I will never forget the day, 13 years ago, I saw Barney, a black lab mix in the shelter. Her nose was pressed against the window and she was jumping up and down, barking very loudly, looking at me with those big eyes pleading for someone to take her out. All the other dogs were groomed, but Barney's coat was so matted and had urine all over her.

I found out she had been brought back twice to the shelter. This was probably her last chance of survival. I knew in my heart this was the dog for me and we formed a bond immediately.

No one liked Barney but me. We became so in tuned with each other. When I would get a cold, so would she. I told the vet this and she said that sometimes the bonding is so great the dog reacts to the owner's emotions and thoughts. Barney was more than just a pet, she was truly my companion and best friend and knew my reactions before I would.

Last Thanksgiving Barney started to have trouble with her front paw and had to wear a splint. She hopped along on the splint and had two biopsies. The final diagnosis was she had cancer. I was so devastated and would do anything to keep Barney alive. My husband and I had to make a very difficult decision and have her leg amputated so the cancer would not spread.

Last Christmas was so devastating. When we brought Barney home I felt so guilty my dog had three legs.

My 3-legged Barney has now mastered the stairs and takes walks with us and our two Siberian Huskies. The Huskies have taken her under their wings and now she is welcomed in the pack.

When we all take our walks I hear people say "Oh, poor dog." How wrong I think they are, because Barney is still with our family. Though Barney gets tired more easily, wears a label of a dog with a disability and does not play like she used to, I feel she is truly a survivor.

The vet had only given her 3 to 6 months to live, however it will be a year this Christmas since her cancer. This Christmas will be wonderful and my best present is that Barney, my faithful pet, my companion, my friend, my buddy, my love, my amazing 3-legged dog is alive and doing well.