Buddy

Buddy wasn’t just a dog, he was a full-time adventure. From the moment I adopted him, it was like my life switched to “go” mode. He loved hikes. I mean, the word “hike” turned him into a bouncing maniac. I swear he knew how to spell it too. I’d start packing my bag and he’d already be whining at the door. Snow, rain, wind, it didn’t matter. Buddy wanted outside. He wanted rats and look at the size of him. He was my motivation to get out of the house, to breathe fresh air, to live. Then the limp started. We thought it was his paw. Turned out it was cancer in the bone. Aggressive. The vet said it would move fast. We had one last trip. Just him and me, our favourite trail. He couldn’t make it far, so I carried him most of the way. He really was small. He passed a few days later. Now, every time I go for a stroll, I bring his collar in my pack. He’s still out walking with me.