Hello everyone – As I'm sure you can imagine, I am totally flipping out. I rescued Lincoln from the pound when he was two. He is magnificent (as in the biggest golden you have ever seen). He is tall and beautiful and about 115 lbs. People ask if he has wolfhound in him. In January of 2008, after a few months of seizures, he was diagnosed with a meningioma. The surgeon told me he could get me possibly six months post surgery. He was honest with us, telling us he had only had one dog ever be "cured" post surgery. Lincoln was his second miracle, as the tumor was fully encapsulated. Nine months post surgery, he ruptured his right ACL and underwent TPLO surgery in November of 2008. Shortly after a clean bill of health, he ruptured his left ACL and had surgery on that knee in June of 2009. Fourteen days ago he began limping on his left leg. Being concerned that something was wrong with the TPLO, I insisted on x-rays which showed a suspected osteosarcoma. Two days later he had a biopsy and today had his left rear leg amputated. At the time of the biopsy, he had chest films which appeared to be clear.

I know that time is of great importance with a cancer like this, but am having a difficult time absorbing all of this.

We will follow up with chemo, as has been recommended by Lincoln's vet. Fortunately, his surgeon is an oncologist, so he will not have to travel for this.

I made this decision so quickly, obviously considering Lincoln's size and prior surgeries, and am concerned about his life on three legs. I don't really need somebody to tell me I did the right thing, just that he has a chance to be a happy dog again. This dog is a golden retriever on crack…happy, smiling, tail wagging, swimming…even up until yesterday, he acted like he didn't have a care in the world.

I see many front leg amputees, but not many rear leg ones. Why? Any input would be fantastic, positive or negative. I really just need to know what to expect. I hope I have done the right thing by him.

Help. And thank you.