Happy dog at a sleepover

Ranger and Rye are Moose's uncles. Ranger, the German Shepard, is seven years old. He has a quiet confidence, regal quality, and dominate personality. Ranger and Moose tackle eachother and play rough. Teeth come out often. Their relationship is consumed by loving violence.

Rye is a twelve year old springer spaniel. He and Moose have had several years of hunting together. I like to think that Moose learned many of his hunting skills from Uncle Rye. Their relationship is filled with respect and education.

When we first noticed Moose was sick, and shortly after his first chemo treatment, Ranger and Rye stopped rough-housing with Moose completely. I have always read that dogs are keen to sensing cancer in humans, and it is obvious that they can sense it in other dogs. They knew something was wrong with Moose, and likely well before we knew.

Tonight, Ranger and Rye are staying the night with us while their owners are out of town to pick up a young springer. All three of these boys' worlds will be rocked when the new cute girl, Storm, arrives tomorrow.

But, while we wait to welcome Storm to the family, we are thrilled to see Moose, Ranger, and Rye playing again. We are thrilled because we know that Ranger and Rye sense that Moose feels better. They run. They tackle. They chase tails. They slober and they sleep. Seeing their relationships return to how they were before Moose was sick is heartwarming.