~Panzer~

My family's German Shepherd passed away early this morning. I'll never forget that cold day in February 2006 when I saw a truck dump a beautiful German Shepherd in the cotton field in front of our house. Dad drove up the road and the big, black dog followed him home. We named her Panzer (German for tank), but soon found out that she was really a gentle giant. That is how her nickname of 'Panzy' came about. :) She had been abused and cringed at sudden moves and loud noises. It took a couple of years before she realized that no one would ever hurt her again. She had a terrible case of heartworms when she entered our lives. The treatment nearly killed her, but she was a fighter and survived. She was a giant lovebug and enjoyed having her ears rubbed and belly scratched. Panzer's gentle spirit helped a dear friend overcome her deep-rooted fear of German Shepherds (she had been attacked by one).

 She didn't greet me at the gate when I returned to Missouri yesterday, so I knew something was wrong. She had not been eating well lately and began breathing rapidly and was unable to take a deep breath yesterday evening. I like to think that she waited until I got home to say goodbye...she was considerate even in death. We were able to sit in the yard with her and tell her what a good dog she was.

Rest in peace, Sweet Panzy girl! You were a great dog! I'll always be grateful for the person's choice to abandon you where you could become part of our family.