Sad day for Baz and Teresa

[baz62]

Last night we had to take our old Dalmatian Copper to the vet. 9 days shy of his 15th birthday his back legs decided they had had enough. He had had problems with his "back end" for some time but he could still get around and he didn't seem to be in any pain. We had him on strong anti-flammation drugs which helped. However Monday after work I found his legs wouldn't support him and when they did they were all unco-ordinated and he had to be helped down off our deck.
We pretty much new it would be a one way trip but we asked Steve our vet whether there was anything we could do to improve him. But sadly apart from spending thousands and thousands of dollars (which you might consider for a young dog)the kindest thing we could do was put him to sleep.
It was especially hard on Teresa as she actually helped him into this world as he was a breech birth from his Mum, Chita.
The house is still noisy though with the bark of our young girl Dalmatian, Sugar, so at least we still come home to someone pleased to see us! (There is the cat but she just wants to come in for a pat and a feed! )
Copper achieved Champion status with Teresa at Dog shows and recently passed Rallyo Novice. Rallyo is an obedience course, lot of fun and helps make your dog a bit more obedient and the owner learn a bit more control.
Rest in Piece Copper.

[snaphead]

Very sad to hear Baz, I've got a 12 year old Lab Shepard cross on shaky pins. I guess it happens to all of us sometime. My codolenses to yourself and Teresa.

[baz62]

Thanks Pete.

[Dave Homewood]

Sorry to hear that Baz. Mind you 15 is a good innings for a dog, isn't it?

[spongebob206]

Condolences mate.

Big hugs to you both

[kiwibeavers]

Sorry to hear the news Baz, a great pet is as precious as a child, best to you and Teresa.

[ngatimozart]

Our condolences to you and Theresa. We know what it is like to lose a much loved pooch who is far more than just a pooch.

Paul & Wanda.

[suthg]

What a beautiful dog! If I remember, it was on the original photo of your house before damage - or was that a cat?

We looked after a largish Jack Russell (was fat when we picked her up at age 9yo) for my wife's cousin family who moved to Aussie, and she just passed away inside of a heart attack right in front of us aged 15 just three weeks ago. She had injured herself, went hiding, we found her under the house and she crawled out to us. We got her inside and fed her plenty of water but too much stress in the end. Youngest 18yo son cried - we all did. We also just lost an 18yo Staffordshire cross three months ago - part black lab, lovely natured dogs both of them - real members of the family. My sympathies go out to you both.

[stukiwi]

Baz so sorry to hear about your dog. I know it is really hard to lose a family member. my condolences mate.

[11SQNLDR]

My condolences Baz & Theresa, he was a fine looking dog.

Lets know when you are heading back to Wigram for a beer, we'll have one in Copper's honour.

[flyinkiwi]

Very sad to hear of your loss of a valued family member. Our Black Labrador cross is getting on and we are wondering how long it will be before we make that fateful visit to the vet.

[Andy Wright]

My condolences, Baz and Teresa. What a lovely looking dog (and clever too). We have three kids (one human, two poodles).

RIP Copper.

[shamus]

Sorry to hear of your sad loss, Baz & Tes. I know how you must feel. Went through the same with our 10 year old Lab. Many tears. Jim.

[baz62]

Jul 17, 2013 16:47:22 GMT 12 Dave Homewood said:

Sorry to hear that Baz. Mind you 15 is a good innings for a dog, isn't it?

Thanks everyone, we are feeling a bit better having read your kind messages. Yes Dave 15 is a good age. His mother nearly got to 16 before she had to be put to sleep. Usually the bigger the dog the shorter the life span sadly but sometimes some dogs just keep on going.
Sugar is getting lots more attention from us and she loves that!

[baz62]

Jul 17, 2013 19:44:32 GMT 12 suthg said:

What a beautiful dog! If I remember, it was on the original photo of your house before damage - or was that a cat?

We looked after a largish Jack Russell (was fat when we picked her up at age 9yo) for my wife's cousin family who moved to Aussie, and she just passed away inside of a heart attack right in front of us aged 15 just three weeks ago. She had injured herself, went hiding, we found her under the house and she crawled out to us. We got her inside and fed her plenty of water but too much stress in the end. Youngest 18yo son cried - we all did. We also just lost an 18yo Staffordshire cross three months ago - part black lab, lovely natured dogs both of them - real members of the family. My sympathies go out to you both.

Sad to hear of your Dogs. And that may have been Cassie the cat in the photo of our house. (She loves the camera!)

[Luther Moore]

Sad news indeed, sorry to hear this bad news.

[av8rsm8]

thanks everyone for the kind words, dogs break your hearts when they go but the joy they bring is worth it...
Baz didn't mention that he spent many a weekend taking me to dog shows so that I could campaign Copper to his NZ Champion title.
Lots of those weekends would have been perfect for aviation so it was a big sacrifice from him.
Which played a big part in my being happy to let Baz spend time & money on the Auster now, seems fair reward to me

[johnnyfalcon]

I'm sure his legacy will continue in many dog-rugs being ripped to shreds in the pen. A student will be like his teacher!

Hugs to you both

[flyjoe180]

Sorry to hear of your loss Baz and Teresa.