This has nothing to do with "Training" or getting things correct in your head.  This also isn't another seeking for compassion or sad story (although it is).

My dog, Cooper is a seven year old Bernese Mountain Dog.  He's my third "Berner".  When my wife and I did the research about the breed one of the draw backs is the short life span and the inherent issues that come with the pedigree.

Cooper is by far THE BEST dog I have ever had.  Sweet, sensitive, and smart.

He developed a really bad "hacking" cough that needed some Professional help.  We got the results back from his tests today and the bad news is the inevitable.   My best boy has cancer.  Sad and I'm angry that he has it.  But I know the breed and have mentally prepared the best I can for the timing of things.

Treating the cancer seems as if it would be the ONLY thing we would consider, but if you know MY FAMILY history, I am no stranger to the "Big C" as my entire family was wiped out by it.

Chemotherapy and radiation for a HUMAN is bad enough, but to put my best boy through it seems inhumane in so many ways.

I have talked it over with my wife and she is more sensitive than I, but agrees.  To keep Cooper alive for OUR benefit isn't fair.

He deserves his dignity and peace.

The plan is this, and I hope my family agrees to do the same thing to ME when the time comes.

As long as he is comfortable and contributing without the STRESS we continue as best we can.  The moment he stresses in any sort of way, we allow him to peacefully pass.

I don't want to seem calloused by telling the story this way, but it is MY way of coping and I hope you don't mind!

He is THE BEST DOG!  (he's laying on my feet right now and he's snoring)  So all is fine for now!

Everyone has the best dog, cat, horse, whatever...and you aren't wrong!

Been a rough December and January at Casa de Selkow.  BUT...it will get better!

 

Today's Team Training:

Warm Up:

Leg Swing, Leg Abduction Swing, Fire Hydrant Knee Circles: x 15

Squat

Dead Lift

GHR

Back Extension

 

All done with the same set ups as last Thursday

Do 8 sets of 12

AirDyne Bike: 15 minutes LEGS only