One year a since Camelot passed

One year ago today I lost my dear Camelot to cancer. One of the worst days of my life. This gentle giant was such an ambassador for the Great Dane breed. I had never before been able to archive such a close connection with a dog.  I could read his mind based on his body language and was able to predict his next move. And he could pretty much do the same with me.I never understood how we were able to have this connection. He always had such a calming effect on me. Most dogs has this effect on me, but Camelot was able to create a stronger feeling of calmness and peace than any other dog I ever had.
I think about you every day my friend and I miss you very much. The picture above was taken the day I found out he had a large tumor inside his chest. He died a week later.

Heat gone

It's been rather hot here lately. Well, 90s is hot for me. I know some people like this. Now it's down into the 70s which I love and so do my dogs. A few thunderstorms are passing by. My dogs are not bothered by this. Camelot  was scared when he heard the thunder when I got him. I just ignored him when he started shivering and now he does not react other than lifting his head up a bit to listen. No shaking. He's such a quick learner.

Some people have email me and asked me to show picture of my dogs eating raw food. I will post this today or tomorrow.

Camelot and Rex Sketch

Painting. I had some time to create s small scetch of my boys. I'm using different software to create a sketch effect.

Rex struggling

Rex is not having a good day tody. His hinds legs are noticeable shaky and weak. This occur once in awhile and I don't know why. I have increased his pain medication a little and I'll see how this will affect him. It's all natural so I'm not too worried about any side effects.

Recover from illness

Rex my old buddy, got into some horse manure three days ago. That resulted in a really bad diarrhea that lasted until today. Every three hours he had to go so the last few nights I did not get much sleep. I fed him chicken wings only for the last two meals and his stool is now nice and firm again. Thank god.

This happens once or twice a year and I blame myself for not watching them closer. Deer dropping is their favorite and I really have to watch them when we are in areas where deer hang out.

The picture is from today's morning hike at sunrise.

Caring for an old dog

Rex is now 13 and that's pretty old for a Great Dane. I adopted Rex when he was 4 years old. I got him from Midatlantic Great Dane Rescue League. This is a fine organization that has helped thousands of Great Danes find a forever homes.

Rex had issues already at 4. His joints were starting to get affected by arthritis and he walked with stiff front legs. I switched him to a raw food diet the same day I got him. He eat it like he has never had anything else. Within a few weeks I saw great improvement. He gained much needed weight, his coat got shinier and fuller, he muscles become more developed and defined.

Now at 13 he can't run much anymore. His rear legs are weak and he sometimes falls down on his butt and have a hard time getting up. The look he gives me when he this position is priceless. He also sometimes sways back and forth when he walks on uneven terrain. I have him on several supplements that has benefited him greatly. I have listed them all here.

I wish I could ask him if he hurts. I try my best to figure out if he is in pain. I think the supplements are helpful in this area. It's mainly stiffness that slows him down. The vet can't find anything wrong other that the joint issues. His heart is very strong for a Dane his age. All important tests come out 100% OK. His eyesight and hearing is also great. So this old guy is healthy. If I can manage his arthritis he should live happily a few more years. He is such a good dog to have around. Never barks or whines, kind to everyone and very independent. Just a perfect dog to have around.

I had to build a ramp for him to get out of my the truck. I also had to make our morning walks a bit shorter. Camelot ll is so active anyways so he pretty much, by running around, double the distance Rex and I walk.

It's interesting to see how different a 2 year and a 13 year old Great Danes acts and are capable of doing. Camelot's agility makes him capable of jumping over obstacles twice his hight. Camelot is very aware of Rex's limited abilities to play and run and do not ever bother him.

I'm very fortunate to have two such amazing dogs.