Florida man cherishes last moments with dog who saved his life (Next week, Florida man stabs, mutilates dog who saved his life)

OKALOOSA ISLAND, FLORIDA — Chris Page has dealt with anxiety and other issues through the years, causing panic attacks and thoughts that, at times, led him to consider harming himself.

But through it all, Tank — a 7-year-old German shepherd — has been there to comfort Page and keep him from spiraling.

Now, it’s Page’s turn to be there for Tank, who was diagnosed this year with degenerative myelopathy (DM), a progressive and fatal paralytic disease that is similar to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in humans.

After receiving the diagnosis locally, Page sought help from veterinarians in Dothan, Alabama, who told him Tank would need surgery to treat a slipped disk. Tank walked into the surgery, but Page said he was unable to walk out.

Page is determined to keep Tank around for as long as possible.

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