10 years ago I was mourning the loss of my four legged friend, Taffy C. Monster. A rambunctious Weimeraner / Labrador cross, she had passed away in the midst of planning a big move from Austin, TX to Toronto. I decided that I wasn’t ready for another dog, but since I missed having dogs around me, a couple months after the fact I thought I’d go volunteer at the Humane Society and walk needy dogs.

I wasn’t there but half an hour, and hadn’t walked a single dog before I had a whopping great Saint Bernard in the car and was on the way home. I had never seen a sadder looking animal in a cage and I fell hook, line and sinker for her immediately. She was just over a year old and had the most beautiful face you’ve ever seen.

Kagin St. Bernard has been my best friend for 10 years. We’ve been through a lot together, but at the end of the day, no matter what happened at work or in my personal life, everything was always golden when I looked into those big chocolate brown eyes.

We did everything together. We chased cats, played with sticks, wrestled in the snow and shared french fries. I even took her to work with me sometimes, although having a Saint Bernard under your desk isn’t exactly everyone’s favourite sight.

On Monday I put Kagin to sleep. It was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I didn’t have many choices. She had tumours in her shoulder and hadn’t been able to walk for a month. Being an older girl, the option of amputation didn’t sit well with me as her back legs had been riddled with arthritis for some time.

No matter how much pain she was in, Kagin  always had a wagging tail and a big smile. She had the biggest character I have ever seen in a dog. The house is incredibly empty without her panting at my side, and I will miss her dearly.

Rest in peace, Kagin St. Bernard, April 11, 2000 – November 22, 2010. I will always love you.