Chocolate Kisses

YAY!!!  YIPPEE!!!  WOO HOO!!!    HAPPY 1 YEAR AMPUVERSARY CHARLEY!!!

 

Just wanted to share some great news…one year ago today Charley became a tripawd!

 

Charley is doing great and he continues to amaze us everyday!  He does everything that he did on 4 legs with 3!  Since his amp, he has even figured out that he’s a lab and he loves to swim!

 

The day we were told that Charley had osteosarcoma, we were devastated…Charley had just received a death sentence at 2-1/2 years old.  But 8 months prior to Charley’s OSA diagnosis we were given a reprieve.

 

At 22 months, Charley began limping and we were told he had OSA at that point.  We saw an oncologist immediately and an aneursymal bone cyst (extremely rare) was diagnosed in his L mid-humerus via a fine needle aspirate.  We had follow up visits with the oncologist every 6-8 weeks and we watched the cyst resolve.  At what we thought was our last oncology visit, the oncologist saw something starting in his L proximal humerus which was diagnosed as OSA via a bone biopsy on 10-21-10.  His L front leg and scapula were amputated exactly one year ago today on 10-28-10.

 

When we were initially faced with the possibility of OSA in February 2010, I frantically started researching on the internet and everything that I found was grim and depressing….except for one thing…the BoneCancerDogs (BCD) Yahoo group!

 

BCD gave me a glimmer of hope!  A group of complete strangers, became my extended family and close friends, as well as my life-line and support when I needed it the most.  When Charley was first given a reprieve from OSA, I made a promise to myself that I would remain an active member of BCD to help others by sharing Charley’s story.

 

Then about 8 months later, my bubble burst and Charley was diagnosed with OSA.  It may sound strange, but I consider myself lucky.  I had 8 months of learning more about OSA from all of you and I was better prepared when we did receive the diagnosis.  I’ve kept my promise to myself and to Charley, by continuing to be an active member of BCD…it’s my way of paying it forward.

 

I celebrate with you when your pups are doing well.  I cry with you when your pups are struggling.  I grieve with you when another hero loses their fight.  Please give all of your pups some extra hugs and kisses from me….you are all always in my thoughts and prayers.

 

Charley being his handsome self:

 

Charley running like a bat out of hell (note how he face plants as he zooms around the landscaping and he doesn’t even slow down…he only has one speed…FAST):

 

GO CARDINALS!!!

Love, Hugs and Chocolate Kisses,
Ellen, Joe & Charley