Thanks much for the tips, both in what to do and how conservative to be. As we reduce her meds, she seems more alert and happy, but in no rush to be active. Like I said, I'm looking for static games. She eats lying down, even when she had four legs. So, I wonder if that food bowl would be a fun thing to start with (it probably wouldn't arrive until after her staples come out next week, anyway).

One of our local pet PTs has her coming in for a visit on 12/27. They want to give her extra healing time before seeing her. At some point, I might take her to a pet PT pool nearby. How well do front leg amputees do with swimming?

She lost her leg to osteosarcoma. The doctors (who get great reviews and seem to be living up their reputation) say it's a pretty aggressive cancer. Luckily, X-rays showed no sign of it in the lungs. I think the biopsy showed nothing in her lymph nodes, but I'm double checking that. We're planning on giving chemo a try and see how she takes to it.

There is even an NIH-sponsored test that she can participate in following the chemo. She would get injected with a weakened version of a nasty bacteria. The proteins in it are similar to those in osteosarcoma. So, her body builds antibodies that attack both and hopefully buy her more time. The problem is that even with reduced strength, it makes the dogs feel pretty miserable for a while. So, we'll see about that. I suspect it will depend on how everything leading up to that appears to be going. If anyone wants info on the test, I'm happy to share.

I didn't want a pet. When my wife announced she was bringing home an Aussie pup, all of our friends and I announced how crazy she was to do so. We live in a city, albeit a dog-friendly one, and are busy much of the time with our very small business. Nevertheless, Samba has turned out to be a great family pet and a wonderful friend with a joyously rich personality. And, for an Aussie, she is calm. Her big pleasure is being with us. After that everything is gravy and she makes it fun.

We are doing all we know to do to enrich her life. And I hope to learn more from you guys.

Thanks again for all that help!

Gary

It's now nine weeks post surgery. She's coming back fabulously. She insists on playing. She does a great job at PT and loves doing her exercises at home (well, a bazillion treats going with it might explain some of that). Today, she insisted on going what was our standard long walk around our neighborhood. I cut it very short. There's no way she would have made it. But, it's a joy seeing that spunk.

Here's a video of her playing. At this point we had been at it a while. I love how she was still a working dog. But, expressed her limit.

Gary

Thanks, Jackie. But, she is a great dog. She's doing the work. It's easy for for me to do my part since she is such a joy to live with.