It was hard to even think of continuing our holidays after loosing Tank. The thought of returning to Stone Mountain park hurt, but we knew we needed a time of remembering and healing. The travel trailer seemed so big with out that second Rottie under foot. The big black streak wasn’t racing past us while we walked. Dinner time left Holly and Little Bit confused as to their proper “Places.” Tank was always the first to sit, ready for dinner . . . the other two only had to sit on either side of him to be in place.

Steve did return to the upper falls at Flower Springs; Tank’s companionship and assistance in packing the photographer’s accruement was greatly missed.  It made quite a difference in the amount Steve had to carry by himself; even just adding his lunch seemed to overload his stuffed camera-backpack!

Tank ~ August 2008
on his last packing trip with Steve

With Tank no longer with us, Holly appears to have come out of retirement. She works so hard to keep her place right beside me.  The strain on the poor girl’s hips must be painful, but she has the attitude of, “I knows my duty”.  She too, is a wonderful example of her breed, despite of her poor beginning in life.