John, I’m so sorry to learn about your Buck’s diagnosis. Unfortunately we’ve recently had similar cancer diagnoses take pups from us. While not the same form of cancer, in each case radical procedures were recommended. Looking back, I wish we had not opted for the most radical path. In both cases it took the precious hunting time from our dogs, and in the end did not give them what I’d call a good end of life. It’s hard not to want to save your pup and keep him with you as long as possible.
I will also relate that if you are convinced the amputation will save your pup and give you both quality time together, it could be a gift. We had a puppy lose his back lower leg at birth. He lived a good life and hunted the entirety of it.
My best to you and Buck…and thanks for sharing your article with us all.
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"Doubtless the good Lord could have made a better game bird than bobwhite, and better country to hunt him in...but equally doubtless, he never did." -- Guy de la Valdene (from A Handful of Feathers )
"'I promise you,' he said, 'on my word of honor, I won't die on the opening of the bird season.'" -- Robert Ruark (from The Old Man and the Boy)
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