About
Jul 8th, 2011 by Charley's Mom
Woof! My name is Charley. I am a 3.5 year old male Chocolate Labrador Retriever. I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in my L proximal humerus on 10-21-10, when I was 2.5 years old. I had my L front leg and scapula amputated on 10-28-10, followed by 5 rounds of carboplatin chemotherapy spaced 3 weeks apart. I can do everything on 3 legs that I did on 4 legs and my amputation did not slow me down at all. I’m here to prove to others that it’s better to hop on three legs than to limp on four! I celebrated my 10 Month Ampiversary on 8-28-11.
Even though there is no cure for osteosarcoma, there is no need to just give up hope either. There are pups that live 2, 3, 4+ and even 7 years after diagnosis. Vets can’t make accurate predictions on how long an individual dog will survive. Vets can only give a prognosis based on statistics, which are only averages. No one knows exactly how long any of us will survive and I can guarantee that there is no expiration date stamped on the bottom of any pup’s paw either.
One thing I have learned from this unwanted OS journey is that our dogs live in the moment. Charley is still the same happy labby boy we knew before his amputation, only minus a leg. To be honest, there are days when my hubby and I forget he only has 3 legs.
Charley reminds us everyday that he is living with cancer, not dying from it and as Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Today is a gift. That is why we call it the present.”
Below is a link to a video of Charley playing in the snow, just 12 weeks post amputation of his L front leg. It is amazing to watch! He can do everything on 3 legs that he did with 4! Charley is our hero!!!
Tripaw Charley Playing in the Snow
I love seeing Charlie being as happy and free as any Labrador should. For Charlie it doesn’t matter if you have 3 legs or 4 there is still fun to be had.
Beat the beast Charlie.
Thank you Chris!!!
Love, hugs, and chocolate Labby kisses,
Ellen and Charley xoxo
Your story has been so encouraging for us. I was trying to find archived posts from when Charley went through the chemo. Our Jake starts the same regimen on Nov 11th. I was wondering if you could give me some insight on what that was like. I’m an oncology nurse so I know what to expect with humans, just would like to prepare myself with knowledge before hand. I like to be in control of things and this I cannot control but at least by mentally preparing I can breath a little easier. Thanks.
Thank you danicalynn78!!!
Love, hugs, and chocolate Labby kisses,
Ellen and Charley xoxo
I admire you and your husband for loving Charley, and supporting him through this awful journey. He is truly a beautiful dog and I hope and pray that things continue on the positive path.
My Dottie went through the chemo for her cancer. We knew when we started it that there was a chance it wouldn’t work, but there is always that chance it might. She had a rare form of cancer in her blood. Our Vet worked with the Cancer Center for Animals as apart of University of Miami. She did well with the chemo and actually went into remission, although it didn’t last long.
She truly was a trooper and there is a hole in my heart for her. I support the Canines for Cancer Organization and have come to learn only by getting cancer myself, that the treatments are very similar just differences in the quantity of the chemo infused. And if the research done on dogs and cats can find an answer then everyone benefit.
I was blessed to have such a wonderful dog in my life she has helped me to grow in many ways. Your Charley is beautiful and you can see his personality in his eyes. God Bless You, your family and that beautiful Charley.
Thank you Barbara!!!
Love, hugs, and chocolate Labby kisses,
Ellen and Charley xoxo
Hello thank you for your storey of Charlie. My 4 yr old Chesapeake bay retriever Zack was Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on his front left leg I had several oncologist look at him and his x Rays they recommended amputation and chemo. He had his amputation last Thursday he is doing ok he was very active yesterday and to he has been laying around . He is big 120lbs but he seems ok walking on his own but we are with him on a harness .i wasn’t sure if I could handle this but I am I love this dog so much I will do whatever I have to but I am scared of it all chemo is next It’s so painful to watch he’s been such a proud strong boy and so beautiful I feel like I ve screwed him up but I can’t just let him die.