It's been a while since we posted an update on Barney, so I thought it only appropriate that I share this happy occasion with all of our fellow tripawds.  On Valentine's Day 2008, our 5 year old yellow lab, Barney, became a tripawd due to a soft tissue cancerous mass which was wrapped around his right front shoulder. The biopsy results revealed markers for histiocytic sarcoma, and the docs gave a 6 month prognosis - even with chemotherapy. After the front-leg amputation, we proceeded with 5 rounds of Doxorubicin (aka Adriamycin) at two weeks intervals, all of which Barney sailed through without much problem except for some lethargy and a bit of vomiting. After completing the IV chemotherapy, Barney's oncologist here in Houston recommended he start on the Metronomic Protocol for "maintenance", so we've been doing that since June.  We've had a lovely, very special summer and fall with our cancer hero, although we did have an unwelcomed visit by Hurricane Ike. We took a few road trips with Barney and his brother, Floyd, and we've had lots of opportunities for just enjoying time together. He's slower than he used to be, tires out more easily when he walks, and he's definitely more affected by the heat and humidity since the chemo, but overall he's doing great and we're so grateful for each and every day with this beautiful boy.  I will tell you though, that he's still quite spry when it comes to running toward the kitchen when he hear a bag rattling, or a cooking pot coming out of the cabinet.  His ability to steal food off of the counter has not been diminished either!

Barney's last check up at the oncologist was in September where his abdominal ultrasound was clear, and although there were some bronchial changes present, lung x-rays were negative for visible metastasis.  We'll repeat lung x-rays and ab ultrasound in December, and we pray for another good check up at that time and hope that those bronchial changes don't develop into anything of concern.

Barney greets each and every day on 3 legs with absolute joy and enthusiasm.  We have learned so much from him, as well as from our friends Spirit Dog Jerry, Spirit Lalla, Kellie, Darcy and countless others on this site about seizing the day and cherishing our time together.  We send hugs and love to all of you - what a blessing you all have been in our lives with your warm, compassionate, informative and supportive posts to us, and to one another.

With much love and joy,

Barney B , his mom, Linda 

and the rest of the Baldwin Pack - Bob, Leann, and Floyd 

Happy, Hoppy Ampuversary to ME!