Bandit Bartelloni's Page

Weight: 145
Breed: Bernese Mountain Dog
Age when diagnosed: 5

Tumors:

Bandit Bartelloni

On August 25th 2000 three beautiful male puppies came into our lives. We had no idea at that time how much they would change us or how much we would learn from them. They stole our hearts. Little did we know what was in store for us. Our boys continued to grow strong & happy and as they developed into adult companions they offered us their never ending devotion, loyalty and unconditional love.

In July of 2005 we noticed that Bandit had a lump and was limping slightly. We immediately got him to Dr Marks, our DVM and the nightmare began. After the confirmation of osteosarcoma we began researching trying to decide the best course of action. After several meetings with Dr Marks we came to a decision. Because of Bandit’s size and the difficulty he had getting up from a laying position we decided to travel to CSU to have limb spare surgery. I had read & heard so many amazing things about Dr. Withrow & the limb spare procedure that we felt it was the best choice for our boy. The trip took us 2 full days and we got there just in time for our meeting with Dr. Erhart who had been assigned to our case. She was very good about answering all our questions and explained the procedure step by step. We enjoyed the rest of the day with Bandit and returned the next morning for his surgery. We sat in the waiting room for a while and then decided to return to our motel to wait for word. While waiting we met 2 other families who had also traveled great distances to have their companions cared for at CSU. After what seemed like days the phone rang and it was Lindsey Nunn, our liaison, calling to let us know that Bandit was doing well and would be finished soon. She called us several times over the next few days checking in with us to see if we had any questions. She even called on her day off, while at a wedding, to make sure Bandit was ok. She was wonderful and made the whole experience so much easier to deal with. We went in to visit Bandit the day after the surgery and he walked down the hall to the room. We were amazed at how well he handled it. After returning home Bandit received 4 rounds of chemo and repair surgery. He stood up from a laying position on Dec 28th and snapped the plate in his leg. His repair was done in Boston on Jan 6, 2006.

In the past 15 months Bandit has been faced with surgeries, recoveries, chemo, daily meds and a permanent splint made specifically for him to help support the swiss cheese like bone in his leg. Through all of this he has been an inspiration. He humbles us. His spirit & resilience amazes each of us. He’s has taught us more about appreciating each day than any book ever could. I watch him now in the evening when he goes out to survey his yard, and he lifts his head and his nose twitches as he sniffs the air for the bunny that comes to visit. He makes me smile when I walk over to my counter and I pick up my keys. He immediately jumps to his feet and starts his dance because he knows he’ll be going for a ride.

I thank God several times a day for our “extra” time with Bandit. I also thank Him for leading me to bonecancerdogs@yahoogroups.com The people on this site have been a life line for us. I pray that Bandit & all the other hero’s on our site continue to do well. Bandit has taught us to enjoy every second here on earth. To enjoy the smell of their fur when I lie down next to them and bury my nose in their necks…. All they want is to be with us. Bandit has taught us to live…not just go through the motions.

My daughter has been so moved by this experience with Bandit that at 32 she’s started classes to become a vet tech. She wants to be able to feel that she was able to help other companions & owners down this difficult path. Both our DVM Dr. Marks & the people we met at CSU Dr. Withrow, Dr. Erhart & especially Lindsey Nunn have been an inspiration to her.

We lost our brave boy Bandit on Oct 28th 2006

Pictures

Our boy Bandit was always happy Our boy Bandit was always happy