10/30/2025
💪 One Year Stronger. A Chapter in Resilience.
October 31st marks one year since my limb-sparing surgery, called a radical femur resection with hinged prosthetic knee. This was the surgery required after being diagnosed with a malignant osteosarcoma.
One year ago, part of my femur and my knee were removed and replaced with a Zimmer Biomet hinged prosthetic implant. Nine days later, I was back at the training center teaching. First with a walker, then with a cane. I returned early not because it was easy, but because purpose matters more than comfort.
This journey has not been simple. Learning to walk again with a mechanical joint is its own challenge. Rebuilding strength and retraining muscles without ligaments, and without the natural feedback a knee once provided, requires daily discipline. There were stiff mornings, sore nights, setbacks, and thousands of deliberate repetitions. Progress often looked like patience and persistence, not heroics.
Today, I am proud to say this:
• My one-year follow-up appointment went extremely well.
• My X-rays show a strong, solid implant.
• My scans are clear.
• I return in six months for routine monitoring.
• I am walking, training, biking, and working full-time.
The surgeons did their job, and then it was up to me to do mine. Progress was earned one step at a time and one day at a time.
I still have work to do. I continue to refine gait mechanics, strengthen my leg, and push for improved function. I feel strong. I feel capable. Most importantly, I feel grateful.
I am grateful for every person who supported me. I am grateful for my assistant trainers who help keep Sparks K9 moving forward. I am grateful for every client who stood by us during this past year.
To every handler and dog team I coach: I ask you to trust the process, show up, and stay consistent. I do the same in my life and in my recovery.
Here is to discipline, resilience, and forward motion. We do not quit. We adapt, we work, and we get better.
John T. Sparks
Sparks K9 Services | Monroe, WA
