WOW!…that is the first word that comes to my mind thinking that Maggie is 3
years post amputation for cancer. What a fighter you are Maggie!
Before amputation, Maggie was my first agility dog…
The Spring of 2009, she was retired from agility due to a nagging lameness issue
that took 4 vets to figure out the final diagnosis….
October 12, 2009: Maggie was seen by Dr. Chris Miles at Lucerne Vet Clinic
and was diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma tumor on her left knee with a
high mitotic rate(Grade III). Specific STS undetermined after several stains.
October 20, 2009: Amputation was performed by Dr. Miles getting 10 cm. of
clear margins by amputating to the hip.
My treatment of choice for Maggie has been homeopathy with Dr. Charlie Loops.
http://www.charlesloopsdvm.com/ . He has had her casesince December 2009.
She is on three remedies: Carcinosin, Lapis and Semp T.
She is also on K9Immunity Plus, Canine Wellness Blend and Canine Joint Works blend.
This year, I have added CoQ10 and milk thistle to her supplements as she has
a slight heart murmur and milk thistle for her liver.
Maggie retired from agility in 2009 but she has still been in the competition ring
since amputation! Icing on the cake in my mind!
So far, she has earned her APDT Rally-O
titles of RL1, RL2, RL3, RLVX2 – with Awards of Excellence, I might add!
She has also been competing in a new venue called Wag It Games and is in the
Heart Dog Program, designed for disabled dogs, where she has earned the titles of
WAG1S & WAG2S Heart Dog, WAG1O & WAG2O Heart Dog, WAG1SNIFF Heart Dog!
But beyond the competing, of which she has not done a whole lot of,
Maggie has been hanging out being a “dog”…a great dog,
a great Tripawd dog!
“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get back up” ~ Vince Lombardi
We go for short walks, of which she LOVES sniffing and meandering along..
I do have her work on balance domes/discs to keep her core strong – 3 times per
week, 5 minute sessions, of which she LOVES as she gets LOTS of treats for it 🙂
I am amazed at how much these sessions have helped with her stamina level.
So, all in all, life after four legs, has been good for Maggie so far! She’s had her
up’s and down’s – like slick surfaces scare her, so she needs help in those
situations or help getting into cars…but par for the course I guess!
We are so VERY happy Maggie is still here with us!
So, now for a huge celebration!
We went for a walk at Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge in Limestone, Maine, a couple hours from where we live.
Maggie ROCKED the walk – having the best time and showing how strong she is going up and down a few hills.
Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge
October 2012
And then a snack for her ampuversary!
Then did some playing around acting all crazy 🙂 I LOVE it when she acts like this!
It’s really kinda hard to believe that three years have zoomed by so fast.
One of the things I have learned through Maggie’s amputation
and living with an amputee, is that you take life one step at a time as best you can.
Stop and enjoy the moments, no
matter how ‘simple’ those moments may be…
taking a walk with your dog or just
just watching them sleep…makes me smile….
Here’s to you, Maggie! You’re a trooper my “pretty girl”!
Tracy
You go girl !
Congratulations.
The teamwork and deadication the two of you have to each other is very evident.
Woodie wants to know when he and Maggie can go for a walk together again?
Lovely tribute to a remarkable dog (and dedicated mom!)
Congratulations to you and your family!
3 years?!?!?! Wow!!!!! Maggie, can you get any more awesome than you already are? Probably!!!!! You are an amazing girl Maggie, and you really know how to kick cancer’s butt!! Keep it up lady!!!
You know- she looks really good and sophisticated with that touch of grey around her eyes.
You will always be my very (second) favorite left rear amp tripawd Maggie!!
I can hear my Maggie saying “damn girl, take a nap for once!”
You guys rock.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Happy Three Years Cruisin’ on Three Maggie!! What a beautiful girl you are. Here’s to many more to come! Treats for everyone!
All our Best,
Suzie and TWP Rizzo
3 years….where does time go???? What can I say except true to Maggie form, she does just what she wants and that is to keep on keep’n on! GO MAGS! XOXOXOXO Auntie Gina
You are a remarkable twosome. Maggie is so fortunate to have such a person to help her on her path. You are both great inspirations for all of us. Many more years of being silly to Maggie!!!
Here’s to you indeed! Maggie, it just makes our hearts sing to see you looking so puppy-like and crazy! I can’t even begin to express how much your journey has meant to us personally and to this community.
You are the role model of what is possible after life after amputation. You embody all that is possible once a pawrent commits to a fitness program and healthy eating. You show all of us that a Tripawd can be mature, strong, and gorgeous.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for allowing us to be a part of your journey, for sharing it with us step by step, hop by hop.
Cheers to you my friend, we love you! Hoppy Ampuversary!
(P.S. Tracy this has got to be one of my favorite tribute posts ever, thank you!)
Thank you everyone!! I’m so happy for Maggie! She’s the best 🙂
And Jerry…you make me shed a tear by your post! XOXO
Tracy
Wow – three years is so amazing! Keep up the good work, Maggie! You’re an inspiration!
Jackie
Yeah Maggie!!! WOW!!!! Happy Hoppy 3 years! You are one amazing girlie!!!! So happy for you and your Mom. Inspawrational!!!!!!!!!
Keep up the good work! We don’t know what we would have done without you both to help us through our journey!
Woofs, wags and lots of love,
Nancy & Butchey & the Fam
Awe, thanks Nancy!!! That makes me weepy eyed!! I’m so happy I could help you and others! Paying it forward! It feels good to do so!
I’ve been helping another person right now from Ontario whose dog just got amputated and having a TOUGH time right now 🙁
Tracy