Bear was born 2/4/93. I brought him home when he was 6 wks old and he already weighed 8#. He looked just like a bear cub, hence the name. Even though he is 97# post amputation, he still thinks he is Mommy's lap dog. If you sit on the floor, you are fair game!
Bear was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on 4/12/00 and lost his left hind leg on 4/20/00. The loss of the leg barely disrupted his life, he was so happy to have the pain gone. Due to his size and the miserable St. Louis summers, he has some bad days but mostly he hasn't slowed down at all. Chest x-ray was clear at 3 months post-op and we are praying the supplements will keep him healthy and happy for as long as he wishes to hop around on 3 legs.
Bear is my best friend and an inspiration to me. Whenever I start to feel sorry for myself, I just look in those big brown eyes that never complain and get myself back on track.
UPDATE: I just wanted to let everyone know Bear reached his one-year anniversary post amputation on 4/20/01. He is doing great but did trip going down the steps and twisted his left front leg. We are trying to keep him quiet but he is such a busy body!
Tonight I could tell that his right front leg was also hurting him due to all the weight he was putting on it. I consulted with his surgeon and decided that pain management was very temporary and radiation would entail me leaving him at the University 2 hours away.
I promised Bear I would not let him suffer with pain every again so I looked into his eyes and told him it was all right to go. I will miss him terribly.
Please let everyone know there is a new angel waiting at the Bridge.
Click here to write to Bear's family
