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).

Bubba is sick

I have cancer, soft tissue cancer that will mean I will lose my right front paw or leg. I am worried about limping a lot and losing my energy. Oddly despite being 17 years old, my blood work shows that I am 5. I am a good candidate for surgery but I worry.

I worry that I will lose my balance. I would not mind having a wooden leg to help my balance. I am healthy but this horrible tumour keeps coming back. Cancer really must be beaten!

Bubba the fall of a titan

To the outside observer, I look like a dog. I have a tail, four legs and I bark but my soul is that of a King. I was a therapy dog..and made people talk...I could sense their needs and my calm demeanour and soulful eyes calmed many a furtive spirit.

I adopted my mother Karine and love her dearly. In fact, she went away on a bike trip and I appeared to her in a dream telling her I was not well and in trouble.

I am in trouble. I have cancer on my paw and it is virulent and aggressive. When she came home, it had exploded to the point where it was pushing against all my wrist joints I was in agony. It has been scraped clean and I am on antibiotics but it will come back.

I have the heart of a lion and the soul of a King...I see where others do not see and feel what they cannot feel...and yet I am afraid that my days of treading the soft grass in my backyard are drawing to a close.

My mother has cancelled an overnight bike ride for a charity because she knows I need her. Just to be close and just to be near her is what I need..to be surrounded by love.

To the outside observer, with an untrained eye, I look like a dog but I am Bubba.

LUNA in June

Hi...well I came to Wingate on January 1st, a pretty terrified little dog. Now it is mid June and let me tell you...

I dance with joy, I spin, I jump...I play with my toys. I love walks and homemade food and I sleep on the bed with Bubba, Karine and Cyril.

I have developed a very sunny and exuberant personality...and man can I bark! I can bark with the best of them!

In the morning after breakfast and apples, I get some toast and then a walk. I love walks...and I have become an expert off leash walker as well as an expert in running. I can keep pace with my mother, slow or medium..when I really run though, really she cant keep up with me.

My health problems are finally over. I had ear infections, an eye problem and mange..but that is all in the past. I have a regular groomer, favourite foods, loads of toys and LOVE to cuddle.

I am a very snuggly little dog!

Luna

Christmas Choral Music

Christmas Choral Music

Hi Folks,
I have discovered soundcloud...wow. This is a beautiful collection of music. I know we are dogs, but still we love this stuff and hope you do as well!

Bubba and Luna