Greetings everyone, 

In light of Thanksgiving this week, I wanted to share our experience with Rico's leg amputation and battle with osteosarcoma. It is a tradition in my family to share messages of thanks during this time. So I wanted to say how incredibly grateful to the Tripawds site and this community. 

Rico was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on June 23, 2020. His left front leg was amputated on June 30, 2020. He underwent secondary treatment but unfortunately his cancer metastasized into a subcutaneous lump... this was removed with surgery on October 1, 2020. We found out earlier this month that there are two suspicious lung mets... we will go for another scan the first week of December to see what is going on with these and if there is any additional action that we can take. 

Rico has had a tough time, especially given the metastasis. The past five months of our cancer journey has been incredibly difficult, deflating, and heartbreaking. To see your best friend and family member go through something so painful and life-altering, is very hard to deal with. We have tried to change everything in our life possible to make his life easier and more fun. 

However, I want to send a message of hope. In the first few weeks after his amputation, I never would have believed that Rico would be able to run, jump and play like he used to. I would see pictures and read stories on this site and think they were anomalies. But, low and behold, given some time, and patience, Rico's personality and energy and movement returned. He can now run pretty fast on three legs, and still can chase the squirrels in the park. Of course, we will never be able to do our long hikes on the AT again. He looses his balance from time to time, and gets frustrated about not being able to do everything he wants to do. But, watching him recover and adapt has been amazing. Your dog will amaze you too. They do not want cancer or an amputation to ruin their lives. They are not preoccupied about the future, or the past, but about living in the now - "Be More Dog ." It has been unbelievable to see this transformation. It is a good lesson for us too. 

I have been very grateful to this site and this community because it has been here for me during some of my darkest moments, and will be there as we confront more in the future. I do not participate much, but it is helpful to read the posts and learn that I am not alone. As well, it has reinforced to me the importance of being there to support my dog on this new journey - to advocate for them, fight for them, and most of all - encourage them along. I hope that we continue to have more memories with Rico along the way, and most of all I hope we are able to find a cure for osteosarcoma. In the meantime, I am thankful for what moments we have had with Rico, and also to this site and this community for supporting one another through such difficult circumstances. 

Happy Thanksgiving, and please hug your pets tightly and let them know how much they mean to you. 

Sam and Rico