It is with such a heavy heart that I tell you that we lost Hunter last night.  We didn't lose her to the osteosarcoma, we lost her to a very unfortunate accident.  Last night she slipped while diving for a piece of salmon on the floor and twisted her left front leg in a horrifying direction.  In her 12 years with us I had never heard her cry out in pain like that – she cried and yelped for about 30 seconds.  We knew instantly what had happened but held on to the hope that we were wrong.  Fearing the worst, I clung to her sweet soft neck and said my goodbyes.  My husband rushed her to the emergency vet and x-rays showed a bad fracture in the shoulder area.  They put her to sleep while my husband held her and told her how much we all loved her.

All of the beautiful creatures we are fortunate to share our lives with are special but Hunter was absolutely amazing.  She recovered from her osteosarcoma surgery with flying colors and was up and around in hours like she was born with three legs.  She was a champ through all the chemo treatments and had just had another clean bill of health (just prior to what would have been her 8 month ampuversary).  From fending off would-be muggers in alley (yes she did that!) to covering us with kisses, she was the dog that could do it all.  She was incredibly intelligent (beyond any dog I've had the privilege of knowing) affectionate, playful, protective and a beautiful spirit all rolled into one.  I am grateful for all the wonderful memories I have of our trips to the barn, romps at the dog beach, snuggling on the bed, watching her graduate at the top of her obedience class, being surprised and amused when she decided to stand guard between me and our newborn baby and anyone else who dared to come in the room and then later allowing that baby, then a toddler to learn to stand by balancing on her back.  So many memories, too many to share.

RIP beautiful Hunter angel.  You are so deeply missed.

Here is a picture we took just a couple of weeks ago.  I think she was looking down the street for the mailman .

And here is one of her in her heyday… I hope she is running free like this right now:

My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your gorgeous Hunter. She sounds like she was an extraordinary dog and an extraordinary friend and family member. How lucky you are to have had her in your life…she will now watch over you as an angel. Time, and the many wonderful memories that you made together will come to heal your broken heart.

               Run free sweet Hunter

  Anita, mom to Xena, puppy Roger

     and my angels, Spammy & Chloe

just to say sorry for your loss but you have happy memories to remember her by

I am so sorry to hear about Hunter, and to think once you have started this cancer journey it's about all we think about and when it will show its ugly face again, what a shock. You have such a wonderful history, what good memories, I hope time will let you heal and the memories keep her close to your heart, our thoughts are with you, Spirit Gus and Dan

We are so sorry to hear of your loss.  What a wonderful companion she was…May your memories fill the void in your heart…