Jim Nelson and Rene Agredano’s dog Jerry was the CFO (Canine Fun Officer) in the business they ran from their home office. But when Jerry became ill, Jim and Rene decided to sell their business and their house — and they hit the road with Jerry.
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That is so sad, and yet happy. thanks.
Family isn’t decided by biology. Jim and Rene get it in a way that cannot express it better.
thanks for sharing your story, we lost a very special member of our household a few months ago,she is dearly missed….
Thanks for being such beautfull people for loveing the one who has and always will love you! I wish moe people were little you! thank you dearly.
Beautiful story of Love. Jerry was so lucky to have you both.
Jim & Rene realize that Jerry is a member of their family and love and treat him like such. Many people don’t realize that the bond between owners and their pets is every bit as deep as that between parents and their children.
You are fantastic parents of a courageous dog! May God bless you & keep you in His arms as you go thru each day with your beautiful family. And thank-you for sharing with us all… Hellen, Debbie, Zena & Zoe
The dog world needs more people like you. Your story brought both tears & smiles as I remembered my own journey with my furkid and cancer. Kudos to you both. There’s definitely a place in dog heaven waiting for you.
At age 67, I’ve had many pets–birdies, poochers and kitties. I fully understand your devotion and love for Jerry! You are beautiful! And Jerry is wonderful!
Jim and Rene, I was a bit more than misty-eyed as I watched your story. My 15-year-old cat, Jerrie, was diagnosed with a huge tumor during a routine checkup; I passed on the risky surgery and the recommended euthanasia and brought him home. That was 14 months ago, and miraculously, he’s still going strong – scampering around, curling up purring, demanding dinner, cuddling much. I’m fully convinced it’s love that keeps them going. Looks like you three have plenty of it! You’ve done a great thing, and Jerry’s a lucky dog to have you. The very best of wishes to you all!
Both of you are wonderful & amazing people!! Jerry is also an amazing dog. I have known a few 3 legged dogs & they lived full lives despite the lost limb. What touched me most is your devotion to Jerry. That is what my cats over the years taught me: devotion & unconditional love. May all your journeys’ be pleasant ones…..
Last year we lost our beloved Lady of 16 1/2 years to cancer. She was my best friend and was at my side when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and went through all of my treatments, just as we were at her side when it came time to let her go. Although it has been almost a year since she has left us, she will remain in our hearts forever. May God give you the strength when the time comes to say good-bye to your beloved Jerry. You will forever be blessed to have had him in your lives.
I have a 3 legged cat who is brilliant…just like Jerry and you guys…well done and love to you all.
I cried & cried as I watched your story. Jerry was such a terrific dog. I was so moved by your love & devotion for him. I wish there were more people out there like you!
Our family’s dog Bandit (a beautiful sheltie, German shepherd mix) had a mass in his stomach area that turned out to be cancer. We continued to love and care for him just as you have until he let us know when it was time. The cancer often made him dehydrated but rather than taking him multiple times to the vet for fluids, we were able to obtain the supplies to hydrate him ourselves. It was mainly my job to rehydrate him. During those 15 minutes every other day, we bonded in ways that I never thought was possible. The vet on the show was right, their eyes will tell you what you need to know. It is so incredibly hard to watch as they lose weight and their vitality but knowing that I made the most of Bandit’s time with us more comfortable was worth it. People may think it is crazy to do what you did for Jerry, people may think I was crazy for essentially giving hospice for months to a dog. Their love as pets is unconditional and some humans choose to give that in return. Thank you for sharing your story. It brought tears to my eyes because it reminded me of the love we had for Bandit.
your love and devotion for each other and Jerry has touched me its love in the most pure way thanks
Your cried as I watched your story about Jerry. We lost our Molly after 16 years. She taught all of us the true meaning of love. After we lost her, we never thought we wanted another dog, but one found us. And our hearts are full again.
I was so touched by your story, if only the animal kingdom had more people like you two in their corner. A wise man once said that civilization will not be judged by the way that we treat each other but by the way that we treat our animals.
God bless you both.
Your life story with Jerry was sad but heartwarming. Being the owner of 2 Dutch Shepherds I could relate very closely to your story of love and devotion to and from Jerry. Dogs just get life and I just wish people could learn to be more like dogs and this world would be a whole lot better!!
Love on three legs…what a wonderful animal and how lucky Jerry was to have two humans who recognized how special he was…I am cat-owned at the moment, but the special nature of Jerry the Dog is a reminder to me of how God has not left us without great companions in our journey. Very best wishes.
Your story was so sad but still a joy to watch and see the devotion you both have for Jerry, and the devotion Jerry has for you. My boy Baxter and me watched it together and as usual I got my cuddles and kisses when I cried. May god bless the 3 of you. You will meet again.
I lost my best friend tiffy the cat after 18 years, a year ago, she is still in my heart,Your journey with Jerry and your love for his being brought me back to my years with my dear Tiffy Thanks, your doing the right thing.
Jim & Rene, you’re my kind of people.
I was never a dog person had cats all my life.My neighbor had a red huskie,a great dog. When she got old she developed diabetits and i would give her shots and walk her and let her hang out w me at times when they went on vaction.Funny thing was when i went over to ck on the house and her I had to sit on the couch with her and put my hand on her or she would bark at me and she never barked.Couple years ago my neighbor told me they had to put her down and I was sad but it didnt bother me.Watching this episode brought on some tears for old “RED”. RIP girl.
The wise man was Gandhi, and he said “A civilization is to be judged by its treatment of
minorities.” (footnoted: Louis Fischer, “The Life of Mahatma Gandhi,” Part II, Chapter 43, p. 425.
I have a 2 1/2 year old rescued GSD, but he is not a minority. The story of Jerry seemed even to bring my Max to the TV as I feel he sensed my anguish as I watched.
I cried as I watched your story of your beautiful dog Jerry. We just lost Tela a 13 yr. old Shepard Chow mix. She passed away peacefully in my bedroom with me and my other dog beside her…But I know her pain is gone.
This sounds identical to what happened to our dog Bear. He swam and hiked daily and one day quite suddenly after a hike he started limping and wouldn’t eat or drink or go to the bathroom. Shortly after he was diagnosed with immune-mediated arthritis. A few days later he was eating, drinking and going to the bathroom but still limping. We took him in to see multiple vets & specialists to get second and third opinions, had xrays and ultra-sounds and spent 10 of thousands of dollars trying to figure out what was wrong with our little guy. In order to help him walk and manage his fevers he had to take prednisone which caused him to get diabetes and eventually go blind from this even though we managed his condition like crazy. When he went blind he got so depressed and had a couple small falls down one stair trying to get to his water dish, it was so sad. To give him his sight back he had eye surgery and he was so happy. Then after another ultrasound after multiple calls to the vet as I was concerned he started having blood in his stool we were informed he had metastatic cancer, a golf-ball size tumor of the liver and ping-pong ball size tumor of the spleen and multiple other tumors. At this point it was too late to do anything, not sure why this was never diagnosed much sooner. Our loving boy passed about three weeks later. Shortly thereafter I was diagnosed as having cryptosporidia which he was never tested for. To this day I am still wondering if this is what caused his initial pain and he had a reactive arthritis and mass inflammation which eventually caused the cancer. The last test I was going to do was for cryptosporidia and that test was never done.
Here is his history and tests (it was a lot more complex than described as the prednisone suppressed his immune system causing a lot of other issues as well): http://www.esnips.com/web/sbolender-Bear
There is a special place in heaven for you both and
Jerry will be waiting there for you. Our pets are like our children. Bless you
I cried through the whole story. You are also my kind of people. I too recently lost a 15 year old dog to cancer and know your pain. I would have done anything to save her or had more time with her. May God give you more time and heal your hearts when Jerry’s time comes. Please ask Jerry to tell Bailey that her mom and dad love and miss her when he gets up in heaven.
You all have us speechless … can’t thank you enough for your sincere comments. It is great to know that Jerry’s legacy has touched so many good-hearted people.
Hey guys,
just came across your video.
we have a 3 legged dog called snoopy. she has had the same front left leg amputated. we have had her forever . she was always and still is part of our family. she flies around our property, wish we had the same energy, we often say she should be in the movies.
seeing your video brought a tear to ours eyes i feel your sensitivity, thank you. please feel free to email us for further interest or help Olly and Erroll
ollyc22@yahoo.com. love the video.
I have loved many dogs . When i saw your video’ i could barely breath from crying. What i saw was a family loosing its heart. Gerry gave you all his love and you were there to love him back. I wanna be like you .I rescued a golden ret pupppy that was just thrown away. She has was ill for 7 months. Now she is strong and healthy but mostly ‘Loved ”At 2 years old she is the love of our world and being in our sixtys i am terrified if some thing should happen to us. where would she go and who would love her enuff to hide her rocks she brings in so she can find them ‘ a game she loves. She takes my scrunchees out of my hair and runs like the wind outside so i can go and play with her’ She is a hand ful of love!! Nothing she does is bad ‘like digging we can fix’ dragging the hose and getting me soaked is ok i can be dried she just wants to play and love’people and dogs. You are special people and if i had you for my Baby Reese i could walk away crying but certain she was getting what all our beloved dogs need unconditional Love” You are what every pets deserve ‘and more. I hope and wish the best to the 3 of you!! kisses for Gerry xoox
For all those who’ve loved and lost a beloved pet, Jerry’s story resonates. We had Cato, a cat who changed our lives, and wrote a book about him called The Stony Point Whisker Club (thestonypointwhiskerclub.com) and are donating the profits to shelters. There are still so many animals who need our help. . . .
We have lost two Shelties from cancer. It is gut wrenching, like losing one of your kids. Our prayers are with Jerry and his parents. We will all see our love ones again….
My hat goes off to Jim and Rene for their love and dedication to a beautiful best friend and unconditional lover – Jerry. I would have done the same thing for my dog.
BLESS YOU FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING FOR JERRY!!! My friend, an 11 year old Whippet named Rex, sits by my side as I write to thank you for your wonderful story. I hope to know more as you continue your journey.
I applaud you both for what you did for Jerry. I lost both of my dogs 6 weeks apart days after 9/11 and did not think I could ever open my heart up to that intense hurt again. Several months later (and less 35lbs)I found my “miracle” who rescued me. She is the best of all my dogs rolled into one. When the time is right, may you be so lucky.
I enjoyed the pbs show last night. What happended to Jerry?
Your story made me burst into tears. This past month my beloved Rottweiler Dakota starting limping on his left front leg off and on. My vet tried anti-inflamatories for a few days but said if it doesn’t help we would get him in for an xray immediatley. We were devestated to find out that my baby had osteosarcoma. There was no doubt in my mind to amputate the leg to free him from pain and she had him in for surgery within 5 days. It’s now been a few days since the surgery and he’s be coping extremely well.I’ve been amazed and have no regrets. Dakotas been my best friend, my son and the love of my life through everything and can’t imagine being without him. I wish you all the best for Jerry. He’s just beautiful.
What a great show last night. I cried for Jerry> What ever happened with him? and how are his parents?
Farla and Bette, you can read more about my story on the PBS page here. Or visit my website, Tripawds.com
Thanks for watching. Many hugs to you.
is amazing how far you two have gone for Jerry – and we love our dog inmensely but leave everything for a pet is a very tough move, is simple too much – I salut and respect you guys and wish the best for you 3
You two are my inspiration! I wish I had known Jerry. But I’m happy to know both of you! Frankie says hello.
This show really hit home to me tonight. My beautiful golden retreiver was diagnosed with bone cancer in her right leg. Her leg was removed last Friday and I am truly amazed on how she has not only manuevered with three legs but how fast the healing process has occurred! She is 11 and I truly feel you know when your dog doen’t have the will to live….I hope I have a couple more years. Your situation not only hit home but it has given me hope. I have never seen a 3 legged dog until the day before surgery. A lady, her two young sons and an Australian Shepherd with 3 legs almost made me run into a snowbank. I travel this road 5 times a day and I have never seen her, and I haven’t seen her since. She made me realize that my decision was right. Miss Penny is doing great. Thank you for your inspiration.
Well i’m in what we call a pickle i dont know what to do my 9 year old german shepherd ALLEGRA was diagnosed with bone cancer my vet recommended too put her down but i just cant its her rear left leg i know i have to do something we talked about amputation but he thinks some cancer can be in other spots after seeing Jerry i s was just wondering if there was anyother cancer in his body and what was his age i love my dog more than anything in my life i also am married not a real dog lover so she just doesnt really enderstand we were married 5 years ago ive been with Allegra since 2000 we have 3 beautiful girls together set of twins who are 6 and a eight year old we just told them she was sick and not gonna get any better so we have too make her comfortable they make her beds there great im also a small business owner in a recession i do have the money too help her but maybe not the time I’m at a loss dont know what to do!!!dryclean80@sbcglobal.net if anyone has an experience like myself drop me a note
If you have never loved an animal …..your heart is not quite open….I thank these people for listening to their hearts and not other people….an angel is in their presence and will leave when his ready…
This story is so amazing….It shows the true bond between animals and their “families” human or animal does not matter all living creatures have the right to live on, be loved…if it was one’s child, would one want to let the child die or take measures to ensure their ability to live until their time…Way to go…
Adam….keep her happy….if she is in pain…get pain pills from your vet.You have a choice…its your dog…vets are looking at it from a different angle…I BEIIEVE IN MIRACLES….Research on the internet and talk to other people because I understand some humans also go through chemo and radiation….and do make it…but they go through pain ..first.I know one thing he wants to be with you when he goes….in his own bed…in his own home.I want that for myself ….
What a great story, Jerry was a lucky, lucky doggie! He’s still w/ Jim and Rene and always will be.
When I watched this show I bawled like a baby because my dog, who is in another province with my inlaws, looks exactly like Jerry. It was almost eerie to watch because Sam and Jerry have the same mannerisms and coloring – they are identical. It made me miss her even more when I watched this.
ihope Jerry is still doing well…. it took 10 years after my last dog, who had undergone a laminectomy, for me to get another dog. she is a pound rescue who loves my cats. How lucky can i get?? all my best!!!
What wonderful human beings you both are and how inspiring a show on your love for Jerry!!! God bless Jerry and keep him well and you both also, It’s so great the love Jerry feels and he is returning it!!! I’ll keep you in my prayers.