Aren't I a handsome dude!!  My name is Bubba Dean.  And yes, I have 3 legs but I love life!

My grandma tells my story the best so I will sit back and chew on a few bones while she writes: 

Fourteen months ago changed Bubba's life.  Bubba loved nature and he would chase everything and would dig attempting to get to the middle of the earth.  Until.... Bubba seemed to be limping.  Bubba visited his doctor several times attempting to figure what was going on.  Bubba never would express what was causing the limp.  Tough as always!!!

Bubba visited his favorite surgeon's office.  He went through a battery of tests and still Bubba would not express any pain.  We could x-ray, but x-ray what?  We would wait a week and try again.  Finally, Bubba reacted and his surgeon knew the area to focus on.  X-rays taken and the news was not good - bone cancer.  Bubba was 5 years old and why?  Why Bubba, a dog that was part of a lot of people's life?  Bubba being a big boy was a concern in determining what direction should we consider.  Also, because he is a bulldog, the heavy chest was a concern.  Our decision was to remove the bone (ulna) that had the cancer. 

Brave does not decribe Bubba!!  The surgery went well and he seemed to recoup very well.  Bubba's surgeon suggested that we consider chemotherapy.  Within a week, we were at the oncologist.  Bubba had enough with needles and doctors to this point, but he always toughed it out and was glad to get out the office knowing that a double cheeseburger would be available.  Yes, chemotherapy was the route we would go.  Bubba would have a treatment every 3 weeks for a total of 5 treatments.  Concerned we were but Bubba handle each treatment fine and was ready - yes for the hamburger!!!

Mid-way through the chemotherpy treatments the oncologist told us that Bubba was handling it well but felt that Bubba would 'love' life more if we would consider amputation.  The cancerous limb was a burden and the oncologist was evaluating him and felt that Bubba would do fine on 3 legs.  This was a huge decision!  Bubba was a champ and deserved what would be best.  This was difficult and we all did not agree.  But Bubba made his own decision, he wanted to run and play.  Surgery was scheduled. 

Wow, but I will tell you that he was able to run and play with his buddy, Bruno.  They would wrestle and chew sticks together which was becoming a problem.  Bubba was loving life!! 

This did not end our worries.  Bone cancern can reappear....  That could not happen to a dog that was a great trooper and was loved by everyone.  Bubba was tough and never thought twice if he wanted to do something!!!

Yes, it did!!  April 2009, we found out that Bubba had lung cancer.  I cant tell you how I felt, but my concern was how Bubba was doing health wise.  I never thought cancer would reappeared.  In no way was it apparent!  He was full of energy, life, and aspiration to everyone that saw him.  

May 2009, Bubba walked over that 'rainbow' bridge. 

I cant tell you the outrageous of mail, flowers, emails, etc. that we have gotten.  Bubba was always had the head of the pack. Loved by all and always showed the courage of the best.  He was the 'best' and this disease does not know any different and hits everything!  

Bubba will be a legacy for ever because of his strength, vigor, and never allowing the disease to impact him from being our best companion and love......