SAGE

Nate grew up always having a dog, but he really wanted a Golden Retriever. So when we got married and moved to AZ he suggested that we get one. At the time we lived in an apartment that was like 900 sqft and I just laughed at him because we would have no room. It is not that I didn't want a dog, I just didn't want to have to deal with all the stuff that came along with a dog. So when we moved into our house he pushed it even more. We had some friends that had a Golden retriever and Nate volunteered us to Doggy sit while they went out of town. That was the turning point of my love for Golden retrievers and for all dogs for that matter. Nate started looking in the paper for a breeder and dogs for sale. One day I came home from work and this cute little puppy came tromping down the hall with a green bow around her neck. I had always like the name Sage for a child, but didn't think that was a good idea with my last name. So we named our cute little puppy SAGE.

She became Nate little buddy and best pal from day 1. She has been every where with us and has done everything with us. She wasn't the easiest of dogs and pretty much got herself into everything. Chewed flip flops, scriptures, pillows, ate commission checks, sprinkler systems, landscape lighting, and dumped the garbage countless times. Despite all that, she really is a good dog and we love her.

She is now 6 and has her own unique personality. She is a protector and very loyal. Sage was not too happy when Carter came into our lives, because she realized that this little thing was stilling Nate's attention from her. It took some time, but they have fun together now. Carter chases her around the house and sage usually snatches Carters food that falls of the tray.

About 2 weeks ago we found out that Sage has Cancer. In November we found a lump on her back and chest, but didn't think anything of it, because she was acting normal. Then we found more bumps so we took her in to get checked out. We know the cancer is Hemangiosarcoma, what we don't know is if it is just in her skin or also in her organs. We think she might have both. She is on some medication for the next 2 weeks to see how she reacts to it. When Nate called to tell me, I started crying. It is amazing how much a part of our family our dogs are and I just pray that she wont have to suffer.

I think our other dog, Allie, knows that something is going on. She has always had Sage around and I think it will be hard on her if Sage gets sick.

Sage loves tennis balls, swimming, going to the parks, Lake Powell and especially Nate. She is always the first to welcome him home. We love Sage and hope she will be with us for a while.