Buddy is a Labrador Retriever with a great attitude and a joy for life. Born on Vashon Island 10 years ago he's been a West Seattlite since he arrived here at 10 weeks of age. He could have been a mighty hunter's dog, or worked in the field but instead he became a city family dog. He rode the metro, guarded the house from the mailman, went on vacation, and played with Barbie dolls. Life was good for "Bud". He even had a girlfriend. He was family for his owners Janice and Chris Butler and their daughter Alex. "You can imagine how unbelieveable and surreal it was for us all when we discovered Osteo Sarcoma (bone cancer) in his right front leg," writes Janice. " It had not spread, and knowing that this dog was not done living by any means we made the decision to remove the leg... I can tell you this was one of the scariest, gut-wrenching experiences that I have ever gone through," Janice said, "I am ecstatic to report that after only 3 months he is back to his old rambunctious self! As a 'Tri-Pawd' she reports that he is just as happy, crazy and unruly as ever. He still swims, runs straight down steep banks, takes the stairs up and down, digs and other typical dog behaviors. "I would have to say that he has fully recovered and is feeling better than before the cancer. His courage, trust in me, and resilience, have left me and all who know him with pure admiration towards him. He has gone through Chemo without a hitch, and gets to continue his 'barrage' on West Seattle and those who step on to our driveway or front porch for some time longer. Apparently he can do all of this on 3 legs as well as 4, and the fact that he trusted me through the process makes me love this dog even more than I thought was possible. Viva Tri-Pawd Bud!!!"

Buddy, by the way is now married to his former girlfriend, Willow (a lab pit bull mix) who is only 3 1/2 years old. The ceremony was conducted by the Butler's daughter Alex and her friend Kerensa and was complete with a bow tie for Buddy.