When rescuing older, special needs large breeds you anticipate time is short.  So you spend every moment cherishing their companionship and love.  The loss is not easier, in fact, most often it's harder.  You feel cheated and angry for the suffering they endured before they found true love and respect.

I rescued Dax in AZ from deplorable conditions and daily abuse.  In 4.5 years she spent with us, she endured bloat, 7 cancer surgeries, ruptured knee .  Those were just the medical issues, we battled daily for 3 yrs to assure her she'd never be hurt again.  She slowly came around and was my shadow for life.  Massages, acupuncture, homemade food....she had the best I could offer; most importantly, she had our hearts.

Dave came to us 2 years ago with Stage 4 HW.  He was not supposed to live thru treatment. But Dave had a plan.  He was a caregiver for his pack (Dax, Jack our lab, and Oso our blind mastiff). He came here and was HOME.  He made it thru the horrible injections and immediately bonded with Oso helping him navigate the world.  Jack passed first last April from a stroke, Dave tried to lift him off the floor with his front paws not letting him go down.  Oso passed in August with Dave & Dax by his side.  Dax passed from her battle with cancer June 16.  Dave waited 48 hours and suffered a severe seizure.  He was diagnosed with massive brain tumor.  7 days after Dax left us, Dave decided his job was done and he too went to find Oso, Jack and Dax. I was in the presence of the most amazing creature I will ever know.  Dave never wanted for himself, in fact he needed to be hand fed every night for 2 yrs by CJ.  Dave and CJ were bonded in ways only man and dog understand.  Dave was beautiful and we cherish every second he chose to be with us. Our hearts are irrevocably broken but soon again we will be a family. 

 Thank you Dax and Dave for loving us so deeply. We miss you dearly.