by Killer Camin
Killer came to us at the age of 3 months. He was a black Shih Tsu, His name was given to him because he was the exact opposite of that name. He was the definition of love and enjoyment. He lived with us for over 14 years. Needless to say he was a very important member of our family along with my wife and myself. Nearly ever morning and night we took a walk. I figured it out one day and realized we would have easily walked across the country and back in the number of miles covered and that was a year or two ago. He was a dog of much character. People all along our walking paths knew Killer and the children loved to pet him. All seasons of the year we went, the snow and rain wouldn't stop us. In deep snow he would walk down the ruts in the road left by passing cars. He also traveled with us to my fathers farm in Pa. and my wifes mother in NY. He was always admired for his plasing disposition and personality where ever he went.
Killer lived a quality life. He had a good vet and was groomed ever couple of months. What else could a dog want. He slept while we were at work and played with us and neighboring dogs when we were at home. I am quite sure he enjoyed his life.
The last few years Killer developed a medical problem that required an operation then constant (twice daily) treatment. As he aged he slowed down and began to sleet most of the time. He seemed to be losing interest in his walks and they became infrequent and shorter. Sometimes he was in pain.
Last week he declined further and bellowed pain for an hour tuesday night. He had stopped eating his food. The vet said he had a fever and wasn't sure of its source. He might be able to help him but he wasn't sure. If he was younger we surely would have tried to make him better. But we felt he only had a short time to live given his age and general health and we decided it was time to end his suffering. Killer was peacefully put to sleep on Wednesday. I have hundreds maybe thousands of happy memories of him. I honestly couldn't think of a really bad thing he ever did. I spent many hours walking with him and caring for him and don't regret any of them. Right now I only wish I could spend more time with him. I wonder if maybe we should have tried to cure him one more time, but it is to late for second thoughts.
We truely loved Killer and miss him. I pray he is in heaven and look forward to us being with him for our everlasting life when we are all called together. Thanks for this opportunity to tell Killer's story. He was a wonderful dog that should have his story told.