They Thought They Were Giving Their Dog One Last Grand Adventure
Turns out, he was the one taking them on a journey of a lifetime
When their beloved dog Jax is diagnosed with a rare bone cancer and undergoes amputation, Kelly and Toby face the sudden reality that his time may be limited.
Determined to make every moment count, they embark on an epic bucket list road trip across America to help him chase life as a new tripawd.
But the road is not without bumps.
How will Jax adapt to life on three legs? Can they outrun his diagnosis?
Sneak Peek into 979 Days
As Jax hops across iconic landscapes with gusto—the neon-drenched Vegas strip, cobblestone roads of the South, and surf-sculpted California beaches—he leaves an indelible paw print on the hearts of everyone he meets. Through soulful eyes and expressive ears, this three-legged dog teaches poignant lessons about living in the moment and finding joy in loving a dog on borrowed time.
Life Doesn't Count the Legs. It Counts the Leaps.
A Journey By the Numbers
13,142
MILES
21
STATES, PROVINCES & TERRITORIES
3
MONTHS
1
EXTRAORDINARY THREE-LEGGED DOG
∞
COUNTLESS MEMORIES
(AND TREATS!)
More Than Just a Story
979 Days isn't just a memoir. It's a wild ride through love, hope, and the kind of adventure that will leave you laughing through tears. A moving tribute to the unshakable bond between a dog and his humans, this unforgettable story is for anyone who has ever loved and lost a dog—and dared to put their heart on the line again.
Chasing life—one hop at a time.
About the Authors
Kelly Bakos is a storyteller, photographer, and filmmaker who believes that the best adventures come with paw prints. When she's not exploring the wilderness of Southeast Alaska or serving as Jax's personal paparazzi, she's dreaming up new trails to explore—though Jax and her husband Toby insist every adventure should begin and end at a pet store.
Jax is a tail-wagging optimist who believes three legs are just as good as four—maybe better, since it makes him 25% more aerodynamic. This bone cancer survivor turned cross-country adventurer proves that sometimes life's detours lead to the most meaningful destinations. When not collecting sticks or charming strangers, he can be found testing his humans' treat-giving reflexes and perfecting the art of the perfect power nap.
Together, they're rewriting the rule book on what's possible when you combine unwavering love, boundless optimism, and an endless supply of belly rubs. Their journey proves that life's greatest adventures often begin where we least expect them, and sometimes the best stories are told with a wagging tail.
Your Invitation to an Unexpected Adventure
This is not just a book you'll read. It's a journey you'll experience.
Your Invitation to an Unexpected Adventure
This is not just a book you'll read. It's a journey you'll experience.
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When bone cancer threatened to stop Jax in his tracks, we could have given up. Instead, we decided to chase life—one slightly wobbly, three-legged hop at a time.
Along the way, we discovered something extraordinary: sometimes life's most meaningful journeys are often the unexpected ones.
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Life's most meaningful journeys are often the unexpected ones.
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