You need some perspective first.
I got Shasta as a puppy. He was a bouncing baby boy when we first got him. He was very active, loved to play, but was also very smart and knew how to follow directions.
As our business grew, Shasta and our other Border Collie, Sprite, needed more room to run and play. We decided that Shasta and Sprite would be better off with a family that could give them room to run, since the room available in our home was becoming more and more limited as our business took up much of the lower part of our home.
At the time, Andrea was working for us. Her family owns a small farm which primarily raises sheep. Since they were looking for a good dog, we offered them Shasta and Sprite. Jumping at the chance, the dogs adapted really quickly and Shasta fast became Andrea’s new best friend.
Over the years, Andrea has brought Shasta in to see us at the studio. He’s always recognized us and offered himself for ear scratching. After the greeting, he always just laid on the floor and waited for Andrea.
When Andrea called us before Thanksgiving, she was very upset having just learned that Shasta was sick and she could lose him. She wanted to get some pictures done of him, and we were happy to oblige.
While there were plenty of emotional moments, we got some very nice images of Shasta, as well as of Shasta and Andrea together.
Since that time, Andrea has been given medicine and a new diet for Shasta, which has reduced the size of the tumors in Shasta’s chest. He is breathing easier and seems to have more energy. While his prognosis is likely terminal, he does have quite some time before we have to worry about him leaving.