I am so sorry for your loss. My German Shepard "Blackie Vonn Dogg" had breast cancer and I had to have her put to sleep on 7/1/02. She was 11 1/2 years old. I still miss her very much. I have other dogs now but none will take her place. I hope one day you will give another pet a great home because it sounds like you really loved your dog. Blackie was a one of a kind and so are my dogs I have now. Each has something special to give. Thank you for sharing about your family member. Pat