I am babysitting today!
Not a child though, as our family only seems to have furry grandbabies thus far. 
Meet Bandit…..
I have introduced him before I believe, here was a post from last Christmas with a few videos.
Here is Bandit in his more active years.
He resides with my Mother and Stepfather, and unfortunately he had to have back surgery last week.
Franken-Pooch
The poor guy is only 8 and has a horrible back with multiple herniated discs, spondylolisthesis and arthritis. I think some of it is genetic as he had evidence of issues when he was a pup, and some of it his high activity level (including frisbee catching…..ummm, not something I personally recommend as a repetitive activity…..).
They had to go in and remove one disc, and while they expected to remove two others they found the shoulder problems were inoperable. The surgeon is pretty optimistic that he will regain use of his hind limbs, but only time will tell, so for now he is resting and recovering. I offered to come babysit while he is in the initial stages of recovery since I work from home.
Its hard to imagine that this 75lb boy was once just this teeny little puppy….
Bandit is pretty special in our family as he originally belonged to my younger brother (sleeping above) who passed away almost six years ago. As much as the family hated to put Bandit through a major surgery, they are hoping it is not his time quite yet.
Off to pamper a pitbull. I hope the felines will forgive me leaving them behind for a couple days 
PS….if anyone has any thoughts on long term natural supplements for back issues like this please feel free to share. We are already doing fish oil, high dose of a glucosamine/MSM mix, and grain free food (along with quite a few prescription meds). He was also getting acupuncture treatments before he lost use of his hind limbs.
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Oh my…big purrs and ear scratches for Bandit! I hope he heals quickly and successfully.
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Scooter, the one that came before, had bad arthritis in his back and had to have back surgery which is unusual for a cat, or so the vet ortho-surgeon said. He was 13 at the time. Our mom gave him most of the same things Bandit is getting. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have anything else to recommend. We sure hope Bandit recovers quickly!!
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Aww I hope Bandit recovers well. He is a gorgeous dog and I’m guessing not anything like the horror stories often heard about pit bulls – which is wonderful
I can totally understand that he must be extra special to your family – my sympathies with regards to your brother. I wish I could offer some helpful suggestions for you. Many get well soon wishes for Bandit 
Wow-your loving care is evident again-Bandit looks like a real sweetie-wish I was there to pet his sweet head. No new ideas here either, but got a handout at a cancer seminar (no, I don’t have anything wrong) that has additional info about arthritis-mostly focusing on diets, toxins and recovery. Will read it this weekend on a road trip. Take care.