My head is spinning right now, so many memories coupled with the loss of JD yesterday. Today is another special day, as its three years since we had to say goodbye to another massive SHAK legend. Anyone who listened to today's radio show will know exactly how emotional we all are right now.
Gunnar was without doubt the most fearsome dog I have ever met. He didn't need to bark or growl, he simply clacked his teeth to let you know he didn't like you, and those eyes..... I was fortunate, I never witnessed either directed at me. In fact I received more affection than I thought was possible given his background.
I still think about him, and miss him. I still love him, and take strength from all he taught me. Lessons no text book could ever teach, and for that I will always be eternally grateful.....
Here's what I wrote the day he died:
Over time, Gunnar and I bonded to the extent he was my dog. After that "difficult" start, I got to do everything with him, groom him, walk him, even attend to little ailments and injuries. To everyone else he was scary, to me he was the biggest, cuddliest bear. I lived to help him.
After a couple of days of not being quite right, and appointment was made for him to go to the vets tomorrow. Given his past, getting him there was going to be like a military operation. This morning though I went into his kennel as soon as I got there, and on trying to get him out he collapsed. He was never to walk again.
Gunnar was without doubt the most fearsome dog I have ever met. He didn't need to bark or growl, he simply clacked his teeth to let you know he didn't like you, and those eyes..... I was fortunate, I never witnessed either directed at me. In fact I received more affection than I thought was possible given his background.
I still think about him, and miss him. I still love him, and take strength from all he taught me. Lessons no text book could ever teach, and for that I will always be eternally grateful.....
Here's what I wrote the day he died:
"This is has been one of the saddest weeks in SHAK's history. First we had Harry being diagnosed with Lymphoma, today one of the special big boys died in my arms.
Gunnar came to us because nobody else would take him. The fact that he was a security dog meant that nobody wanted anything to do with him. He was discarded, after the idiot that had ruined his life decided he didn't want him anymore. The day he arrived, he wanted to eat everybody. It took 4 of us to carry him in a crate to his kennel, it was like carrying a wild animal.
Over time, Gunnar and I bonded to the extent he was my dog. After that "difficult" start, I got to do everything with him, groom him, walk him, even attend to little ailments and injuries. To everyone else he was scary, to me he was the biggest, cuddliest bear. I lived to help him.
After a couple of days of not being quite right, and appointment was made for him to go to the vets tomorrow. Given his past, getting him there was going to be like a military operation. This morning though I went into his kennel as soon as I got there, and on trying to get him out he collapsed. He was never to walk again.
I rushed him to the emergency vets, where we tried everything. Blood tests revealed his body was shutting down, multiple organ failure the vet called it. She went to get the needle to ease his suffering, but she didn't need it. He died naturally in my arms.
Gunnar gave me so much. Much more than I ever gave him. He died unmuzzled in my arms with vets and nurses trying to save him, just like any normal dog would. A far cry from the crazed beast that arrived that Good Friday. The 18 months we had was perhaps the best months of his life, but he taught me so much and proved so many people wrong. Above are some photos of the good times we had. I am so proud of him, and miss him so much already. Life really won't be the same without him."
In a week we have lost another big boy that taught us all so much, Gunnar has been clear in my thoughts. In fact if Bodie (and Doyle) hadn't come here I wouldn't of had the courage to take on what turned out to be one of my best friends. I miss you Big Gee.
