A little over 11 years ago, I found this picture on a Craigslist ad. The second I saw it, I knew that my search was over and that this sweet girl was going to be my new companion. About a month later, after numerous phone calls and emails, she was delivered to my front door. We met that day in my front yard and have rarely been separated since.
She quickly became my business partner, my hiking buddy, and my best friend. She helped keep the peace with the other dogs in my care and helped teach them how to walk properly on a leash. We would walk for hours, in all types of weather, and she never complained. She was the ultimate second-in-command.
A few months ago, she suffered a fall while playing with my kids and I and ruptured her spleen. Her prognosis was not very good, as she had lost a great deal of blood. The surgeon didn't think she would survive the surgery, but I asked them to try anyway. Not only did she survive, she was back up and hiking with me a week later. She was that tough and determined.
Unfortunately, during the surgery it was also discovered that she had a very aggressive form of cancer. It was the type that, even with treatment, she would likely succumb to quickly. I managed to get her into a clinical trial for a new supplement, but I wasn't holding out much hope. I knew it would just be a matter of time but I was hopeful that the information gathered might be able to help someone else's pup in the future. She was always such a good helper that it seemed fitting for her to try and do so again.
She continued to fight and kept bouncing back every time that i thought the end had come. She had such an incredible will to live and to remain by my side. She was a truly loyal friend, through and through.
Today, however, I had to say goodbye to this sweet, sweet girl. Although she kept trying to fight through it, the cancer had riddled her body and it just became too much for her to bear. The last bleed she suffered was indeed the big one, and she could no longer fight through the pain. I had to make the decision I wished I never would, but I could not watch my best friend suffer any more. After all the years of loyalty, she didn't deserve that. I promised her that I would be with her to the end, and I kept that promise.
Goodbye, my sweet girl. You were the best friend and companion anyone could ever ask for. I hope you're running full tilt across that Rainbow Bridge and finding some of your other friends that have gone before you. I already miss you but I am happy that you are no longer hurting. I just hope that I brought you as much joy and happiness as you brought me.
Rest in peace, Cammie.
