Newly married and signing the papers to our first mortgage, we knew two things: (1) we were broke and (2) we had to get a dog!
We picked out Bubba from a litter of 8. He was the quiet one sleeping in the corner alone. What a trick! He is brindle with very little white coloring – a beautiful Boxer. The white on the tips of his toes and the bottom of his chin sold me! He had his name – Bubba – long before we ever saw his face. We had always talked about ‘Bubba’ being a great name for a Boxer. In our new, empty house, we sat and counted our pocket change (stored in a giant Coke bottle) and bought our Bubba.
He is our first baby. In 2004, Joseph came along. In 2006, Matthew came along and in 2008, Amanda joined our family. I tell my kids that Bubba is very special to all of us. For me, Joseph, Matthew and Amanda, Bubba is our first dog EVER! And, for my husband and I, he is “our” first dog together. He made our house a home.
Bubba is more than a dog to me; he is my dream come true! When I was a little girl, I always wanted a dog. Not just any dog….a dog that loved me as much as I loved him. I wanted a dog that went everywhere with me, laid by my side, did tricks for treats, etc. Bubba is that dog.
When my days are long and the stress of a full time life with jobs, kids, home, school, etc gets the better of me, I look to Bubba to find peace. He reminds me that dreams are worth the wait. I waited 23 years to have him and I would keep him for the rest of my life if it was an option!
It’s been a rough 2 years as Bubba battles cancer. Cancer is something I know a little bit about…I am a Radiation Therapist. One thing I’ve learned is that dogs aren’t that different than people, when it comes to the treatment of cancer. I have had a hard time dealing with his diagnosis. I am not ready to let him go….and I know, he’s not ready to let us go either.
Deciding to amputate has been both relieving (in knowing that the tumor is finally gone forever!) and sad. It has only been one week since his left front leg was amputated and it is a rough start to tripodism. I will do whatever I need to do to keep my mind positive and focused on recovery for Bubba. He is my dream come true!
The first few weeks after amputation are rough!! Our Max didn’t seem back to “normal” until the fourth week after amp. It just takes time. Try not to stress too much, try to stay positive. You’ll see your true boy again, it may just take a little time. He’s on a lot of meds that can make him loopy. Sending positive thoughts your way.
What a wonderful story! Bubba does sound like the perfect dog.
It’s not easy in the beginning of being a tripawd, but Bubba will be back to his old self soon.
Please feel free to join us on the forums if you’d like to share your story since more folks are there. http://tripawds.com/forums/
Lots of healing wishes to Bubba!
Thanks everyone for reading my story! I am grateful for the encouraging words and support. I am still learning the in’s and out’s of forums, blogging, etc! I will definitely check out the forums to connect with more of the Tripawds community. Thanks!
Great story of how Bubba came to be a member of your family! Hang in there. Some folks have a rougher recovery to deal with than others, but hopefully he will be healed up and happy and hoppy soon! He will amaze and inspire you and it won’t be sad, it will be wonderful!
Jackie
I’m so glad you’re blogging about all of this! And I am so relieved to hear Bubba is home the family.
I can post the video I shot to YouTube so you can use it here. You’re also welcome to use any photos I took.
You may be a radiation therapist, but you could’ve been a writer. Excellent work on the blog posts!
Bubba has been special from day !
Well, hello family! It is so cool of you all to visit my Bubba-Luv site!
Bubba loves you all! It warms my heart every time you come over and he goes nuts for you guys. I admit…I get a little jealous when he chooses your lap over mine!
Awwwww that is such a cute story!!! I wish bubba the best! 🙂 🙂 🙂
GOOD LUCK BUBBA!!!!!!