Heidi Wagner was 8 years old when she lost her front leg to cancer. She spent the next four years showing the world that it wasn’t going to stop her.
You may remember Burt and Jean Wagner’s brave Aussie from her cancer victory story we shared last year. Last month, we learned that Heidi passed away on April 14th, shortly after her 12th birthday.
The Wagners honored her memory with a generous gift to the Tripawds Foundation, and shared these words about the dog who gave them, and this community, so much.
Heidi was a shining example of what senior Tripawds can do!
Our precious Heidi passed away on April 14th not long after her 12th birthday. She was a sweet soul and loved life.
She loved to hike, swim, and play tug of war. Mostly she loved to be with us.
Losing her front leg to cancer when she was 8-years old did not slow her down. After becoming a Tripawd she helped locate and rescue a senior dog that was stuck in a window well.
Heidi’s Real Life Lassie Moment
One evening we were on the back deck and Heidi kept staring at the neighbor’s house and making a garumph sound. We couldn’t see anything.
The next evening she stood at the same spot, stared at the same spot, and would look between us and the spot at the neighbor’s. We opened the gate and she led us to a window well.
There was a small senior dog stuck in the well. The dog was in distress and didn’t make any noise. The dog spent at least two nights trapped in the well. We got it out and posted pics on next door. The owners came the next day to get her.
Heidi shared her food and let the dog hide in her crate until the owners came. We call it “Heidi’s Lassie moment.”
Heidi was always happy. We miss her joyful spirit and companionship. Heidi was a great friend to all.
Heidi’s Legacy Lives On
Mr. and Mrs. Wagner, no words are adequate for a girl like Heidi. She beat cancer, saved a life, and spent every day loving her people and everyone she met.
Because of your generosity, families facing an amputation diagnosis right now will find the hope and help they need, just as you once did.
Heidi was hope on three paws. She always will be part of our community, and in our hearts.
Thank you so very, very much for your kindness.
The Tripawds Foundation runs entirely on community support. Your gift of any amount keeps our assistance programs and Circle of Support online and available to every family who needs them. Thank you for helping our community stay strong.