Hi.

I haven't been to the site for a long time, as been enjoying my time with my Bearded Collie, Barney, and his life on 3 legs!

To update you all, Barney had histiocytic sarcoma in his front right leg (Feb 09) The leg fractured and was then amputated.

Barney made a great recovery from the operation and life on 3 legs was great. He was having lots of fun with a great quality of life!

He received chemo every 3 weeks to keep the disease under control, as there was still some cancer left at the amputation site, which had also spread to the lymph node.

We had to change from tablet chemo, to the injectable type, as the tablets were affecting his liver. This then caused his hair to fall out!!!! Quite rare for this to happen apparently and quite a shock when you're used to an extremely shaggy dog!!!

He did keep fur on his legs, ears, muzzle and the tip of his tail.......but he did look quite a 'scrap'....but soooooo cute!

Anyway, life was fine until last Thursday, when he developed some fast breathing during the night and was unable to get comfortable to sleep. He had an appointment the  next day to discuss the possibility  of radiation treatment.

The specialist we saw immediately took a chest xray of Barney and some blood tests. The results weren't good.......she showed us where the cancer had spread to his lungs and also he had some internal bleeding. My world stopped at that moment!

We took Barney home and decided that he should 'fall asleep' in his favourite place...the back of the estate car!!!!

He was very sleepy and I wished he would drift away, but we had to make the awful decision.........

The vet arrived and I held Barney in my arms whilst his life ebbed away.........he had no pain and no suffering.......he loved being a tripawd...loved his life and loved us as much as we loved him!

We don't regret having his leg removed....it's amazing how well dogs adjust and cope! He coped with the chemo well.....apart from the drastic hairloss!

There have been lots and lots of tears over the weekend, but Barney is now at peace and resting in a lovely sunny spot in the garden.

The bond between us was even stronger after the operation, which makes the loss very hard to bare, but we have many wonderful memories. Barney was a trooper...he fought the disease with great spirit........he died far too young at the age of 9.....but he was the best dog in the world and we're missing him so much.

Bless you Barney.....you will always be with us.

My thoughts are with any of you who have, or are experiencing similar situations.

Sue Wheatley UK