Author: otisandtess

Otis, an 8 year old 106 lb. lab/Dane mix, became a Tripawd on February 9, 2016 after his right front leg broke due to osteosarcoma. We did 4 rounds of carboplatin, but lung mets were discovered on Agust 25, and he passed on September 4. Otis was half of a bonded pair, and his adopted sister Tess, passed suddenly of hemangiosarcoma on October 9. The day before Tess passed, a local lab rescue group had identfied Gator, a 120 pound 6 year old yellow in need of a home, as a potential companion for her. His picture was on my phone, and my house needed a dog. . .

Lab Fest and How to Get Treats!

No, your eyes do not deceive you. There are three black lab mixes in this picture. We call it a Lab Fest. I went on a business trip, and Tess and Otis spent the time with my ex and his one year old lab Stella.
No, your eyes do not deceive you. There are three black dogs in this picture. We call it a Lab Fest. I went on a business trip, and Tess and Otis spent the time with my ex and his one year old lab Stella.
IMG_3954
Otis and Enzo, his cat brother (who actually really thinks he is a dog – he is my ex’s cat, but moved back in because he wasn’t happy without Otis and Tess).
I took Otis to a neighborhood pet store that opened near our house. I wanted him to have a nice outing in the car that didn't involve the vet. But he discovered something even better - Tripawds in a pet store get smothered in attention and TREATS. And, when the word cancer is mentioned, the Tripawd gets even more TREATS and lots of free samples!
I took Otis to a new pet store that opened near our house. I wanted him to have a nice outing in the car that didn’t involve the vet. But he discovered something even better – Tripawds in a pet store get smothered in attention and TREATS. And, when the word cancer is mentioned, the Tripawd gets even more TREATS and lots of free samples!

Lots to Celebrate Today – Otis’ 5th Month Ampuversary

Big day today!   Not only is it Otis’ 5 month ampuversary, but both dogs have their check-ups with our family vet.   At one point, I didn’t think Otis would be around to have another annual check-up.   But even better, I had noticed a lump on Tess’ chest, and it turns out to be nothing more than a typical lab fatty lymphoma (sp?).   So, Otis is doing great, and Tess is doing great.   What a great day!

IMG_3778

I love this dog!
I love this dog!

 

Lots of naps, but we did that before the amputation too!
Lots of naps, but we did that before the amputation too!
Lots of our walks look like this. . .House 5 again.
Lots of our walks look like this. . .House 5 again.

IMG_3774

Otis and Tess – A New Normal

It's been a challenge to find the right amount of stimulation to keep him Otis active and engaged, without overdoing it. I bought them each a Kong, and got such a kick out of his one legged contortions to get to it. The good news, he doesn't seem to be able to rip it without the leverage of the other foot. And yes, the second Kong in the picture was supposed to be for Tess.
It’s been a challenge to find the right amount of stimulation to keep  Otis active and engaged, without overdoing it. I bought them each a Kong, and got such a kick out of his one legged contortions to get to it. The good news, he doesn’t seem to be able to rip it without the leverage of the other foot. And yes, the second Kong in the picture was supposed to be for Tess.
House 5 - How do we get away with calling this a walk??? But in all honesty, when he is upside down, he seems so happy and relaxed.
House 5 – How do we get away with calling this a walk??? But in all honesty, when he is upside down, he seems so happy and relaxed.
Eating a bully stick - another thing he had to figure out!
Eating a bully stick – another thing he had to figure out!
Hanging around in the sun the afternoon after our oncology check-up. I was reading a book outside, and Otis and Tess just could not be left indoors.
Hanging around in the sun the afternoon after our oncology check-up. I was reading a book outside, and Otis and Tess just could not be left indoors.