ALS can kiss my fuzzy butt.
There is no known cause, no treatment, and no hope.
Unless you help.
If you’re able, toss in a couple of bucks to beat ALS.
Make a mutt wag!
Thank you.
This is Greg: Thank you all for the tremendous outpouring of love and support for Tony Dogbomb Barrett. He was loved by many. He will be missed.
Dogbomb wanted to keep creating awareness and raising money to fight ALS. He signed a bunch of shirts to auction off. More soon.
My body is willed to the UCI Medical School, so I wrote a note for the student(s) who are stuck with my weird husk. I want them to have fun AND learn valuable skills. Life is too short not to enjoy a good giggle.
Whether as a human, (or as a fuzzy animal) via screen from thousands of miles away, or grabbin' drinks together side by side, We are all with you
@dogbomb1
❤️🐕🐾
No one should be broken up over my passing.
Sadness or anger at ALS is appropriate, but there is nothing to grieve about when you consider the ride that I was afforded.
Wag every day, please.
Hug your dogs and your friends.
Smile when you think of me.
No regrets.
Dogbomb had many beliefs that directed his life but here are the top five for him; Help others, even at a cost to yourself. Help the animals. Find and chase your passions in life. Make the World a better place. Enjoy life, make it an incredible journey.
I've received a lot of questions this week so let me summarize the top ones:1.Tony died alone, as he requested.2.He looked peaceful when I found him. He even had his phone in hand.3.His stereo was blasting his favorite CDs.4.His dogs were with him.5.His last beer was a Corona.
One week ago today, we lost Tony "Dogbomb" Barrett, an amazing friend, brother and mentor. The outpouring of love for him has been inspiring and healing. The tributes to Tony through art are incredibly moving and beautiful. I know that Tony is raising a beer to all of you.
I’ve toured Baja on motorcycles, crisscrossed Europe by train, hiked the Rockies, boat camped in Utah under a brilliant Milky Way, drove insane race cars, and became a talking, beer chugging dog in almost every part of the USA.
I’ve had an amazing, charmed life.
No regrets.
Amongst the thousands of loving messages to Dogbomb were several angry ones suggesting he had quit. I disagree: he was in a live research study, created awareness, had countless doctor visits, gave lots of blood & tissue samples, raised thousands of dollars, was in lots of events
In the final weeks, Dogbomb's existence included being stuck in the shower, unable to speak, falling constantly, choking on food and water, afraid to eat, difficulty breathing, losing strength and mobility. He was faced with choking, suffocating or starving. He chose his own exit
What would you do if you had a week left to live?
High on the list for most folks is “tell my family and friends how much I love them.”
Let me suggest that you do this no matter your circumstance.
Do it today.
It’s important.
If I ever leave this world alive
I'll thank for all the things you did in my life
If I ever leave this world alive
I'll come back down and sit beside your feet tonight
Wherever I am, you'll always be
More than just a memory
If I ever leave this world alive
For
@dogbomb1
<3
@dogbomb1
Dear Team Dogbomb, this is Greg, one of Tony’s many close friends. Tony has entrusted me with information about his life that he wanted me to share with all of you. We have a few more things related to his passing to do. Thank you for your patience. I’ll be back soon.
I stayed up way late last night and read every single one of the 876 DMs. Time constraints prevent me from responding to all of them, but let me say thank you for the outpouring of love. It means a lot to me, and I am forever in your debt for this level of kindness and support.
What a strange day!
I feel like I have one foot in, and one foot out, of this world.
There is nothing in life that could have prepared me for this.
Luckily, I’m good at making it up as I go, so I’ll rely on what I do best.
Dogbomb loved animals. He loved his job as a Vet Tech. His own pets included dogs, parakeets, fish, pigs (for FFA), cats, rats, hamsters and hermit crabs. He adopted over 200 kittens to save them from euthanasia. His fursona was originally bought to promote the Animal Shelter.
Good morning lovely people! It's a great day to be alive. My plans for today are simple: take the dogs to the park. Go to work. Meet friends for dinner. Finish up a little writing. Go to bed early and snuggle the mutts. It's all good and I'm happy to be here.
I have a ton of requests from folks who want to use my character on pins, shirts, stickers, etc etc. I am granting you all a blanket authorization to use my likeness in what ever way you see fit, as long as the proceeds go to benefit ALS research. Thank you!!
More Dogbomb questions answered: 6.The Celebration of Life is in June so that out of towners can attend.7.Tony has an older brother David but no other immediate family.8.The dogs are fine but they miss Tony.9. I'm not gay. Tony called me "excruciatingly hetero".10.He was 55.
There are some that view furries as a punchline, but I can tell you that the ALS association takes us very seriously. The fandom has been an absolute fund raising force, and no group has ever risen to the occasion like you all.
Over $100,000 raised so far.
Let that sink in...
Last spinal tap this morning and then I’m done with the study! I’m ready to relinquish my role as pin cushion, but I’m proud & honored to have played a small role in ALS research. I don’t think those lazy stem cells did much, but if it brings us closer to a cure I’m satisfied.
My dogs know something ain’t right. They are both on extra Velcro duty today. The CLP whined at me to pet her and Meatbubble wants to chew nervously on my fingers.
We have no secrets from each other.
Happy New Year doc!
I know I know, I’m not being careful, & I’m not using the wheelchair, & I’m supposed to die in 2 months, but I’m just a dumb mutt, and we’re known for ignoring rules.
My body is quitting, but I’m not.
Expect wags and smiles, but not “careful.”
Cheers!
DB
OK, listen up, and I’m serious!
Suicide is NEVER an option when you have a healthy body.
People love you. You may not understand how much you matter in this world, but trust me, you do.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, please reach out. Thank you.
Dogbomb’s first furcon was Further Confusion in San Jose 2010. He was terrified at first and almost left until people came up to him and made him feel welcomed. His favorite furcon was BLFC in Reno. He loved the crowds. His last furcon was coincidentally in San Jose this year.
Thursday's
#AToastForDogbomb
appreciates the simpler things in life. What could be more simple than enjoying a dog beach and a beer? A setting sun wagging tails and crashing waves. Enjoying time together is the core of canine companionship. Extra cheers
@dogbomb1
🍻
📸
@elkowolf1
Going through Dogbomb’s things is sad but also inspiring. This letter is a good example. He never mentioned it but it was in a drawer of important papers.
My neighbor put up a pride flag in her yard. She said “I’m proud to have you as a neighbor.”
This from a women who, when she first moved in, refused to talk to me.
She’s come a long way.
It’s me that’s proud of her!
Several people have told me that my tweets are too depressing, so they’ve had to mute or unfollow me, and I get that!
However,
I refuse to censor myself.
I promise to be honest, if nothing else than for my own mental health. Thank you to those of you who choose to stick around!
Dogbomb had many adventures in his fursuit including; Wedding receptions, an Indian wedding, Hot tub party with sexy drunk women, Met the Mayor of Pittsburgh, Dented a cop car with his head, Free drinks at bars, Serving water at a marathon, Drinks at a college dorm, cable tv show
Tony "Dogbomb" was shy about talking about himself. So I forced him to give me information to share with you. Tony Martin Barrett was born on 9/27/63 in Glendale, CA. He was the second son of Martin and Betty who immigrated from England, making him a first generation American.
They’ll tell you what to say, what to wear, how to act,
even what to think!
Don’t buy it.
Think critically.
Be the captain of your own ship.
Be 100% genuine.
Be you.
It doesn’t matter one bit what anyone else thinks.
Hullo Doc!
I just checked my calendar and noticed it’s March and that I’m not dead, dying or even in a wheelchair.
Yeah, walking is a bitch, and yeah, I face plant like a pro, but I’m still active and productive and living my life so suck it.
VTY, a still mobile mutt.
My goal for the marathon was to raise $1,000.
We just broke $8,500.
Furries did that.
Furries are the most generous, loving, kind bunch of folks on this earth.
You all should be VERY proud to be part of this group.
I sure am.
I am elated!
Haven’t walked this well for months!
The Cheetah Legs are a miracle, and I’m crying happy tears.
This changes everything.
Serious,
#ALS
can really kiss my fuzzy butt now!
It was interesting being a giant dog using a walker.
Best comment was from a little girl who told her mom “you can tell he’s a real doggie. He can’t walk on two legs without help”
Yes, I cried.
A year ago today I was diagnosed with ALS.
I was told that it was a “late” diagnosis because I was stubborn and didn’t seek medical help early on.
I was also told that I might have a year to live.
And yet I’m still here, and I’m going strong.
I’m bad at following directions.
Well damn.
I just agreed to be the ALS rep for the LA Marathon.
That means I get pushed in a racing wheelchair by teams in order to raise funds for ALS research.
That’s in March.
I plan on not being dead by then.
I also plan on walking across the finish line.
Watch me.
By age 30 you should have:
-Hugged your fursuit crush.
-Slept in a tiny room, squished up against someone’s damp underwear, with 7 people whose real names you don’t know.
-Tried to explain “what’s going on” to a nice couple from Des Moines who you just met on the elevator.
I live in a very strange, transitory world right now.
Time seems compressed and every moment is precious.
I can see there’s only a few pages left to go in the book but I enjoyed the story so much that I don’t want it to end. I just hope the author writes a sequel!
No one can ever say a bad word to me about furry again. I don’t want to hear about “furry drama” or “they have sex in those costumes.”
Furries are the kindest, most compassionate and loving group I’ve ever seen.
They are actively saving my life.
Right now.
End of story.
"Hey, buddy! It's been a while..."
A piece for
@dogbomb1
as a farewell gift, reuniting with his dog Rodg, the inspiration for Dogbomb's character.
Thank you for being you unabashedly, and for being whole-hearted and loving through and through. You inspire me to keep going.
Hey doc!
Here it is April and I’m still at it.
I know I shouldn’t be this far from home but a dog’s gotta run, if you know what I’m saying.
I’d tell you that I’ll try and be more careful but we both know that ain’t happening.
TTFN, we have ground to cover!
❤️U. DB
Dogbomb gave me several of his personal items to auction off as an ALS fundraiser. The auction will last for 24 hours. The winner will then have 24 hours to donate their bid to the Team Tony site and share a screen shot of the confirmation. We start tomorrow evening!
Hey Doc!
How time flies. Here it is February and I’m still too stubborn to stop walking.
Yeah, I know a wheelchair is safer, and I should be at home taking it easy instead of working, but I’m no good at doing nothing.
I fall a lot, but I bounce.
See ya next month!
Kisses, DB
Dogbomb’s view on politics in America: Our political system worked at one time but now it’s in a stalemate. It has evolved into us versus them. The country is divided. The only hope is for new people to step up. We need to return our Government to For the People and by the People
Guess what, doc?
It’s November 1st and I’m not in a wheelchair.
As a matter of fact, I plan to walk a mile to raise money for ALS research next week.
Never tell a stubborn old dog what he can’t do.
Join us next Saturday! Fun and fursuits are encouraged.
So much wonderful art of me sporting a halo! I am overwhelmed with the generosity and talent on display.
I think someone should draw me with little horns and pitchfork, though. You know, just in case...
Please accept my sincere apologies. I have hundreds of unread messages and I doubt I'll ever be able to respond to them all. Thank you everyone from the bottom of my mutty heart. Your support means the world to me!
By my calculation, furries have raised $61,227.01 for ALS research and support services in the last 10 months.
And that doesn’t count donations I’m not aware of, so that number is an understatement.
Yeah, furries did that.
Not bad for a bunch of outcasts, eh? ;-)
Another wonderful night spent in the company of great friends. We decimated the bar, ate too much and laughed like hyenas.
It’s good for the soul I’ll tell you what.
Finally home and settled after an absolutey amazing day.
I am completely worn out both mentally and physically, but that’s OK, it was worth it.
Thank you everyone for all the love and support. Y’all don’t even know how wonderful you are!
I'm happy to hear that Golden State Fur Con is coming to Irvine. Here’s a list for those who want to wander to Dogbomb’s favorite restaurants/bars: 1. Mutt Lynch’s, Newport Beach 2. El Matador, Costa Mesa 3. Sharkeez, Newport Beach 4. Mi Casa, Costa Mesa 5. Acapulco, Costa Mesa
If there are words adequate to convey the love that I felt today, I don’t know what they are.
An incredible day and an amazing team, and an experience that I’ll never forget.
Thank you, everyone. I am very, very lucky and blessed with the best friends imaginable.
Final spinal tap done and in the books! The boys took me out to an early breakfast, and then I got major hugs from all the beautiful nurses. Much success!
Against the advice of my physician, I am not being careful. instead, I am walking miles around the San Jose Convention Center getting mauled by large, friendly animals.
Yes, it’s been physically exhausting, and yes, I’ve fallen a few times, but you know what?
Worth it.
Hi doc!
It’s September 1st, and guess what? I’m not in a wheelchair.
As a matter of fact, I am walking better than ever. I’d love to chat, but I’m off for a long bike ride. The only one that gets to say how my story ends is me. Not you, & not
#ALS
Sincerely,
A very active mutt.
Wouldn’t it be hilarious if Christians, Jews, Muslims and all the rest were wrong and heaven is really run by a pissed off Siamese cat who demands a clean litter box before you get past the pearly gates?
Hey Doc!
Here it is December, and I’m still trucking. Yeah, I know I fall from time to time, and yes, I know I’m not “being careful” but who cares? This is my life and I make the decisions.
See you in 2019!
Sincerely yours,
A stubborn mutt.
My marathon chariot has been custom fitted to my unique derrière, and I’m ready to roll on Sunday. Look out, LA, we’re coming for you!
Not shown: custom tail pocket.
I apologize for those who were offended by my posting of Dogbomb’s view on politics. It was one of the topics that he wanted me to share after he was gone. He was often asked about politics, the environment, nutrition, money and work. The only topic he refused to discuss was sex.
We are planning Tony’s Celebration of Life which will be outside and by water. We have several ideas for ending the evening; 55 candles released to float on the water, releasing glowing helium balloons, forming a circle with everyone singing his favorite song. Any other ideas?
Lake Havasu and the Colorado River were Dogbomb’s favorite get away. Swimming, hiking, boating, biking and running were his favorite activities. Apr/May and Sep/Oct are the best months for perfect weather. Castle Rock Cove was his favorite place to walk dogs and launch.
Almost every single person at the meet and greet had questions about what furry is, and there is a huge buzz about our participation in the marathon.
Perceptions are changing, my friends, and that’s due to your hard work.
Am I proud to be a furry?
You’re damn right I am.
Dogbomb had a lifelong love affair with cars. He only owned 1 car that he bought intact. All of the rest he built from spare parts. Here are his top 5 favorite cars that he owned; ‘73 Vega, ‘73 Corvette, ‘72 Blazer, ‘86 CRX, ‘01 Ranger
Wanna find me after I’ve croaked?
Can’t get enough of that dog-farts-and-stale-beer experience?
Here’s 4 places I’ll haunt for sure!
(Mutt Lynch’s in Newport Beach, the Bay of Conception Baja Sur, BomBay in Western Arizona and every damn fur con ever)
The man, the icon, the legend:
@dogbomb1
You are a living blessing. I didnt really know you, which i kinda regret, but i know how much youve helped so many people. You know we love you, and we will do what we can to keep your legacy alive 💙
Tony Dogbomb Barrett loved to travel. Many of his adventures are well documented on social media. Here were his top five places to visit: 1. Bay of Conception, Mexico 2. San Felipe, Mexico 3. Maui, HI 4. Lake Powell, AZ 5. Lake Havasu, AZ
It would be easy to stay in bed these days. Just getting my socks on is a major chore, let alone crawling to the bathroom. But that's not how this story is written. I'm not here to quit, and I don't roll over for anything, especially ALS. Bring it on, I have things to do.