As was everyone else I was devastated to learn my big beautiful boy had bone cancer. My son brought him to the vet for me, I assumed no big deal, he probably only twisted his leg on his walk the day before. Then my son called to tell me the news I thought no way, not again. You see I just lost my husband only 4 months ago to cancer after only a 10 day diagnosis, I am grieving for him and Dozer is helping me, I need him, here with me, on earth!
My vet recommended two different places, the first one told me that normally large breed dogs do not do well with amputation and gave me recommendations. I went home and decided to do some research. Thankfully I came upon videos of large breed 3 legged dogs from a wonderful website called Tripawds. It brought a smile to my face since learning of Dozer’s diagnosis to watch all those dogs still getting around, their tails were wagging, they were running, playing, living life. I felt so much relief to see that I was not being selfish by wanting Dozer to have a leg amputation, he would still have a good life as a Tripawd.
Well meaning people said, let him go be with my husband, don’t do that to him. Then there are others, the animal lovers, you can certainly tell the difference between the two, they get it, my dog is family, I don’t give up on family.
I then contacted the other place my vet recommended and upon talking to them felt more comfortable and hopeful, we made an appointment last Friday for tests, a checkup and their recommendation that Dozer is in great shape and eligible for surgery. Yesterday my Dozer successfully had his left front leg amputated. They called this morning to tell me Dozer was up walking and looking good, he is expected to come tomorrow.
Stay tuned…..
