I went home for harvest last weekend, as most of you know from the pigeon pictures. It turned out to be a very bittersweet trip that I haven't been able to talk about yet. My parents broke the news to me that my beloved german shepherd, Buddy, has cancer. He has a tumor on his ribs that to remove would involve removing several ribs and would result in a very painful recovery that 2 vets say he would most likely never recover from. We are keeping him as comfortable as possible, and thankfully he doesn't seem to be in hardly any pain.

He turned 11 in April, and he is so very special to me. I got him just a few months after my mom's accident, and he got me through everything. He's so intelligent, and so obedient. We were grand champions in showmanship and obedience at our county 4-H fair for several years in a row- actually, every year we participated. Growing up I had the poor guy pulling sleds, leading the "blind", herding the sheep, playing dress up, performing obstacle courses, riding the 4-wheeler (which he loved), and of course just relaxing with me. His most favorite thing in the whole world is to ride in my dad's farm pick-up. He would ride in that thing for all eternity, and whenever missing him is unbearable that is where I'll go to find him.

Here are some photos I'd like to share. We took these this weekend because I'm not sure when I'll make it home again. This may have been Buddy and I's final photoshoot.

Im already crying. I wish you much strength Camille. You have a rough road ahead. He is beautiful.

Hugs to you, Camille.

Oh Camille! My heart breaks for you! He is just wonderful and you two are the perfect pair!

I cried & I laughed.
A dog like that is so special. I loved all the photos but the best were the child one [what a goofy get-up & he's loving all the attention] & the one with his paw on your shoulder.

He looks so happy & so do you. Great idea.

Unfortunately I do know what you are facing & wish you & him the best - in fact your whole family. That dog has had the best life a dog can have. Remind yourself & you can be happy for him.

that is so sad Camille. I really do have an understanding of how wonderful a friend a German Shepard can be. My best friend growing up was Chica. A German Shepard. They are so very special.

hugs to you

I can't take it. I'm in tears too. Hang in there Camille and hugs to you both!

I so feel for you, Camille. It's been just about a year that I lost my 10 year old Rottie, Turd. My heart goes out to you. Give Buddy a big hug from me.

I'm so sorry Camille. This brings tears to my eyes since Boston's death is still so earth shattering to me and I ache knowing that others are going through that loss. I loved your pictures, the love between you and Buddy shines in all of them.