Abby is my party girl - loves everyone and has to greet each and every person, especially children, on the beach. (Below, following surgery with left front leg removed)

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We first noticed a lump on her left front leg and when we got it checked out we found out it was cancer.  We were faced with amputation, surgery to remove the growth followed by radiation treatment or putting her down.  Abby was nine, a big girl, some arthritis in her hind quarters and our finances aren't unlimited.  While researching and talking over the options our vet called to tell us about a clinical trial we might qualify for.  The hospital participating is a ferry ride from where we live but we decided to go for it!

Abby was accepted into the trial and we began our journey; commuting back and forth for treatments and check-ups.  Ultimately the growth got smaller but then grew again following the trial.  It was worth a try but we found ourselves back to making a decision but at this point the surgery to remove the growth was off the table since it was now bigger and because of the location it was not an option.  We had to choose between amputation and putting her down.

I was for amputation - no questions, but others, including her breeder, didn't think she would have a good quality of life and favored putting her down.

We went forward with the amputation and it was the best decision ever.  Because she is a big girl and we have steps to get to our house, she had no choice, from the first day home, but to walk and go up and down steps.

Did I mention she has a housemate - at that time Dillon was just over a year old and thrilled to have Abby back home and didn't give her much grace time to get back to playing!

I had read about all the equipment and high bowls, etc to make Abby's life easier but we soon gave everything away.  Abby adapted quickly and now runs, swims and jumps in and out of the car . . . with a running start

Today, less than a full year, Abby gets no special attention or slack from Dillon or anyone else.  She is amazing and doing well.  

One of the best decisions I ever made - still have my party girl and she is enjoying GREAT quality of life!