Peda is a 10 year old Shar-pei / Akita who astounds and inspires everyone she meets.

She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma when she was 9 and a half years old. Her left front leg was amputated on 11 July 2012. We are almost at her 8 months ampuversary and are very hopeful of many more to come.

I cannot pretend it has been easy - the last 9 months have been unbelievable and not something I would wish on anyone. But when I feel myself faltering, I look at her - just being a dog! Whether it is chasing the naughty kitten or hoping after the ball or sunning herself in the backyard, I know that she is happy.

Peda has had a number of medical challenges throughout her many years but has always just kept going. At 6 months of age she battled parvo (she was fully vaccinated). She has had kidney problems and many immune-system issues and a run-in with suspected MAST cell tumour. However throughout it all, she has remained happy and gentle and full of life.

She now has significant arthritis which means we take things a bit slower these days. However, I have no doubt in my mind that allowing Peda to become a brave tripawd warrior in July 2012 has meant she is still with us now.

Let us all celebrate Tripawds awareness day! We have many things to learn from our brave tripawd warriors, including how to be more 'dog'.

Peda continues to inspire all those who meet her and shows that there is fantastic quality of life for senior dogs battling cancer.

I've included a few of my favourite pics of Peda.

(One week post-surgery)

(Look mum, three paws ... oh ... wait ... two paws!!)

Congratulations and my heartfelt thanks to the founders and members of Tripawds.com for inspiring and supporting many pawrents across the globe who are faced with such stressful times.