While convalescing at home he enjoyed loads of attention and high-protein meals. He spent much of his days reclining on his bed dreaming of chasing rabbits (he actually moves his legs and woofs when he dreams). I imagine that in his dreams he still has four legs. Several times I questioned my decision when I saw him struggle to get to his feet. That was hard to watch.

About 2 weeks after his surgery, he was gaining weight and seemed to be very comfortable. We started taking short walks. Each day his steadiness and stamina improved as passing drivers did double-takes. The day I saw him run through the meadow in front of our house I knew I had made the right decision. That was beautiful to watch.

He ran effortlessly, not caring about his limb deficiency, oblivious to the cancer lurking in the shadows. This dog lives to go for runs in the meadow, read his pee-mail, and reply as many times as possible along the way.

He does not mourn the loss of his leg. He lives for today and makes the most of every walk we take. He does not ponder when the last walk will come, and he does not complain that he can’t run fast enough to catch a squirrel anymore.

I wonder if I would be so accepting of my fate and so perseverant in my recovery. I’ll try not to complain about my squirrel-catching ability.

Be happy.

Dr. Baehren lives in Ottawa Hills, Ohio. He practices emergency medicine and is an assistant professor at the University of Toledo (Ohio) Medical Center. Your feedback is welcome at David.Baehren@utoledo.edu.