"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.
 |
 |
|
Travis |
7
Years on Both Hips |
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.
Contributed
by William D. Liska, DVM, DACVS
Houston, Texas
