Imagine the perfect dog

When Luna came to me, she could not walk far, was shaky on a leash, did not know how to eat out of a dish, was terrified and had mange and ear infections. The rescue agency was worried about her because she was so timid.

Imagine a dog who snuggles with you, walks like a champion, has perfect recall, has a glossy coat and shiny teeth. imagine a dog who plays with you AND puts away her toys. Imagine a dog who is perfectly socialized with people and other dogs...and for a bonus snuggles into you until you go to sleep..when she goes back to her own bed.

Imagine a dog who is so gentle when taking treats or food that you can barely even feel her lips.

That is what Luna, the puppy mill survivor from PawsRUs has become. How do you spell perfection? LUNA

Bubba the Tripawz. Pistorious take note

About three weeks ago, Bubba's right front leg was amputated. It became obvious to everyone that the soft tissue cancer was causing him agony. The vet was concerned due to his age 17 but his bloodtests were remarkable and so.

Three weeks later, Bubba has a faint scar, he walks the same distances he used to when he was well, his appetite has improved and he is a healthier, happier little soul.

Bubba hops at great speed and still insists on sniffing every tree and bush on our walks, much to Luna's chagrin!

Bubba is an example of perseverance. He makes people smile when they see him and they comment on his bravery and comportment. Bubba does not see himself as handicapped or challenged in any way. He is the Pistorious of dogs!

Bubbas fur is growing back nicely and he is anxious to get to a groomer to even his cut. At the moment, he is enduring barbering from me...not the best of options!

Luckily Bubba has very well developed rear leg muscles from all that walking and running I did with him. Couch potatos take note!

We love Bubba to death and if possible, even more now!

On Miracles

When you read about miracles, they are sometimes so unbelievable and dramatic that you imagine that they happen to other people, or are figments of imagination, luck and don't happen at all. Miracles are always larger than life but in my life I am living with a miracle. The miracle comes in the form of a little white dog who has given so much joy to others as a therapy dog and has healed so many broken hearts and brought light where there was none to his Alzheimers patients. I am speaking about Bubba.

Bubba is 17 years old and was diagnosed with a virulent soft tissue cancer in his right paw. It was clear he was agonizing and suffering and the tumour was partially removed. It came back with a vengeance and Bubba's suffering increased.

I came home from a bike trip to see his paw triple the size and the poor soul agonizing. He was refusing his meals and nothing gave him joy, he no longer wanted to go for walks.

My vet recommended ending his life but also advised that if the leg was amputated it would be a cure..but he is 17. Younger dogs can recover very well, but I was warned this is a very major surgery. When I agreed to the surgery I don't think they expected very much. As I left him at the vets office, Bubba looked back at me and I left in tears thinking I may not see my little friend alive again. I was torn with guilt and remorse..why had I not seen it sooner? Did I make the right decision?

To be fair, I thought the tumour would not progress with such speed but once it regrew and burst when he was at the groomers I knew I had no choice.

Two weeks ago Bubba was amputated. He runs, eats prodigiously, is happy and no longer refuses his walks. The vet is amazed and so am I,

Yesterday Bubba returned to the St. Paul market and spoke with his favourite vendors all of whom were pleased to see him as they knew of his surgery. I don't think anyone expected him to do so well. Bubba wears a shirt while his hair is growing to conceal his scar. Cyril seems to think that once I put a little golf shirt on Bubba, he felt better as his dignity was restored.

Today Bubba attended his friend Ludmilla's 92nd birthday party. He had white chocolate, cookies, lots of water and then blissfully slept while we sipped dubonet and toasted Ludmilla. Bubba had often visited Ludmilla but for the past year had more bad days than good.

I called this blog a miracle story and yes, I do think this is a miracle. Bubba defied all odds and all norms. We prayed for Bubba and I believe God listened to the wishes of our little furry friend. Bubba hops with great speed and enjoys the grass and truly wants to do marathons but I stop him. He sports a shirt or a soft sweater and is surrounded by love and prayer. Do miracles happen? I think they do.

Life as an amputee

On Thursday August 30th I had my leg removed. My right front leg. It had a soft tissue tumour that kept regrowing and making me sick. I knew the cure was removal.

It is very tiring to hop around on one leg. I am recovering at home, being spoiled and my mother has cancelled her major bike excursions. Not sure about the day trips though. I still enjoy my food and my car rides and life has not changed much except that I have three legs.

In a way, there is not a lot of difference because my paw was causing me so much problem that I am better off without it. I have learned how to balance, do stairs but no jumping at least not yet. I am told I need bed rest for 10 days and today was the first day I have taken that advice and am, in fact resting.

I think I will use my disability to raise awareness for canine cancer and perhaps do some fundraising, A walk for Tripawz (thats what they call us).