How are we ever gonna camp again?


Very sad news to report. Our RV security alarm and all-around best camper, Nick the mighty German shepherd, was diagnosed with bone cancer on July 2nd. We said goodbye to him July 8th.

How will we ever go camping without him? We bought the darn RV just for him, after all. He thought it was his big shiny kennel. You couldn't ask for a better traveling dog--he just loved getting into the RV and he so looked forward every day to 3-4PM when we'd pull into a (preferably leafy) state park. He'd wake up from his day-long nap, play ball, have dinner al fresco (weather permitting), and enjoy the new surroundings. What a great life. New trees to sniff and p-mail to read at every new stop.

Here's Nick in his morning till mid-afternoon riding spot: the front dinette seat, looking out through the windshield to see if any tree-lined roads (the kind that lead to state parks) are coming....

He wasn't generally allowed to be in his traveling seat when we were eating, but this was just too cute.


And he was always up for a nap:


I think this is my favorite portrait--on an iPhone, even. Taken April 2010 at Great Sand Dunes National Park. (Nick never liked those mean ole national parks with their dog restrictions. Give him a state park any day.)

Such a good camper:







And he loved going for rides at home in the car, too. Always on guard duty.

We will miss you, Nicky boy. No dog will ever fill your collar.

8 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry to hear your bad news. Hug each other for me.

    Linda Sand

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  2. What a handsome boy. We know Nick will be missed. You are in our prayers

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  3. What a horrible, horrible loss. My heart aches for you. I am so sorry. Nick is such a great dog. Such a great traveler. I've fallen in love with him through your stories, We followed your tail often because you visit so many dog-friendly places because of Nick. Goodbye, Nick.

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  4. I wish there was something I could say to make this better, but of course, words fail me.

    My heart and love go out to you, remember the good things. In that way loved pones never leave us.

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  5. Thank you all so much! I had to post a few more camping photos, and now we're off for the last ride...to the vet.

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  6. Are you guys OK? I know what a blow it was losing Nick, but I just wanted to check . . .

    Kate
    http://cholulared.blogspot.com

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  7. Yes, we are getting there. We have a camping trip planned with a group of tenting friends over Labor Day--that'll be our first real outing since Nick died. And, the good news is that I've started investigating area German shepherd breeders (we're going to buy our first dog, after rescuing 5 dogs and 4 cats over the years) in the area....

    Thanks for checking!
    Julie

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  8. This is a beautiful tribute to Nick! He will always have a special place in your hearts.

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