“What a beautiful day we had for the Paw Rade in Mainstrasse Village!” says Barb. “It was great to have the opportunity to talk with so many pet owners, rescues and shelter people about the best group of folks around–the Tripawds community, our extended family.”

Barb and John’s “Mission of Hope” is their way of honoring the support they received while their Hope went through her own amputation journey and soon after succumbed to kidney failure. The Youngs have started this outreach program to offer information and support to Tripawd dogs in the Cincinnati area.

“Tripawds folks gave us so much support and encouragement after Hope’s surgery, that in honor and remembrance of her, we have started the Tripawds.com Cincinnati Outreach Program, ‘Mission of Hope’” Barb told us.

“It was easy to tell people how all of you have taken the path that is before them, and how you can help them along the way.

So many people told me that they wished they had known about tripawds when their pet had surgery,” she added.

Create Tripawd Awareness in Your Town

Spreading the word about the amazing capabilities of three-legged dogs is easy and doesn’t have to cost a lot. Print our free Tripawds fliers, then pass them out to your veterinarian, dog food store, beautify salon . . . “Anywhere and everywhere,” says Barb, “because there are people out there who need YOU and the support you and this community can give them.”

If you have an opportunity to set up a booth at an animal function, “do it!” Barb says. “It’s easy and you will get far more out of the event that you put in. Email me and I will give you all the info you need to do an event!”

At the Paw-Rade, the Youngs set up a beautiful table, and had beautifully-packaged, tasty homemade dog cookies ready for hungry pups.

Barb turned her kitchen into a biscuit bakery, and baked several different types of treats for the event.

Although competition was stiff among the many different treat vendors, Barb added a classy touch to her offerings. Instead of grabbing treats out of a jar when a customer requested some, she used tongs to bag their order. This gave her treats a cleaner, more sanitary look than typical treat vendors.

In addition to dog treats, Barb addressed the feline fans at the Paw-Rade, with her homegrown catnip treats.

They even had Charger, a Tripawd pup staff the booth to show everypawdy what three legged dogs can do!

“It really was a great time for everyone and gave me a good opportunity to talk with other rescues about tripod animals they might rescue in the future,” says Barb.

We’ve never seen a more well-dressed bunch of pups anywhere!

Thank you Barb and John for all of your hard work to raise over $100 to help Tripawds.com, and show the world that Tripawds Rule!

 [[Show as slideshow]]

Wyatt isn’t a Tripawd because of cancer, but when the lump appeared last Saturday, we couldn’t help but have flashbacks to when Tripawds Founder Jerry was diagnosed.

Wyatt is only 2.5 years old, but we’ve seen Tripawds as young as 15 months get diagnosed. After his local vet couldn’t diagnose the swelling, we feared that this awful disease was happening to us again.

Old Shoes Hurt

Fortunately we’re only an hour from one of the best veterinary teaching hospitals in the world, Colorado State University. That’s where Wyatt had three of the hospital’s most experienced soft tissue surgeons looking at his stump this week, trying to figure out where the swelling was coming from.

The wait was excruciating and put us right back into the shoes everyone wears when they first join this community. Wearing them again was painful.

Good News: No Cancer

Tests confirmed he didn’t have cancer, so Wyatt went into surgery on Wednesday for 2.5 hours to uncover the cause. After digging and probing, surgeons concluded that Wyatt’s amputation site was infected from “foreign material” that was trying to work its way out of his stump. The material and infected tissue is being sent out to a lab for evaluation and a final diagnosis.

Wyatt is finally home, high as a kite on Tramadol and looking very spacey, nervous and tired. Here we are once again, taking care of a post-op Tripawd.

We’re a little smarter than we were last time, but it’s still nerve wracking. Wyatt’s wearing a surgical drain that been stitched into his side. The drain looks like a hand grenade and we’re supposed to empty the fluid as it accumulates. This is something new to us.

He’s also on pain pills and anti-biotics, has post-surgery bruising and we need to watch him carefully until we take him back to CSU on Monday to have the drain removed.

The Bad News: Hip Displaysia

We’re thrilled Wyatt doesn’t have cancer, but at the same time, we were devastated to hear the surgeon tell us that he definitely has a good case of hip displaysia.

As a rear-leg amputee, hip displaysia is not going to be easy for Wyatt to cope with as he ages. Some day far in the future, the condition will impact all of us in a big way.

But for now, we are going to take things one day at a time, and enjoy every minute of our young, wild and vibrant Tripawd’s life.

Thank you everypawdy for your concern about this crazy kid. We’ll keep you posted when we have the lab results next week.

As a large breed dog with bad elbows and two previous bi-lateral TPLO surgeries, Lucy might have appeared to be a poor candidate for amputation to some people.

But her pawrent, Dr. Amy Kramer, knew better.

Amy Kramer, PT, DPT, CCRT, is co-founder of California Animal Rehabilitation in Los Angeles. Her extensive background in human and animal rehabilitation gave her the confidence she needed to proceed with Lucy’s amputation after the diagnosis.

Nearly one year after her  amputation, Lucy is beating the odds and thriving, especially thanks to her twice-weekly canine physical therapy workouts at CARE.

Lucy’s Rear Leg Workout Routine

In this video, Lucy demonstrates a few workout tips for us, along with therapy assistant Catherine Shields. After her morning hydrotherapy session, Lucy performs a series of reaching stretches, weight shifts, pole weaving and abdominal crunches to gain flexibility, strengthen her core muscles, and improve her proprioception (body awareness). Keep reading below for a written outline of Lucy’s workout.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Reaching Stretches
Lucy has just had a water workout, so Catherine is gently supporting her remaining rear leg by allowing Lucy’s rear end to balance on Catherine’s thigh.

To promote better flexibility in the shoulders and sides, and to alleviate neck and upper back pain, Catherine is using treats to have Lucy perform range of motion exercises such as:

• Turn her head and make wide side-to-side torso movements
• Look up in a “chest-to-sky” movement

Reaching stretches are often called “cookie stretches,” but we recommend using fruit, carrots or green beans as treats to help avoid weight gain.

Weight Shifts
Lucy performs weight shifts to help strengthen her back muscles and encourage weight bearing on her remaining rear leg.

Dog weight shift exercises are similar to how you would balance yourself when walking on a floating dock: as the dock bobs around on the water, you must adjust your balance and weight to keep from toppling over.

Catherine demonstrates weight shifts by gently putting pressure on one side of Lucy’s hips and then the other.

Weight shifts are explained in detail by Darryl L. Millis, MS, DVM, Diplomate ACVS, CCRP Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. He says:

“The goal is to disturb its balance just enough so the animal can recover, being careful not to push too hard.”

Dr. Millis advises that “weight shifts may also be performed during walking. As the animal is walked, the handler gently bumps or pushes the animal to one side. Caution should be used to avoid falls and injury.”

Weaving

Agility dog Maggie can tell you, weaving is so much fun it doesn’t seem like a workout. Weaving helps improve a dog’s reaction and control, increase trunk and core strength and stabilize weak areas. Weaving also improves balance and awareness of the body’s position in space.

You can use a traditional agility weaving set with poles or cones or line up simple obstacles found in your home. Weaving works like this:

• The handler slowly tempts the dog to follow her hand movements with a treat.
• The dog simply follows her nose by weaving in and out of the cones and back again.
• A beginner workout should consist of weaving between four to six cones or poles (depending on your Tripawd’s energy level)
• Eventually you can work up to 12 weaving obstacles.

Remember to take it slow and if your dog sits down or doesn’t want to do anymore weaves, your dog is probably tired, so stop.

Dog Abdominal Crunches
Gentle abdominal crunches for canines work the same way oblique (side) crunches do for humans. Catherine explains that canine abdominal crunches help to build abdominal strength which better supports a dog’s weight and promotes flexibility.

Canine abdominal crunches for dogs are performed by:

• Having the dog lay on one side
• Bring a treat to the dog’s nose and slowly move your hand down the length of the dog’s body to the groin area
• Release the treat and repeat a few more times depending on your dog’s fitness level
• Repeat on other side

Watch for Fatigue

These are just a few basic exercises you can do on your own to help your rear legged tripod. During your dog’s workout, watch for subtle signs of fatigue that can include:

• Lip licking
• Uneven breathing
• Panting
• Staring at you
• Sitting down
• Refusing to move

If your dog is exhibiting these behaviors, stop and praise your dog for a job well done!

We highly recommend contacting a certified canine rehabilitation specialist like CARE who can help you build a complete home workout routine and get your Tripawd into the best shape pawsible.

Many thanks to everyone at California Animal Rehabilitation in Los Angeles for helping us bring this series to you. If you are lucky enough to live nearby, be sure to visit their facility and see how staff can help your canine amputee stay strong and live hoppy!

Recommended Reading and Resources

Cookie Stretches: Learn additional ways of performing these beneficial movements at AgilityNerd.com.

Exercises to Enhance Proprioception by Darryl L. Millis, MS, DVM, Diplomate ACVS, CCRP Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.

See all of our three legged dog rehabilitation videos with CARE.

Reno is not only amazing because he’s 12 years old, and a three year bone cancer survivor, but he’s also super amazing because . . .

Reno has lived with lung metastasis for two years!

This pawesome pup wants everyone to know that despite a dog’s age, or his size, or even the fact that he might have lung mets, sometimes miracles do happen, and the statistics get tossed out the window. Without further ado, here’s Reno’s story in his own words.

My Canine Bone Cancer Story

“My name is Reno. On July 5, 2010 I was 12 years old; for a malamute like me that’s over 65 years old, but I look fantastic for my age and am as spry as any pup one third my age.

I’ve decided that the time has come to share my story, the saga of my journey with cancer to encourage all species that it’s important to fight to beat the odds, even if it’s just for an extra year or more to lie in the sun and get your caretakers to massage your ears and scratch your back.

I have now lived longer than any other dog with this condition, over three years since my diagnosis when most live two to six months or a year at most.

The Bad News: Osteosarcoma

It all began with a pain in my back leg in early fall of 2007, which first made me just hobble a bit. I didn’t want to be a wuss, so I just adjusted as the pain got worse, until I was walking on three legs, letting the sore leg dangle because any weight sent sharp pain shooting up the bone.

The vet thought I had injured it getting into my usual mischief, but when cortisone and other meds didn’t help, he decided to take an x-ray and then a biopsy.

It was October when the bad news came back: osteosarcoma, a malignant bone tumor that spreads to the lungs, the bad luck special disease of big dog breeds like me.

And the bad news just kept coming; taking off the leg would only give me another couple of months; chemotherapy offered no real promises, a few more months, but maybe longer with some new methods. Most humans choose to give up at this point, “put them down,” as the euphemism goes, but we’re all fighter’s in our family and always choose to take a shot, even if it’s a long shot.

My Recovery and Treatment

So began the next phase of my life. First, the affected leg had to go. It’s not as bad as it sounds; it was great to wake up and have the pain gone for good. Since I was already used to walking on three legs, everyone was amazed that I just popped up and was ready to go home.

There still was some adjustment; the extra weight on the only back leg causes some muscle strain, so I have to keep getting leaner and need to rely on aspirin and such, but it also has its advantages. It’s easy now to pee on absolutely anything I want to, no leg to balance up in the air, just a straight shot. Pooping is a bit trickier, but I’ve managed that quite well too since squatting for a long time is kind of hard. I sort of hop squat when I poop, which spreads it around a bit, but that’s no big deal to me, since I don’t have to pick it up.

I can still run and chase the other dogs, go up and down stairs, and can drag anyone down the street at a good romp when they take me for a walk.

Lung Mets Can’t Stop Me!

Chemotherapy is a big story all to itself. First came the big whamee, the megadoses of chemotherapy, five doses over 10 weeks of Doxorubicin (adriamycin). I feel bad for the human species; chemotherapy does some pretty harsh things to you. It’s not as hard on my species, though it’s no picnic.

I didn’t feel particularly sick, but I wasn’t my energetic self, and my caretakers were careful because my immune system might be a little weakened temporarily. So they gave me my own bachelor pad, a room with the floor converted into one huge dog bed. It was especially important when my fur started to thin out. My once thick double coat I had every winter became wispy and light, too thin for the outside dog house and the cement I used to love sleeping on to keep cool. I never got bald, but I looked ancient for awhile, my beautiful top coat with all the black markings gone and just a grayish white fluff left behind.

But, you know, unlike humans, none of my dog pals even noticed my hair or my missing leg, and my caretakers pampered me to the max. And when the chemo was over, before long all my hair, including my gorgeous black and white mask, grew back.

That should have been the end of the story, but three months later we got more bad news, a couple of tiny spots were found in my lungs; the chemo hadn’t stopped the metastasis, the news every cancer patient of every species dreads.

Metronomic Therapy Works for Me

But my doctor offered hope, a new experimental treatment, a low dose chemo given at home every other day, along with doxycycline (to inhibit formation of blood vessels that would feed any tumors), was promising for a small percentage.

We started the regimen, and it seemed to be keeping everything in check, but the side effect of a bloody bladder infection was too much for me. There are times when fortune comes your way disguised a misery; this was one of those times.

Because of the side effects, the doctor and my caretakers decided to try a different drug, Leukeran, because it has no side effects and “theoretically” should work the same, but hadn’t been tested that way.

To everyone’s happy surprise, it worked even better, and on my last x-ray, the very small spots on my lungs have shrunk beyond visibility.

One last thing about treatment, we also saw a homeopathic vet, who put me on herbals, mushrooms, and bovine colostrum. We can’t tell what is contributing to my improving health, but are happy for all the alternatives.

Thriving Today and Loving Life with My Pack

I’ve managed to milk this thing as much as I can. My caretakers now buy raw hamburger or share their cooked (and boned) chicken thighs with me just so they can hide my pills inside.

When I’m bored, I like to jerk them around a bit and can eat the meat and spit out the pills.

This makes them work a little harder to please me, adding a coating of cat food gravy, peanut butter, or mayonnaise to whatever they’re offering. I don’t know how much longer I have, but I feel fine and life is good.

If you would like more information on my treatment, or just about me, my secretary (I let her think she is my owner) will be happy to answer any questions and provide any information you need. You can contact her through Tripawds. She calls herself Diane; I call her whenever I need something.

Many thanks to Reno’s Mom Diane for contributing his inspiring story to us.

This 30-minute Internet radio show brings you the latest information about canine amputation, recovery tips and canine cancer care treatments.

Date: This Saturday 3/26/2011

Time: 5:30 PM (Eastern), 2:30 PM (Pacific)

Call in with Questions: (310) 388-9739

On this episode, you’ll hear Maggie’s mom Tracy discuss her preferred canine cancer treatment plan for her three legged agility champion.

Learn about how Maggie adapted to life on three legs after her rear leg amputation due to a soft tissue sarcoma.

We will discuss the benefits of canine rehabilitation and Maggie’s core strengthening exercises as well as her preferred homeopathic remedies and nutrition plans.

Then you’ll hear from Maggie’s auntie, holistic veterinary technician Gina who will discuss helpful post-amputation homeopathic remedies and other natural nutrition plans for dogs with cancer.

For the last 20 years, Gina has worked as a licensed Animal Medical Technician, and nine of them have been spent working in holistic veterinary medicine.

Gina is also dog Mom to Dilly, a nine year Mast Cell Grade II cancer survivor whose story is shared here.

Remember, you can ask any questions here in the Forums before the show, or listen live online and ask your questions in the Tripawds Chat Room.

Call in live during the show with your questions or join us in the Chat.

(310) 388-9739

Can’t make the show? Then check our Discussion Forum topic for the on demand audio podcast.

DISCLAIMER: Information provided at Tripawd Talk Radio and Tripawds.com is not a substitute for medical care by your personally selected, qualified veterinary professional. Always seek the advice of a licensed veterinarian prior to making any medical decisions or undergoing treatments or therapies, or if you have questions about your dog’s health. We advise against any medical decisions made without the direct involvement of your veterinary team. Tripawds.com is a project of Agreda Communications, which is not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any form of damages whatsoever resulting from the use (or misuse) of information contained in or implied by the information available at Tripawd Talk Radio or Tripawds.com.

Join the forum discussion on this topic.

We knew it the first time we laid eyes on her. She was like a supernova just waiting for the right time to explode.

Today, we’re thrilled to announce that Tripawd Member and Girldog Extraordinaire, Miss Codie Rae, can now add “Hollywood Superstar” to her street cred.

Tripawd Member Stars in New Patrick Stump Video

In January rock star Patrick Stump (of the band Fall Out Boy) was looking for a three legged dog to be in his new video for Spotlight (Oh Nostalgia) from his brand new Truant Wave EP.

We happily fulfilled his request and brought the incredible Codie Rae to the attention of producer Joe Wein.

Today Patrick released his new video which stars the one and only, Codie Rae!

Click here to view the embedded video.

The video shoot took place in January at a dog park in the Hollywood Hills.

It was a grueling day as three Tripawd Members Travis Ray, Wyatt Ray and Codie Rae vied for the attention of the cameramen.

In the end, Codie’s gazelle-like intensity caught the eye of the Hollywood dream machine as she leaped her way into stardom and into the hearts of Patrick Stump and fans everywhere.

For the first time ever, Codie Rae’s unequaled zest for life and overly-enthusiastic prey drive is being rewarded with instant fame and glory.

In the last 12 hours, media and fan feedback on YouTube has been phenomenal:

“It may very well be the best video Stump’s ever been associated with . . . the end result is a truly captivating, unapologetically positive experience.” – MTV

“The dog made me cry o.o”

“perfect editting–slow motion dog running on the most building part of the song~”

“I almost started to cry, that dog is just so beautiful!”

“I wish I had three legs too… “

“I’m not really sure why, but this video made me cry when it came to the German Shepherd.”

“When I saw that dog with no leg manage a leap I almost cried :’)”

“Thumbs up for the awesome three legged dog ”

Who knew that a girldog who started out abused and neglected on the mean streets of Oaktown could find such fame and glory with a beloved rock star like Patrick? Dreams do come true in Hollywood!

Be sure to tell everyone you know about the world’s newest Tripawd Rock Star, and get your Codie Rae-inspired Tripawd gear soon, before it sells out.

This is such a huge public awareness victory for the capabilities of three legged dogs everywhere. We’re so proud of Codie and are proud to say “we knew her when…”

Now, see if you can catch her and get her pawdograph . . .we’re betting it’ll be worth a million bones soon!

Date: Saturday, 02/26/2011
Time: 3:30 Pacific / 6:30 Eastern
Length: 30 min

Call-in Number: (310) 388-9739

Dr. Chretin will be taking your calls about the presentation and diagnosis of bone cancer in dogs and the various treatment protocols available.

We’ll also talk about the innovative bone marrow transplant program Dr. Chretin is leading, for dogs battling lymphoma.

Ask Your Questions Ahead of Time

Please post your questions for Dr. Chretin before Saturday, here in the Forums.

About Dr. Chretin

Dr. Chretin received his DVM from Colorado State University and completed an internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at North Carolina State University. Johnny then completed a 3 year residency in Oncology at Tufts University in 2002 prior to joining VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. His interests are in novel chemotherapeutics and strategies to minimize their toxicities. In addition, Dr. Chretin is heading up VCA West Los Angeles’ bone marrow transplant program for dogs which began treating patients last July.

Remember, ask your questions here in the Forums and we’ll be sure to ask the good doctor during Tripawd Talk Radio, this Saturday at 3:30 pm Pacific, 6:30 pEastern.

Disclaimer: Information provided at Tripawd Talk Radio and Tripawds.com is not a substitute for medical care by your personally selected, qualified veterinary professional. Always seek the advice of a licensed veterinarian prior to making any medical decisions or undergoing treatments or therapies, or if you have questions about your dog’s health. We advise against any medical decisions made without the direct involvement of your veterinary team. Tripawds.com is a project of Agreda Communications, which is not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any form of damages whatsoever resulting from the use (or misuse) of information contained in or implied by the information available at Tripawd Talk Radio or Tripawds.com.

Three Legged Dog Amputation Recovery Stories 1

Date: This Sunday, 02/20/2011

Time: 4:30 p.m. MT (3:30 Pacific / 6:30 Eastern)

Length: 30 min

Special Guests: jakesmom & maximutt

Call-in Number: (310) 388-9739

Mark your calendars for this Sunday and tune in live to meet jakesmom and maximutt! Learn about three-legged canine cancer heroes Max and Jake.

Call in with your questions or chat live during the show.

Please reply to this Discussion Forum topic with any questions you may have for our guests. We will post an audio archive of the program in this topic after the show.

This 30-minute Internet radio show brings you the latest information about canine amputation, recovery tips and bone cancer treatments.

The best part? You can call in to ask questions of our guests!

Tune in this Sunday, February 13 at 6:30 Eastern, 3:30 Pacific for our first show:

Meet the Mod Pawd: Episode 1

Tripawds Discussion Forum moderators cometdog and hugapitbull will join us.

Call in live during the show at (310) 388-9739 with your questions about hugapitbull’s Trouble, the amazing Pit Bull who’s beaten bone cancer for two years now. Or ask Spirit Comet about life as a Tripawd with a deformed limb and her favorite pasttime, Monkeydogs.

If you’re shy, you can also click here to post your questions for our guests.

Meet the Mod Pawd Episode #1

Sunday February 13, 2011

4:30 MT (3:30 Pacific 6:30 Eastern)

Duration 30 minutes

Call-in Number: (310) 388-9739

In upcoming shows, you’ll hear from more Tripawd members as well as veterinarians, specialists, rehabilitation therapists and oncologists who can answer your questions and share the latest developments in the three legged dog world. All shows will be archived for later listening.

What is Tripawd Talk Radio?

The show will be broadcast live on Saturdays or Sundays at 4:30 pm, depending on the availability of our special guests.

Our first show was a test show featuring Tripawds members Cooper, Fear the Ears and JakesMom. Click here to listen to us fumbling around our test episode.

Meanwhile, please tell us how you would like to see Tripawd Talk Radio evolve.

What kind of topics and what guests do you want to hear on the show?

Remember, join us this Sunday for a live show with members Spirit CometDog, who was a Tripawd from birth, and Hugapitbull, dog Mom to Trouble, who recently celebrated her two year mark of living with cancer!

Click here to visit The Tripawds Talk Radio Channel on Blog Talk Radio where can also listen to archived shows.

Trying to envision 10 year-old, 150 pound Cane Corso living life as a canine amputee while battling bone cancer, was difficult for Fortis’ vet to imagine.  He only gave Fortis a “4″ out of “10″ in rating him as a candidate for amputation.

But Fortis’ Dad, Brett, knew better. He knew that Fortis had the drive and enthusiasm to face any obstacle, head on and with dignity. “Fortis,” says Brett, “Is my hero, my best friend, and I love him more than words permit. He is a fighter for sure. . .”

Nearly one year later, Fortis has beaten the odds, despite a leg injury and even after lung mets were discovered.

Fortis celebrated his 11 month ampuversary yesterday.

On behalf of this entire community, we send our love and biggest hoppy dances out to Fortis in Austin, Texas!

How Fortis Fights Cancer

We asked Brett if he could share some of the facts surrounding Fortis’ diagnosis, treatments, and his overall philosophy for coping with bone cancer. Here’s what he had to say:

Type of cancer: Osteosarcoma

Diagnosed: 01/23/2010, right rear leg amputated on February 3, 2010.

Age: 10 yrs

Chemo Treatments? Chemo was not given mainly for two reasons. First, I wasn’t totally convinced of its effectiveness. Secondly, Fortis injured his remaining knee shortly after his surgery.

I was not going to put him through another surgery. I felt there was a high likelihood that his body would fail him before the cancer reappeared.

Of course, I was wrong and this hasn’t been the case. So now, I am left with wonder as to whether I made the right choice. I have really struggled with this subject. I go back and forth on how I feel about chemo. I’m not positive I even know for sure what I would decide today if the journey was just beginning.

Lung Mets Discovered: 08/13/2010

Medications: NSAID’s Rimadyl, Deramaxx, and Piroxicam, Fentanyl Patch and Tramadol (for post surgery pain relief), Zeniquin and Cephalexin (Antibiotics), Beano and Pepcid AC (for gas and upset stomach), Prednisolone (started on 09/03/2010 “lung met burst”). Accupunture and chiropractic treatments (monthly).

No side effects.

Fortis’ Diet and Supplements? Wellness Core Grain Free Kibbles (main diet), Wellness wellbites and biscuits, NB Beef log, raw meat (as snacks and treats), Glucosamine (Joints), K-9 Immunity, K9 Transfer Factor, K9 Omega (Initially were given)

What Do You Contribute Fortis’ Longevity To?

I suppose I would most contribute Fortis’ longevity to love, prayer and the stress free environment we have tried so hard to give him.

Secondly, early detection and the amputation. The amputation removed the main tumor and Fortis’ end would have surely come much earlier otherwise.

I also feel the chiropractic and acupuncture treatments have helped to keep him as mobile as possible.

Lastly, I feel an active lifestyle has greatly contributed to his longevity.

The consistent swimming, car rides, trips to the park, and outdoor time around the house has aided in weight control, muscle tone, and most importantly an energetic, alert and high spirited Fortis in my opinion!

Brett and Fortis’ Advice for Coping with Bone Cancer

My advice would be to educate yourself and your family as much as possible.

Tripawds is not only a great source of information but the compassion and support of this wonderful community will give you strength and comfort during the tough times.

Seek second opinions when possible and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Knowledge is your greatest defense against fear, guilt, and worry. Don’t let these emotions rob you of your joy and happiness. Remember, there are no right or wrong choices.