| Ch. High-Mount's Grand Finale RN HIC HCT TT 3/18/96 - 5/4/06 Ch. High-Mount's Hellon Wheels x Ch. High-Mount's Plique Au Jour Breeder: Helena Brown Owner: Karin Andreen |
| "Walker" |
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| Photo by Andrea Debbins |
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| Walker and Cassie at a rest stop outside Billings, Montana - headed for the 2000 BSCA National in Bozeman! |
| Walker on the shore of Lake Superior - Summer 2000 (age 4) |
| Walker's Stats: DOB: 3/18/96 AKC #DL62553308 OFA Hips: not passing (mild unilateral HD - right hip) OFA Elbows: BSD-EL314M30-T OFA Cardiac: BSD-CA6/48M/C-T OFA Thyroid: BSD-TH27/48M-T CERF: BSD-771 (5/97) (Walker was also checked clear Jan 2001, but form was never sent to CERF) Walker was seizure-free his entire life, to the best of my knowledge |
| My "Stud Muffin" got his wings today! On May 4, 2006, Walker was 'promoted' to Angel First Class, as he joined his sisters Kia & Mandy at the Rainbow Bridge. He will be dearly missed by 'mom' Karin, and his Belgian sisters Cassie & Gracie still here on earth. |
| Walker was released to the bridge when it became apparent rather quickly that a tumor in his brachial plexus (right armpit area) was much more aggressive than the oncologists initially thought. It had grown quite a bit in a short time, and was in a bad spot for surgery. It was making life miserable for Walker, so much so that he ate very little in the last month of his life (he ended up at 50 lbs from his peak weight of 66 lbs). He also tired very easily, and the hobbling around on 3 good legs was taking its toll (initially thinking it was a peripheral nerve sheath tumor, the specialists at the University of Minnesota explained that this type of tumor affects the nerves going to a limb. That's why he lost all feeling in his right front leg at the end of December 2005). Walker, Cassie, Grace and I traveled to Tulsa the second week of April for the BSCA National Specialty. I know Walker wasn't feeling his best, but I enjoyed getting to spend more time with him, and I think he kind of liked laying around in fancy hotel rooms! At the time, I still thought we could save him. But I'm glad our last trip together was such a nice one. In late April 2006 it became clear that I couldn't let him suffer much longer. Our vet agreed that surgery and the resulting rehab would be pretty hard on him, and the prognosis even under the best of circumstances wasn't very good, so we went home with more painkillers and antibiotics for the sore that had appeared on the front of his chest. He seemed to perk up a bit for a few days, but in early May he was again getting restless and obviously uncomfortable. So on May 4th, Walker left for the bridge with me stroking his head, and our vet, Dr. Jennifer Hale, at our side. Many thanks to the wonderful staff at Edinburgh Pet Health Center, and the Neurology and Oncology units at the University of Minnesota Small Animal Clinic. Walker had one AKC CD leg, and two AKC Rally Advanced legs when he died. I had intended on finishing those titles in 2006. I guess it's true what they say......"never put off until tomorrow....." I have pictures taken of Walker in his last few days. Someday soon, I'll post those so Walker's friends can see him one last time. |
| Dear Family, I just wanted to let you know that I made it home. The journey wasn't an easy one, but it didn't take too long. Everything is so pretty here, so white, so fresh and new. I wish that you could close your eyes and that you could see it too. Please try not to be said for me. Try to understand. God is taking care of me...I'm in the shelter of His hands Here there is no sadness, no sorrow, and no pain. Here there is no crying and I'll never hurt again. Here it is so peaceful when all the angels sing. I really have to go for now...I've just got to try my wings. Author unknown |
| Walker was a kind and gentle soul. Sweet, funny...just like the boys often are. He tried to be intimidating. And when a big, black dog comes toward you barking his fool head off, I guess it can make one a little nervous. But with people he knew, friends and people who were comfortable around dogs, he was a gentleman. As I would have expected, he went through his whole illness with dignity and grace. Never bothering me unless he really, really needed something, his tail wagged and he gently "kissed" my face up until the end. I'll miss you my sweet puppers. Protect Kia & Mandy, and tell them I love them and miss them. |