Travis
His parents retired and began to travel and hike around the U.S. Travis traveled and hiked too – visiting 29 states and 5 Canadian Provinces. In April 1997, he was diagnosed with cancer (undifferentiated sarcoma on his neck). He underwent surgery followed by 2 months of radiation and chemotherapy. Spurred on to recovery with promises of more travel, hiking, marathons, boating, and rabbit hunting at the summer cottage in Ohio – he returned to, and remains in, good health. He has managed 1,100 – 1,400 miles of exercise with his parents each year since 1990.
Today, Travis is still a “trooper” as a 13 year-old teenager. He loves to go – just not as fast and not as far – and his bags are always packed. He must make the rounds because neighbors, family, and friends are always happy to see him (sometimes he gets more attention than Mom and Dad). You can see it in his eyes – he continues to enjoy life 7 years after hip replacements.
Today, Travis is still a “trooper” as a 13 year-old teenager. He loves to go – just not as fast and not as far – and his bags are always packed. He must make the rounds because neighbors, family, and friends are always happy to see him (sometimes he gets more attention than Mom and Dad). You can see it in his eyes – he continues to enjoy life 7 years after hip replacements.
Hiked Trails Everywhere
Travis became a member of the family on Christmas Day, 1987. A loyal Texas dog, he was named after Colonel W.B. Travis, one of the defenders of the Alamo. In 1989, after his house was flooded, he moved with his family to the country. His family began an exercise program, including him on their 3 mile a day walks. He walked and walked until one hip gave out when he was 6. It was arthritic from hip dysplasia. The hip was replaced in October 1993, and the other side was replaced in April 1994.
Contributed by William D. Liska, DVM, DACVS Houston, Texas