I can't describe how much help & comfort this website has been to my family since last week.  Our precious 9+ year-old Doberman, Cosmo, is due to have his right hind leg amputated this Wed.  We wouldn't have been able to make our decision without the help of this website.  Cosmo first showed typical signs of arthritis-slowly lying down & rising w/some difficulty. We took him to the vet for that.  Shortly afterwards, it was a noticeable limp. We took him to the vet for that, only to discover that he has a blood disorder that would jeopardize his life during surgery.  So, Cosmo underwent 11 sessions of physical therapy-but with no improvement. His leg was showing growing signs of atrophy. So, back to the vet we went, only to be sent to a surgeon specialist. It didn't take her long to diagnose cancer-either bone or in the knee capsule (the lesser of the 2 evils). We're slowly getting over the diagnosis shock.  An (expensive) biopsy wouldn't necessarily offer positive proof of which type of cancer, and why put Cosmo through 2 risky sugeries? So, thanks to the info from this website we made an appointment to talk to the oncologist prior to surgery on Wed. This facility is wonderfully equipped-including a blood supply & coagulant meds) & staffed by a well-trained, compassionate staff.  We're encouraged by your many thoughts and recovery descriptions of your beloved dogs. Cosmo & Zoey (8 yrs.-old) are our 2nd set of Dobes, & based on our first set, we're prepared to enjoy their loyal company for at least another 3-4 years!

Again thanks,

Lillian, Art, & Cosmo