration from a difficult situation they and their pet experienced, however, am I the only person who thinks it’s absolutely ridiculous to claim that a dog "bravely fought" cancer? I mean, come on...it's a dog. As smart as they may be, dogs don't have decision making ability. What choice did Jack have but to cope with the illness and try to live through treatment? And for Jill to say that her other dogs where there supporting and "making sure Jack was taken care of"...really? Jill seems to have completely lost touch with reality. She actually said one of her dogs went along with Jack to all his medical appointments--for support as if the dog had a choice in the matter. Of course the dog went along, Jill put it in the car before heading to the medical center.  I love animals and have had pets since I was a small child. Furthermore, I think it’s absolutely appropriate to seek medical attention for your ailing animal (I once paid $2000 to have my cat's leg repaired after he ripped an tendon). I just worry when I see someone on National television, making truly outlandish and nonsensical claims and no one questions it.  I just can't go along with this notion that animals are people, because they're simply not.

I love your story, I am a huge animal lover and jsut lost my dog at 5 yrs of age 4 weeks ago, I am so devestated..bless you for your love of dogs and all animals

What breed is the large, white dog that appeared with Jill on the show this morning? He is beautiful! Jack's story is a tribute to the love that pet owners have for their pets and the advances that have been made in animal health care!

Jill I fell in love with your big dog that was on the segment please let me know what breed it is. Thank you very much

thank you jill for writing that book.....i can't wait to buy it....what a positive attitude to have in spite of obstacles in life....i love my little doggy and can relate to your philosophy....do you have a charity that i could donate to....you are such a powerful voice for all of us that love our pets.....keep up the good work.....monica

Martin Goldstein DVM wrote a great book back in 2000 that I think every pet owner should have. The Nature of Animal Healing.I found out about the book after I took in a cat that the pound wanted to put down because he had chronic diarrhea and he looked like death. I took him home and after countless visits to vets where no improvement came from their treatments and a couple of purchases from the internet guaranteeing instant results,  I applied Dr Goldstein's advice and what a healthy, gorgeous and fun loving cat I have now. Dr Goldstein has a big chapter on cancer and different treatments. Hopefully anyone reading this will buy the book and learn about animal health and this wonderful person Dr Goldstein. He really takes you inside the animal health world. I wish for no person or animal to have to go thru what Jack did, even though he apparently did it so gracefully.

Please inform Jill that dogs chasing deer or any other wildlife may be against the law in her state, it certainly is in Colorado. She mentioned on the show that Jack was able to chase deer.

I too am an animal lover.  I loved this story.  
They are the best part of our families and memories.

Jill, I happened to see you on the today show today 04-24-2009. My husband and I was not so lucky with our Great Pyreenes, Kenai. She was six years old, one of the most gentleiest dogs, one could find. She had
osteo sarcoma. The vet told us that their was nothing
they could do but make her comfortable. It was in the early stages.
Kenai lived 8 month's after she was diagnois.
I'm writing to you because you had a white huge dog on the show with you. we would like to know what breed that was. He looked like a giant American Pit Bull Terrier. I'm also going out to buy your book.
Our other two dogs are like are kids. We love our furry kids.

I also love animals, and have several of our own, most of them as Jill found there way to US, and I Volunteer at Sussex Animal Pound, and have Adopter A Choclate Lab, she is so Happy, Fancy has been with us A week. I hope Jill reads these, Animals are wonderful...Good luck to you and your book about Jack.

We, too, have a three-legged love of our life named Bella.  At approx. 3 months of age, after being abandoned at a vet's office with a wire wound so tightly around her left front leg and the vet trying for a week to save it, she had to amputate at the elbow.  Her vet then kept her for the next three months until she could find a good home for her on www.petfinder.com.  We responded to the site, went up to los angeles, met this goofy, full of life and love pit bull girl and took the plunge in adopting her.  She is an inspiration to all whom she meets.  She regularly walks the trail by our house and makes new friends every time she goes. She is a regular at the dog parks. Nothing slows her down, not even our other pit bull who is 70 pounds of pure muscle.  They play and wrestle all over the house.  We chose to rescue this puppy after the loss of our beloved pit bull/boxer mix, Xena.  We will always rescue dogs in the future as a way to honor our Xena.  Please don't be afraid to consider adopting a three legged pet.  They can change and bless your life!

Loved Jack's story.  Would like to know what kind of dog Petey is???

JILL I LOVED YOUR STORY ABOUT JACK, I ALSO RESCUED A DOG NAMED MAX WHO IS A GERMAN SHEPPARD/ HOUND MIX WHO WAS ABANDONED BY HIS OWNER AND BECAME A STRAY AND SOMEONE SHOT HIM WITH A BIRD SHOT AND WAS LEFT FOR DEAD ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HE WAS AT THE SHELTER FOR FOR ALMOST 5 MOS BEFORE I ADOPTED HIM AND HE HAD HEART WORMS AT THE TIME SO HE HAD TO BE VERY INACTIVE. HIS RECOVERY WAS LONG AND HARD BUT MAX IS DOING GREAT NOW.HE IS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS IN MY LIFE AND HE GIVES ME SO MUCH LOVE AND JOY. I CANT WAIT TO BUY YOU BOOK. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOU STORY

I recently had to make the decision to amputate my 11 year old black lab's front right leg due to a malignant melanoma.  I have the best vet that walked us through everything... the surgeon put us in touch with others who had gone through this that helped make the decision.  Little did I know how amazing my boy would do and how quickly he bounced back.  I love hearing these stories, especially now knowing what it takes to have to go through it - I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Like Jill, my boy is my child.  I don't have any children yet but my boy has been with me for the past 12 years..we just celebrated his 8 month ampuversary.  There is NOTHING I wouldn't do for my dog.  Thank you Jill for sharing!
And on a side note, there is a comment above that I found disrespectful and rude.  I realize my comments may not be posted due to my commenting on the other comment, but I had to share my thoughts.   This woman obviously don't understand exactly how much Jill loves her dogs.  Until you have to go through something as serious as this, don't make judgments on someone saying that their dog braved cancer.  You have no idea.  This that was written:  "I just worry when I see someone on National television, making truly outlandish and nonsensical claims and no one questions it.  I just can't go along with this notion that animals are people, because they're simply not."  It is NOT outlandish, not in one bit.  That shouldn't have been allowed to be posted.  There are many passionate people whose dogs are their children and would do anything for them...after seeing my boy go through this, I fell in love with him even more and he's amazing to see bouncing back after such a tramatic surgery.
So Jill - I thank you for sharing and I totally agree with you 100%.

We have an 18 month old golden retriever, Katie Scarlet who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the rib last month. It was a wrenching decision for us to go ahead with the surgery and chemo because I lost my job in the economic downturn and my husband is a disabled veteran. We are struggling to pay the bills, but the bottom line is is Katie is a therapy dog, and we believe she still has a purpose here. Thanks Jill. If you know of any organizations that can help us, please pass it along.

Christina Kelly

I was truly heartbroken when my cat Rocky was diagnosed with Chondrosaracoma(a form of bone cancer) two and a half years ago. I decided to have his hind leg amputated and haven't regretted it for one second. I never imagined he would survive so long...but I guess I'm just one of the lucky ones. Thanks Jill for sharing such a beautiful story.

Jill,

Thanks for all the good information you give regarding animal issues.  They are such a wonderful part of our lives.  As a member of a state Veterinary Board, the more information we bring to the public's attention the better care our animal friends will receive.

Linda Starr

Jill Rappaport is doing an amazing job at raising awareness for critical issues regarding our beloved animals.  You can easily see that hers is a true labor of love and that makes all the difference between merely reporting and caring deeply as well as providing useful information.  I absolutely love Jill's segments and I am grateful for her work and compassion!!  How adorable are her dogs??!!

Jill,
Two months before you lost Jack I lost my Banjo and I surely know that your best friend will let you know when he is not ready to go and when he is ready to take that trip to rainbow bridge. I have always rescued or picked up strays and Banjo was one I had for 13 years. My kids are all grown and live elsewhere so my little man was my whole life.
After I lost him I was so depressed and felt like I had nothing in my life worth living for. I had been greiving for over 6 months and was really starting to worry about my stress level, and knew I had to do something but it had to be something big for Banjo and another dog in need.I first volunteered as a foster parent and brought home a very un-balanced Border Collie and she fell in love with my husband. I still needed more. I was making a decision to go to Best Friends in Utah to volunteer my services.
I suddenly got an e-mail from a Border Collie Rescue Group about a 10 year old blind Border Collie that was scheduled to be euthanized in one to two days and could I help. Because of his age and blindness he was considered non adoptable and with Spring around the corner they needed to make room.
My husband and I drove to Lompoc,CA to the county shelter with our other dog and we spent the day with Buddy. We have had him three months and I absolutely love him to death and he is so happy all the time. We put bells on our other dog so he could here her where ever she went and he is amazing how he runs across our three acres, trys to herd our horses and seems to sense where many things are so he avoid hitting them. Every once in a while he will hit the tractor or a tree but he just keeps on going.
I have to admit he is comical especially when he thinks he is looking up at your face and you are 2 feet to the right or left.
My wish is to somehow get his story out so others know how easy and rewarding it is to adopt an older dog even a blind one.
I spent about $18,000 to try save my Banjo and I am looking for a canine opthamologist for Buddy and I will spend what ever I have too, to make sure his Glaucoma is not causing him pain even if it means removing his eyes. I just ordered him some doggie goggles and a helmet so I really hope he wears them willingly.
I have so much respect for you Jill, and am so grateful there is advocate for dogs such as you. All my life I have educated others and even picked up strays while out riding and had them neutered or spayed and found them homes. Banjo and I picked up a little kitten on a ride thru a grape vineyard about 3 years ago.
I hope you read my story and write me back I really want people to know Buddys story so we can get more older and special needs dogs adopted.
God Bless and thank you,
Gayle Lorren   iamoldpaint@sbcglobal.net

Jill, Lately I do my chores in the morning and do not watch the show but today I did..But this morning I had a hard start as today is the one year anniversary of losing my not quite 3 year old golden Harry to cancer..I started hearing your interview and knew why I had not been able to do my chores...I posted a couple of years ago when you posted Jack was undergoing his chemo..Harry had chemo and radiation.it is strange how sometimes you are reached out to ..And also we now have a golden puppy named Jack--Harry left behind his litter mate Lucy who was as heart-empty as we were--we waited a few weeks and fell in love with Jack only to find out he was born on the same day we lost our Harry...Thank you for making this public...it does help those currently going through it..I had said that misery does not love company---it NEEDS company..and many are in our shoes and need to know they are not alone.  I too wrote about my Harry, but I didn't start out to! To those that need some help through this, this is the help I got! Go to itchmoforums.com and look for Hope for Harry and you will be amazed at the outpouring of love and support I got.  It does make a difference!

We have a mostly white Great Dane merlequin puppy.  He was born with only one eye and we think that his hearing is severely impaired, if not totally deaf.  Can you recommend a vet that is experienced with these kinds of problems so we can take him to tested?  He's a darling dog, active and very mischievous.  He has no concept that he is "handicapped" at all.

I saw your story about the horses last week and today about your loving dog.We've also have been there with a dog how had cancer. We found out when the dog was just three months old. We sent her to a hospital in Ga for help which she spent a whole month there to see if they should help her and she did live to be 1 1/2 before she died and we spent 6000 dollars to try to keep her alive. I admire your love you have for all animals and all the help you do to save and help them. God bless you !

Thank you Jill for that wonderful piece. You are a hero for animals and each segment that you do is so touching and informative. Your love of animals and dedication to their well-being is amazing and so needed in the world that we live in today.  I hope that Jack was watching from heaven today. Please give Petie a big pet for me!! I look forward to reading your book and what a clever title!! Keep up the great work!!!

Dear Jill,
This is your longtime friend, Laura Slutsky.  I watched your Jack segment and had tears of love and joy.  You are the one who showed me that dogs make wonderful four-legged children.  I loved Hampton and Shiner so much.  And see your new doggie kids are great!  I now have BooBoo, A coton de Tulier,  and Shaina Punim (a bichon) - I love my babies like nothing else in my life.  Bless you and Linda for this wonderful book - I am going to buy it!  Love, Laura, BooBoo and Shaina!

Loved your story,mine is a little different,I have a mix terrier/pit and she is the love of my life. I got her 2 weeks after I was told I had stage 4 prostate cancer,it is amazing to feel the unconditional love that she gives me every moment,I would be lost without her,2 months after I got her she came down with Parvo,and with lots of luck and love she survived,she now has something in common with me,and everynight I say goodnight,I remind her that we are a team,I hope that when I'm gone, that my family will be able to take care of her and give her all the love
that I would've given to her

It's amazing how are animal friends teach us to live to the fullest.  This past Tuesday, my husband and I lost our beautiful golden girl to lymphoma after a 16 month battle.  
We are ever so grateful that we had the means to be able to give her the best care possible.  We know there are many who although thoroughly devoted to their pets, cannot afford the costly medical expenses.  I wish pet owners wouldn't dismiss getting pet insurance for their pets as frivolous. The insurance cost is so minimal compered with the peace of mind it offers and incomparison with human insurance.  
Furthermore, there are organizations out there that help financially strapped pet owners.  I wish Jill was able to mention that during her interview.

 

I too would like to know what kind of dog Pete is.  I think he's an Americn Bulldog, but what type... Johnson, Scott, Old Southern White?  Please foward this to Ms. Rappaport.  Perhaps she will respond.

I loved your story about Jack.Can't wait to read your book.
What breed is the darling dog on your lap.on the Today show?

Great story, contratulations to you and Linda! I loved the Jack & Jill Story when it first aired on "The Today Show" soon after his surgery; I'm sorry to hear you lost him. I'm looking forward to reading the the new book.

My sister and I have sibling Chows, we have tons of fun with "Diamond" and "Meiko," our own relationship has become extremly closer because of them.

Wow where do I start, we have a Golden REtriver, almost white will carmel streaks and when we  got here she was my dog "Morgann is her name. and for  6 months I was hers , but my wife took her to the farm and when she got back, i was a substitute for  my wife. She now is five  years  04/04/04 and is at the farm every weekend and everyone loves her. We are blessed so  far that she is healthy and has a great Vet that looks after her very well.  Jill u love ur animals  as much as I do and  don't know what we would  do with nio "Morgann", sheis the only dog i have had that does not  Bark, but she  HOwls liek a wolf and she is an English Golden Retreiver. i think the term is "Cotton Back as her real legs have hiar like cotton and we ha ve never seen one like her. I enjoy your segments and i hope  our animal is here for years..........Have a greet day!!

sorry to hear about your loss. it looks like that jack
gave his love to you until his illnes. i know what its like to loss a pet such as cat or dog. my family went through this or deal a few years ago. we lost our springer spaniel in 2005. her name was molly. she was my protector. if any one went near me she would rip them to death. i will be purchasing your new book jack and jill in a few week. i see you have a new book on cats. what is this book about? is it about cats that you found homes for the. i have a cocker spaniel cat and dachound with keep me busy.  keep up the good work on the today show.  sincerely leo bautista. south jersey

Jill, Thanks for sharing your inspirational story about lovely Jack. My Rhodesian mix Genevieve was diagnosed with lymphoma in September. After 6 months of chemotherapy, she is now in remission and will walk with me on Sunday May 3 at Bear Mt. Park in the Dogswalk Against Cancer. My wishis to see cancer crushed in our lifetime! Best to you and your beloved pets.
Robin Sherwin

My 'puppy' Sugar didn't have cancer but did have an enlarged heart from starving on the street.  I had that loveable, funny little dude for 11 months of non-stop spoiling.  I adopted him even though I was told at 10 years old he was 'unadoptable'.  Bull.  He had a lot of quirks because of what he had been through but he was the sweetest dog that ever lived.  The day after he died in my arms when he heart finally gave out, I had a farewell party for my parting boss and was meeting my new boss for the first time.  I was bawling so hard the entire day that my new boss was wondering what he had gotten into.  One of the other gentlemen I worked with asked me what was wrong and when told, sat down next to me and cried just as hard I was.  Pets grab your heart and never, ever let go.

God Bless Jack, I remembered his story immediately upon reading about the book.  What an angel in the making.    

What an incredible story I have always loved dogs, since my early childhood. Dogs are more then friends more then Dogs they mean a lot to me and I think to millions of people around the world!!!!! I wish your dog a long long life with you enjoy your time together.... there is a lot to learn from him

i love dogs because i had to move into a building that does not accept pets i cant have pets now i really miss them this story reminded me of shorty a purebread lab puppy i had years ago he had to be put down because of cancer no treatment was available at the time im so glad you decided to give jack all the life he had to enjoy andrea neigel lethbridge alberta canada

Thank you Jill for sharing your story with us. My husband and I have three 4-legged kids that we consider family. We adore them to pieces and smother them with love and in return they love us unconditionally.

Very touching story, I too had a dog named Jack, he was my beautiful Great Dane Boy who was diagnosed with Gi Lymphomia. As you did, I would have done anything to save his life. My boy was only 3 when diagnosed with cancer, Although He went through his chemotherapy, he was taken from me 3 months after he was diagnosed, people say I am crazy for spending the money I did but he was my baby and I loved him and I would have done it all over again if I had too. Thank you for sharing your story about Jack.

I have a special place in my heart for Jill Rappaport. I notice that she does alot of the animal stories. She's a soulsister. I lost my dog of 21 years a couple of years ago-haven't been able to get another. Jill has inspired me to start a search at my local shelter. Thank you Jill-for your compassion for our friends.

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