Over the years I have had many dogs, but my favorite has always been the German Shepherd.  I have had four amazing shepherds, Panda Bear and Duchess, Aladdin and Jasmine, all with bad hips and all from AKC breeders. 

I vowed I would not go through the hip dysplasia again and was referred to California K-9 in Burbank.  They sell pure bred German Shepherds directly from Germany which have a slightly different appearance and don’t have the hip problems.  I purchased the most wonderful German Shepherd from them named Kanto. 

Kanto was fully trained and over two years old when I took him home. He spoke only German and got along beautifully with our cat and every other animal we brought into the home.  He has been the perfect companion and I have nicknamed him mein libeling.

At his recent annual vet exam it was discovered that Kanto has cancer.  I love this dog, and there will be no chemo, he seems to be healthy – you should see him run on his morning walks.  I have talked with a nutritionist  – yes a dog nutritionist, who was highly recommended by a doctor friend and perhaps I can keep mein liebling healthy and with us a little longer.  So during this holiday season, let’s all count our blessings; other than mein libeling, my family is healthy and I pray yours is as well.