Today for Tripawd Tuesday we are thrilled to present Bandit, yet another example of how an osteosarcoma diagnosis doesn’t come with an expiration date stamped on your dog’s butt!
Bandit is an angel now, but she beat bone cancer for over six years!
We just learned about her and couldn’t wait to share her story. Her momma Elizabeth faced bone cancer and amputation way back in the year 2000, long before Tripawds and during a time when most people wouldn’t even consider amputation. Can you imagine?
Thanks to brave Elizabeth and Bandit’s brave decision to move forward on three legs, more people started to see that an amptutation diagnosis isn’t the end of the road. Tripawds might not even exist if it wasn’t for packs like theirs!
So please, join us in a BIG three-paw salute to Bandit and Elizbeth and enjoy their amazing story of beating osteosarcoma.
“Tripawds Don’t Walk, They Run!”
“Bandit was diagnosed in 2000 at 6-1/2 years old. We lost her in 2007, 6-1/2 years later (at the age of 13).
Although the diagnosis was devastating, we immediately started researching the options and finding out all we could about her tumor and prognosis. The decision to amputate was the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make.
She surprised us by sailing through the surgery and recovery with no issues, and likewise sailed through her chemo with no side effects. Just another adventure in her most exciting life.
We learned that tripawds don’t walk; they run! The experts told us that after amputation Bandit wouldn’t be able to swim. Well, nobody told her. She swam right after her stitches came out and almost every day thereafter. She continued to hike as well, vaulting over every obstacle with abandon; not only surviving but thriving.
From her we learned to never give up.”
Share Your Tripawd Tuesday Tale!
Each Tuesday, Tripawds from around the world can enter for a chance to be “Tripawd of the Week.” Just share your Tripawd’s story and you’re entered to win! On every Tuesday of the week, tell us about your three-legged hero here in the Tripawds Discussion Forums or on the Tripawds Facebook page. Just follow these easy steps:
- In a few short sentences, describe your three-legged hero’s story.
- Include a photo or video.
- Include a link to your Tripawds Facebook page, Forum topic and/or Tripawds blog (if applicable)
All entries must be received by Saturday at 11:59 pm. One Tripawd story will be selected at random to be featured the following Tuesday.
My seven year old baby Riley was just diagnosed with bone cancer last week. I have been pouring over everything i can find and i really needed this story of hope! May I ask what kind of diet your Bandit was on?
Best wishes for Riley! Please visit the Tripawds Nutrition blog or download the Three Legs And A Spare for LOTS of helpful diet and supplement recommendations, and so much more.
I will thank you! 🙂 And thank you for this site. It is nice to have a place to go where people understand what you are going through and can give advice and hope.
I can’t tell you how uplifiting the blog was for me. My great pyrenees Will was just diagnosed wtih Osteosarcoma last week and we are devastated. We have a surgical consult tomorrow and the decision to fight this monster is easy but the decision to amputate is not nearly as easy. Thank you for shedding light on the notion that dogs can live longer than the one year that we have been prepared for adn that they can do it handily on three legs. On we go for the fight of our lives. Thank you so much for giving me some much needed hope!!!!
Kathleen, we are so glad that Bandit’s story brought you the confidence you need at a time like this. Please know we are here for you and look forward to learning more about your pup and your journey together. Fight on! xoxo
What a handsome, handsome boy! And what a story of hope for all starting this journey!!
It is soooo important to jave these victories around here!
Thank you Elizabeth, for letting us bathe in Bandit’s “light of hope”! He TRULY lived a life of meaning and purpose. His life affirming legacy will be with us forever.
We celebrate the life of this awe inspiring dog Soul with you. His presence will ALWAYS be felt here!
With love
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
That is an awesome story. Thank you Elizabeth & Bandit for sharing your story with our wonderful family here. Tripawds are awesome. 🙂 You are right they don’t walk they do run
hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy