Finding_Beau's Posts - Exclusively Setters2024-03-28T15:53:28ZFinding_Beauhttp://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeauhttp://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1950751972?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://irishsetters.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=HammerBeau&xn_auth=noMISTY (Graylors Blue Aurora) 26.07.2011 - 29.01.2023tag:irishsetters.ning.com,2023-01-29:865021:BlogPost:13569592023-01-29T02:37:07.000ZFinding_Beauhttp://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10950751287?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10950751287?profile=RESIZE_710x"></img></a></span> <span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My precious English Setter girl, Misty passed away unexpectedly at 3:30am today. The only consolation is that I was holding Misty, reassuring her and telling her how much I loved her when her heart rate slowed and she took her final breath, so she was…</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10950751287?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10950751287?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My precious English Setter girl, Misty passed away unexpectedly at 3:30am today. The only consolation is that I was holding Misty, reassuring her and telling her how much I loved her when her heart rate slowed and she took her final breath, so she was not alone. Misty hated to be alone. Right now my spiritual faith is non-existent but I hope Misty is with Hobson again. I really do not know how I am going to get through each day without my precious girl. Even though Misty has had some health problems this has been a terrible shock for me.</span></span></p>HOBSON (Pamploma Toledo Mist) 10.06.2003 - 28.12.2015tag:irishsetters.ning.com,2015-12-29:865021:BlogPost:11621612015-12-29T04:15:58.000ZFinding_Beauhttp://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974395742?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974395742?profile=original" width="528"></img></a></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: verdana, geneva;">My Beautiful English Setter boy, Hobson died in my arms at around 8.30am yesterday, 28 December 2015 at the University of Queensland veterinary hospital in Gatton. Unbelievably, Hobson was still fighting and did not want to let go. The Hemangiosarcoma cancer had spread to his chest. The fluid was building…</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;" class="font-size-2">My Beautiful English Setter boy, Hobson died in my arms at around 8.30am yesterday, 28 December 2015 at the University of Queensland veterinary hospital in Gatton. Unbelievably, Hobson was still fighting and did not want to let go. The Hemangiosarcoma cancer had spread to his chest. The fluid was building up in his chest and Hobson was having problems breathing. I could not allow him to suffer any more. Fortunately the veterinarian on duty at the Emergency Department has treated Hobson and he knows us both well. He ensured that Hobson died with respect and dignity. I have been advised that all the UQ staff are crying for Hobson and for me. My most Beautiful and Extraordinary English Setter boy, Hobson. My Darling Boy. xxxxx</span></p>Hemangiosarcoma - The Silent Killertag:irishsetters.ning.com,2015-10-27:865021:BlogPost:11601562015-10-27T05:00:00.000ZFinding_Beauhttp://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974395958?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974395958?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: verdana, geneva;">Since his discharge on 21 May 2014 from the Intensive Care Unit of The University of Queensland (UQ) veterinary hospital in Gatton, I have been taking Hobson to UQ for regular check-ups and tests at a minimum of every 4 weeks for the last 17 months. The UQ veterinary hospital is approx. 4 hours return…</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974395958?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974395958?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;" class="font-size-2">Since his discharge on 21 May 2014 from the Intensive Care Unit of The University of Queensland (UQ) veterinary hospital in Gatton, I have been taking Hobson to UQ for regular check-ups and tests at a minimum of every 4 weeks for the last 17 months. The UQ veterinary hospital is approx. 4 hours return drive, depending on the traffic. In the 4 weeks from 10 September to 8 October 2015 I visited UQ weekly because I was concerned about Hobson.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;" class="font-size-2"><i>At his 4 weekly checkup on 13 August 2015 Hobson was the best he has been for a long time.</i> I had recently found a registered animal chiropractor who uses gentle manipulation and she had enabled Hobson to get up easily on his own without assistance and to walk strongly again. His Demodex mites were under control. His blood tests had improved. His skin and coat had improved. His Orange belton colouring was coming through more and more and his new coat growth was healthy. Hobson’s weight was 34.5kg. His optimal weight when he was younger and healthy was 35.8kg.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;" class="font-size-2">I felt as if we had finally “turned the corner”. After his veterinary appointment Hobson wanted to go for a walk with Misty around the University grounds. Lots of people know us now after these 17 months. A lady who works for the University whom we met soon after Misty’s surgery last year came running up to me and she said she did not believe it was possible that Hobson could improve so much. She said he looked a different dog. She was amazed by the improvement in his coat and his overall health. She said: <i>You are an inspiration to all of us because you never gave up on Hobson, and look at him now</i>. I felt so very happy at the time.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974398005?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974398005?profile=original" width="704" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;" class="font-size-2">Then, everything went “pear-shaped” but it could have been much worse. I am not going into details about what happened in the 7 weeks to 1 October 2015 except to urge owners to keep Wagner Ester C tablets on hand in case of an emergency and to never allow any veterinarian to rush you into any decision. Wait until you have been given all the test results and you have been provided with sufficient information to make an informed decision. Also trust your intuition and if you have concerns, keep phoning and keep going back. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;" class="font-size-2">On AM 8 October 2015 I phoned the UQ veterinary hospital and advised them that I was bringing Hobson back to see them after I had taken him to see his chiropractor. I organised for Hobson to be triaged by an ICU veterinary nurse. Hobson had not been well since 4 October 2015. I had been phoning and emailing UQ every day. I knew there was something seriously wrong. Hobson had stopped wagging his tail too. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;" class="font-size-2">The previous day Hobson lost the use of his hind legs which he was placing upside down on the ground at times. I wanted his chiropractor to check him out to ensure that he had not suffered further spinal damage. It was her opinion that this had not happened. She said Hobson still had good reflexes in his hind legs. She said Hobson’s weight loss over the last 2 weeks was noticeable. She agreed with me that there was something seriously wrong. She believed that Hobson’s sudden weight loss and ill health were temporarily causing the problems in his hind legs because he did not have the energy to also manage his chronic hind leg problems. She believed that when Hobson’s health recovered, his hind legs would become stronger. She did not believe Hobson had stopped wagging his tail because of a spinal misalignment. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;" class="font-size-2">On 8 October 2015 urgent blood tests were ordered for Hobson and the results were described by his UQ veterinarian as “unremarkable” except his anaemia had risen. She thought this was a good result. I was even more concerned because I knew that Hobson was too ill to have “unremarkable” blood results. I asked that the ultrasound be repeated because I needed to know what was causing Hobson to become so ill. Hobson remained in hospital over-night on IV fluids. Hobson’s previous ultrasound was done in March 2015 and revealed a tiny nodule on his spleen which was considered to be of no concern.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;" class="font-size-3"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974398089?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974398089?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;" class="font-size-2">Friday, 9 October 2015 was the first time Misty had been left on her own. I had to go to work for several hours. I was very proud of her. She coped very well. On the way up to the UQ veterinary hospital in Gatton, a regular trip for us, Misty was uncharacteristically quiet. I became even more concerned. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;" class="font-size-2">Nothing could have prepared me for the ultrasound result. Hobson has 2 large masses in his spleen and some (? how many, 1 or 2? – I cannot remember) in his liver. Without undergoing a biopsy, which is not an option for Hobson, he was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma which is the most aggressive cancer a dog can develop. Hobson’s UQ veterinarian told me Hobson’s prognosis was very poor and she had no idea how long he was going to live. <i>As she was giving me this terrible news, Misty had placed her head on my lap.</i> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;" class="font-size-2">I am trying not to go into too much detail. The reason Hobson lost weight was not because of the tumours in his spleen. However, the reason Hobson became so ill on 4 October was because he suffered an internal bleed because I took him for a little walk the day before. I did not know what was wrong. I gave him huge doses of Ester Vitamin C every day and this helped a great deal. Many dogs suffer a massive internal bleed and die before being diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma. Many dogs only live days after diagnosis. It would have been much worse for Hobson, and for me, if I had not persevered and proceeded with the ultrasound. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;" class="font-size-2">Because human beings do not develop this type of cancer no advancement has been made in the treatment of Hemangiosarcoma for 20-30 years.<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Hemangiosarcoma has been described as <em>among the most challenging and mysterious diseases encountered in veterinary practice. </em>My beautiful boy, Hobson has fought so bravely for so long and has continued to astound the UQ veterinary staff with his progress over these last 17 months. For Hobson to develop this type of cancer is devastating and unfair. But what can one do, except to grit one's teeth and continue through another enormous challenge.</span></span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974399815?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974399815?profile=original" width="704" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;" class="font-size-2">This is a photo of Hobson, at home with us again, after his ultrasound. I have given up work to be with Hobson. The 2 weeks after Hobson's diagnosis were extremely stressful. <span>Hemangiosarcoma tumours are very vascular and fragile tumours which tend to rupture and bleed easily. I was taking one hour at a time, trying to keep breathing and trying to relax, to deal with the worry that one of the tumours in Hobson's spleen could bleed again. </span>Because surgery and chemotherapy are not options for Hobson, his UQ veterinarian recommended I try to obtain a Chinese herb called Yunnan Baiyao that is being used to stop the bleeding in dogs diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma. Fortunately I obtained this herb that day, Monday 12 October. Thankfully this herb appears to be helping Hobson because he has not suffered another internal bleed.</span><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 10pt;"><br/></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;" class="font-size-2">Also through my research I came across a Chinese herbal extract which is being used to treat human patients with cancer. The Chinese company has opened a subsidiary in Brisbane. They have recently commenced using this herbal extract to treat dogs diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma to improve their quality of life. I spoke to the health consultant and decided there was nothing to lose and a great deal to gain if I purchased this product to help Hobson. They gave me another product FOC to help Hobson with his other health problems. The order only arrived last Wednesday. The health consultant advised me that it takes 3 to 4 weeks to see an improvement. I won’t go into details now but I will let you know if this natural treatment works. I believe it could also be used as a general health supplement to help older dogs. </span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974402104?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974402104?profile=original" width="704" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;" class="font-size-2">We have “bunked down” in the living area so that Hobson does not have to walk far to go out onto the verandah to go to the toilet. It is very important that he is kept very quiet at the moment and he does not walk any further than is necessary. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;" class="font-size-2"><em>After being on the Yunnan Baiyao for 5 days Hobson started to wag his tail again!! He has been wagging his tail every day since. I ask Hobson if he is okay and he looks at me and wags his tail furiously.</em> He has been eating reasonably well. His bowels have returned to normal. His eyes are bright again. The hot weather is not helping him but he is coping okay so far. I would not say that Hobson is feeling well, but neither am I. Neither of us want to depart this life yet.</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974402188?profile=original" target="_self" style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 10pt;"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974402188?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;" class="font-size-2">This is a photo of Hobson yesterday. Taking all things into account I believe he is doing extraordinarily well. Hobson is an amazing dog and I love him with all my heart. xxxxxxx</span></p>Misty's Birthdaytag:irishsetters.ning.com,2015-07-26:865021:BlogPost:11563722015-07-26T08:56:39.000ZFinding_Beauhttp://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974390077?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974390077?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: georgia, palatino; color: #000080;">Today, 26 July 2015 is Misty’s 4<sup>th</sup> Birthday. I found a pretty card for her with butterflies and birds. Here she is in bed with her Birthday card, not impressed with me at all because I had a camera in my hand.…</span></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974390077?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974390077?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino; color: #000080;" class="font-size-2">Today, 26 July 2015 is Misty’s 4<sup>th</sup> Birthday. I found a pretty card for her with butterflies and birds. Here she is in bed with her Birthday card, not impressed with me at all because I had a camera in my hand.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino; color: #000080;" class="font-size-2">My challenge today was to groom Misty and bath her, not that this is any kind of fun for Misty. I managed to get most of her grooming done but ran out of time to bath her. Her walk was much more important.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino; color: #000080;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974391840?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974391840?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino; color: #000080;" class="font-size-2">I tried hard to get Misty to look at the camera .. this was the closest I got! Misty is displaying a typical English Setter “goofy” expression with her sole focus on a Plover bird.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino; color: #000080;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974391890?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974391890?profile=original" width="704" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino; color: #000080;" class="font-size-2">The day went too fast but Misty really enjoyed her walk. Unfortunately Hobson is unable to come on walks at present because his left hind leg is causing him problems again. Needless to say Misty was not going to look at the camera!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino; color: #000080;" class="font-size-2">Misty is our precious English Setter girl. She brings great joy to Hobson and myself. xxxxxxx</span></p>Hobson is 12 Years Old today, 10 June 2015tag:irishsetters.ning.com,2015-06-10:865021:BlogPost:11549812015-06-10T12:35:40.000ZFinding_Beauhttp://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974388532?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img> <span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: georgia, palatino;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974388532?profile=original" target="_self"></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;">I tried to buy a healthy Birthday cake for Hobson without any luck so the closest I could find was a carrot cake. We lit the candles outside so that Hobson could share his Birthday with his horse brothers, Hallmark and Charlamayne and his horse sister,…</span></p>
<p><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974388532?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974388532?profile=original" target="_self"></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;">I tried to buy a healthy Birthday cake for Hobson without any luck so the closest I could find was a carrot cake. We lit the candles outside so that Hobson could share his Birthday with his horse brothers, Hallmark and Charlamayne and his horse sister, Khatalyst.</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974388655?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974388655?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;" class="font-size-2">I had my work cut out for me with Misty who wanted to jump onto the table and devour Hobson’s cake. I did not realise the table needed a scrub after all the rain we've had but this did not end up happening. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974390583?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974390583?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;" class="font-size-2">Hallmark checked out Hobson’s photo, licked the cream off my plate and cleaned up Hobson’s and Misty’s bowls. He was not happy with me that I did not give him a piece of carrot cake.</span><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;" class="font-size-2">We had a happy and peaceful time together. We went for a drive down to Natural Bridge in the Numinbah Valley in the afternoon. Misty had her head out of the window and pretty well barked non-stop because she knew she was in the country. Hobson was quiet, as usual, but when I asked him if he was alright, his tail did not stop wagging. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974392625?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974392625?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino; font-size: 10pt;">My boy has become frail in many ways but he is happy and I am so grateful that I can still care for him and love him and cherish him. His sister, Misty adores him. We are both very lucky to have Hobson in our lives .. my most precious, beautiful English Setter boy. xxxxxxxx</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974388532?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>Annietag:irishsetters.ning.com,2015-03-26:865021:BlogPost:11529692015-03-26T01:30:00.000ZFinding_Beauhttp://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974393621?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974393621?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;">Today, 26 March is the Birthday of my English Setter girl “Annie”. If Annie had not died at 13 weeks of age she would be 3 years old today.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;">Annie was not given a chance to grow up and experience the joys of being alive. In her 5 weeks living with us Annie’s car…</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974393621?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974393621?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;">Today, 26 March is the Birthday of my English Setter girl “Annie”. If Annie had not died at 13 weeks of age she would be 3 years old today.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;">Annie was not given a chance to grow up and experience the joys of being alive. In her 5 weeks living with us Annie’s car rides, which terrified her, were only to visit the vet. She was too malnourished to risk taking her anywhere other than to the vet.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;">If I had known she was going to die so young, I would have taken Annie in my arms everywhere .. to show her the walk around the lake that Hammer and Hobson loved so much, the parks close-by where she could watch the ducks in the lake .. and so much more.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;">The photo above of Annie is placed in front of my computer so that I can see her face every day. Annie will always be with me. I will always miss her.</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974393730?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974393730?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;">This is a photo of Annie with Hobson taken only a couple of days before she died. If you look closely you will see that Annie has placed her paw over the top of Hobson’s leg. She has snuggled closely into Hobson. They really loved each other. Even though mature-aged English Setter males can become a little stressed with a baby puppy, Hobson was never this way with Annie. He behaved wonderfully towards her. Annie absolutely adored Hobson. The vision of the pair of them together, side by side, both looking at me, both wagging their tails furiously, the day before Annie died, will always stay with me. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;">Hobson and I will always miss our baby girl, Annie so much. I know my English Setters, Jessie, Bandit, Beau, Hammer and Rose and my longhaired Dachshund, Benmore will be taking good care of her. Annie will not be alone.</span></p>Choicestag:irishsetters.ning.com,2013-12-17:865021:BlogPost:11278822013-12-17T10:30:00.000ZFinding_Beauhttp://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974382850?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974382850?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">This picture was placed on the staff notice board of one of my part time jobs which is a library. Even though the wages are very low, I love this job. I am surrounded by books and a gentle, positive environment on the…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974382850?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974382850?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">This picture was placed on the staff notice board of one of my part time jobs which is a library. Even though the wages are very low, I love this job. I am surrounded by books and a gentle, positive environment on the whole.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">I was drawn like a magnet to this picture because of the words and because the picture shows a horse with a child. The softness in the horse’s eye and the child’s touch are clearly visible.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Depending on the attitude of the adult human being, a 500kg horse will fight rather than submit to this adult, but in a gentle child’s hand, this same horse is “putty”.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">All my English Setters have shared their lives with horse brothers and sisters. We are an extremely close family even though we are of different species. This is why I include photos of our horses on my ES Page, as well as Sam, our White Faced Heron family member.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">If only, more human beings could choose kindness over being right.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">Richard Carlson’s quotes are certainly inspirational. I admit I have not read one of his books yet. As with all inspirational writers, I question some of the words in his quotes because Life is not simple and Life can be extremely painful for many. Take Grief for instance. The hope of the Rainbow Bridge and the After Life certainly does not make Grief any easier. Grief is directly related to Love.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Unfortunately Richard Carlson died in 2006 at the young age of 45 years. His books are difficult to find now. I am on the waiting list for one of his books.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974384588?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974384588?profile=original" width="257"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">The title is: <b>Don't Get Scrooged: How to Thrive in a World Full of Obnoxious, Incompetent, Arrogant, and Downright Mean-Spirited People.</b></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">I wonder how many of us can also relate to these words.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">All these words remind me of internet forums. It would be wonderful if all members could choose to be kind. But, we are dealing with human beings here. Yes, we should all ignore the rude comments but sometimes they really do get under our skin. I believe there are times when we need to make a stand.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Unfortunately I have not been able to visit ES often for a while, not because I am not interested or I prefer FB. “Real” life has interfered. Even though there are not as many comments on ES forum topics I notice that all members are behaving courteously towards each other. I believe this is Good. Quality is always better than quantity.</span></p>My Arabian Mare, Khatalysttag:irishsetters.ning.com,2013-11-08:865021:BlogPost:11256132013-11-08T04:30:00.000ZFinding_Beauhttp://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974384448?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974384448?profile=original" width="528"></img></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">Today, 7 November 2013, a purebred Arabian mare whose name is Khatayst joined our family. Today is a <em>special day</em> for her ~ it is <em>her Birthday</em>!! Khatalyst is 15 years…</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974384448?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974384448?profile=original" width="528"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Today, 7 November 2013, a purebred Arabian mare whose name is Khatayst joined our family. Today is a <em>special day</em> for her ~ it is <em>her Birthday</em>!! Khatalyst is 15 years old. </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">The extraordinary way Khatalyst came to me demonstrates yet again that Extra Sensory Perception or Intuitive Communication, whatever term one wishes to use, is real. It exists.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974384655?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974384655?profile=original" width="704"/></a></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Today was a very emotional day for me because <em>Khatalyst is Khomet’s sister.</em> Today I waited in the same place as I did on 29 March 2002 when Khomet travelled to me from New South Wales. Unfortunately the horse truck was delayed because of irresponsible horse owners. The driver was very tired and stressed by the time he arrived with Khatalyst. This is a photo of the horse truck making its way up to our home in the evening around 7PM. The driver was very impressed with how Khatalyst coped with the 8 ½ hour journey and all the hassles. He described her as “a dream”.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974386786?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974386786?profile=original" width="504"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">This is a photo of Khomet wearing his rhythm beads. He was a 15.1 hand grey Arabian gelding, beautiful in every way. Khomet was the gift to me of a lifetime. I will always miss him with all my heart.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974389458?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974389458?profile=original" width="528"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">It was too dark to give Khatalyst her Birthday Card yesterday evening so I waited until this morning. I do not believe Khatalyst has ever been given a Birthday Card. It appears she has never been given a carrot either.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Khatalyst is nowhere near as tall as Khomet. She is not even 14 hands. Whereas Khomet was grey, Khatalyst is “flea-bitten”. Khomet died when he was only 17 years old. I pray my little girl will be with me for a very long time to come. I will cherish her with all my heart.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974391129?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974391129?profile=original" width="704"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">This is a photo of Khatalyst with Hallmark and Charlamayne this morning. As I expected, they have settled in very easily with each other. </span> </span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974391348?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974391348?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Misty has met Khatalyst through the fence. Because I am uncertain how Khatalyst might react, and mares can kick, I am keeping Misty and Hobson separated from Khatalyst for quite a while. I do not believe Khatalyst has had much interaction, if any, with dogs. This is a photo of Misty sitting with Hallmark while we were waiting for the farrier. Misty was such a good girl while the farrier trimmed Hallmark's feet.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974391515?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974391515?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Hallmark has taken charge because he looks after everyone. I think he loves Khatalyst already. He keeps on eye on little Charlamayne too. I think Khatalyst cannot believe her luck in sharing her life now with <em>"Mr McDreamy"!</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">I posted a couple of videos on YouTube of our first morning with Khatalyst.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">Part 1: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0B6xnvTF28">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0B6xnvTF28</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">Part 2: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38xzglsgA74">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38xzglsgA74</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974393680?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974393680?profile=original" width="640"/></a></span></p>Hobson’s Health is Finally Improvingtag:irishsetters.ning.com,2013-04-28:865021:BlogPost:10962682013-04-28T08:00:00.000ZFinding_Beauhttp://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974375974?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974375974?profile=original" width="528"></img></a></span> <span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">I have developed my own health care and nutritional plan for Hobson now and I am very pleased that finally, after so long, Hobson is starting to improve.</span><span class="font-size-2"> …</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974375974?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974375974?profile=original" width="528"/></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">I have developed my own health care and nutritional plan for Hobson now and I am very pleased that finally, after so long, Hobson is starting to improve.</span><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><span class="font-size-2">Several weeks ago I went back through all my research printouts for the last 3-4 years and I came back to the same cause for all of Hobson’s health problems. Until recently I have never found any vet or natural therapist who has agreed with me. They have been treating Hobson for issues like skin problems, allergies, inflammation, etc. but none of them have recognised the cause, which is Systemic Yeast Infection. I do not understand this term because the condition is not an infection. It is a severely impaired digestive system caused by the over-growth of bad yeast which, if not treated quickly enough, will damage other organs inside the body. Hobson developed this life-threatening health problem because of veterinary drugs.</span><span class="font-size-2"> </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><span class="font-size-2">Each morning I make up a mixture for Hobson which comprises nutritional supplements, juiced organic beetroot and pineapple as well as papaya, goji berries, chia seeds and Jalna yoghurt. Misty and I have some too, excluding some of the nutritional supplements.</span><span class="font-size-2"> </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><span class="font-size-2">This is a photo of Hobson with the pink mixture around his mouth. One of his eyes will never be the same because of what the vets did to him. He has lost most of the sight in this eye.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974377738?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974377738?profile=original" width="663"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Here is Misty with Hobson this morning. Misty is in desperate need of a groom which I plan to do today. Over the last 7 months I have slowly changed Misty’s diet from a dried food diet fed by her breeder to a natural diet. Misty was in excellent health when she arrived but she has improved. Her coat has improved in quality and her body shape has strengthened. Like Beau and Hammer, Misty has only one speed, i.e. “full throttle”. Even though she is extremely energetic, she remains sound.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Hobson’s coat is finally growing over his “elephant” skin. The inflammation has left his body. The puss-like substance has stopped oozing out of the sides of his neck. His skin is nowhere near as itchy as it used to be. Now I am hoping Hobson will start to put on weight. I have changed his human grade meat from chicken to goat and lamb. I feed Misty the same diet except Hobson needs specific herbs and additional supplements.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Despite his terrible health problems, Hobson has always loved to go on his daily walks. I hope with all my heart Hobson will continue to be physically active for many years to come. I hope it is not too long before Hobson will be able to play with Misty.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Never allow an ignorant dog owner to tell you that you are only keeping your dog alive for yourself. Never give up hope. Hobson has given so much to me over the last, almost 10 years. Surely Hobson deserves for me to do everything in my power to help him achieve good health again, even if I have to borrow the money to pay for this. Hobson knows how much I love him. There is no price tag you can you put on this.</span></p>Annie's Birthday Anniversary ~ 26 Marchtag:irishsetters.ning.com,2013-03-25:865021:BlogPost:10889072013-03-25T09:30:00.000ZFinding_Beauhttp://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974371621?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974371621?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">On 26 March 2012 my English Setter girl, Annie was born. If she had lived, Annie would be 1 year old today.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">Every time I look at this photo of Annie taken…</span></span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974371621?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974371621?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">On 26 March 2012 my English Setter girl, Annie was born. If she had lived, Annie would be 1 year old today.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">Every time I look at this photo of Annie taken on 19 June, 2012 I feel as if my heart is being ripped up into pieces. This particular photo of Annie shows the energy finally coming into her eyes. That day I felt as if Annie had a chance.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">My tiny, baby girl loved me so much. I cannot express in words how much I loved my Annie. When I was outside the house, she would throw herself at the screen door to try to open it to come out to be with me even though she was too tiny to make any impact on the door.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">Anniversaries are extremely important in the grieving process.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">My life has been challenging to say the very least. I have endured an extraordinary amount of grief throughout my life. I have learned that I am a resilient human being. I have learned that it helps if I can find a way on an anniversary to honour the life of my loved one. I feel very strongly that the best way I can honour Annie’s life is to continue to raise awareness about her abuse.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">It is beyond my comprehension that a woman and a registered breeder could neglect and abuse a puppy. I believe a puppy deserves the same care and respect as a human baby. I believe an animal deserves the same care and respect as a human being. I believe it is our responsibility to protect and care for animals and the natural environment. Their needs should come before our own.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">On 12 June 2012 I lodged a complaint against Annie’s breeder with the relevant Canine Control Council. I listed 8 serious issues concerning Annie’s abuse and neglect by her breeder during her first 8 weeks of life, all of which were in breach of the ANKC Policies for Health & Welfare including the Breeding Code of Ethics and Responsible Breeding, the Animal Welfare Code of Practice – Breeding dogs and cats, and the Canine Control Council Regulations Part XIII Code of Ethics.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">I did not lodge this complaint against Annie’s breeder to gain financial compensation even though she had deliberately lied to me about Annie’s health. I did not want any refund of Annie’s purchase price. I was prepared to pay all the veterinary costs and Annie’s ongoing care. All I wanted was for Annie’s breeder to be made accountable, hopefully to be de-registered so that she could never harm another puppy and deceive another genuine purchaser like myself.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">In summary, my complaint was ignored. This is the standard behaviour of Canine Control Councils in Australia. This is why memberships continue to decline.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Two weeks later on 25 June 2012, Annie died. I went into a severe state of shock.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974373433?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974373433?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">On 1 July 2012, the anniversary of the stealing of my English Setter, Beau, I decided I had to do something that weekend to try to find some sort of justice for my baby girl, Annie. This was only 1 week after Annie had died. I was in a terrible emotional state but somehow I managed to achieve what I set out to do. I wrote to the Canine Control Councils in Queensland and NSW, the RSPCA in Queensland and NSW, as well as RSPCA Australia. I provided written evidence to support my complaint which included veterinary records and email communications between Annie’s breeder and myself.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">At that time an ES member wisely pointed out to me that it was extremely unlikely that the Canine Control Council and the RSPCA would do anything about Annie’s breeder. She believed the only way to make Annie’s breeder accountable was through financial compensation. I realised she was right and I spoke to a solicitor. On 15 July 2012 I wrote to Annie’s breeder and listed the reasons for my complaint. Legally I was obliged to provide her with an opportunity to respond before commencing legal action against her. To avoid legal action, Annie’s breeder immediately refunded Annie’s purchase price and travel costs. She would not have done this if she was not guilty, and this action in itself confirmed her guilt.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">The truth is that Annie was not a show quality puppy. Annie was the runt of the litter. Annie’s breeder deliberately lied to me. She sent Annie away from the litter at 8 weeks of age in a grossly malnourished state because she did not care about Annie and her only concern was maximising her profit. Annie was not fed properly during her first 8 weeks of life and she was not wormed properly. Annie only weighed 3.5kg at 8 weeks of age. The normal average weight for an 8 weeks old female English Setter puppy is 6.5kg. Annie had lived her first 8 weeks of life in a confined space, sitting, standing and sleeping in her urine and faeces. She was not emotionally or physically prepared in any way to cope with inter-state travel. Her breeder would not even drive Annie to the airport which was 2 hours away. <i>Can you imagine the sheer terror Annie suffered this day,</i> and it is a miracle she did survive. It is beyond my comprehension that a woman and a registered breeder could do this to an innocent, vulnerable, baby puppy.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">As it turned out, I was ignored by the Canine Control Councils and the RSPCA organisations.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">This year I did not renew my membership of Dogs Queensland.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">After Annie died I was made aware that registered English Setter breeders in Australia and New Zealand had been warned about Annie’s breeder and advised to steer clear of her when considering the purchase of a puppy. Many are aware of the filthy, unacceptable conditions in which her English Setter puppies and mature dogs are forced to live. I despise these breeders almost as much as Annie’s breeder.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">None of Annie’s siblings are now owned by the breeder, including the puppies who were shown. Many of Annie’s siblings were offered Free of Charge including the show quality “pick” of the litter. He was offered Free of Charge at 8 months of age provided he was desexed and the new owner paid for the desexing. The only reason a registered breeder would do this is because there is something wrong with the puppies. Annie’s mother is no longer shown on this breeder’s website. I shudder to think what has happened to Annie’s mother.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Annie’s breeder never showed remorse for what she had done to Annie. From the moment Annie arrived, she tried to blame me. Her dishonesty and cruelty is unforgivable. She is a monster.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974375075?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974375075?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">Annie was not well in the days before she died. I believe I know why now. Even if I had done things differently, this may not have changed what happened. Annie’s immune system was severely compromised and she had constant problems with her digestive system.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler write in their book <i>Life Lessons</i>:</span> <span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">“As hard as it may be to accept, the reality is that we don’t die before our time. When we die, it <i>is</i> our time.”</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">I will most likely never understand why my baby girl, Annie had to die but one thing is for certain I will never, ever forget her. Annie made a huge impact on me as a human being and every aspect of my life. My English Setter, Hobson loved Annie dearly and he has also suffered from her death.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">Annie is buried with her favourite toy beside my English Setter girl, Rose who is buried beside my English Setter boy, Hammer. Each one of them has burrowed so deeply into my heart. They are my special children. I suffer great pain in my grief but I could never consider trading this for never having known them at all.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">Rest In Peace my beautiful, baby girl, Annie. I will continue to fight for you in every way I can.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Your mum, Susan</span></p>February Anniversariestag:irishsetters.ning.com,2013-02-10:865021:BlogPost:10501532013-02-10T12:00:00.000ZFinding_Beauhttp://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">The month of February has three unforgettable and extremely special birth dates for me.</span><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">On 1<sup>st</sup> February, my English Setter boys, Beau and Hammer were born.…</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">The month of February has three unforgettable and extremely special birth dates for me.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">On 1<sup>st</sup> February, my English Setter boys, Beau and Hammer were born.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974368557?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974368557?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">This is a photo of Beau with his Arabian horse brother, Khomet taken only weeks before he was stolen on 1 July 2003.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974369824?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974369824?profile=original" width="704"/></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">This is a photo of Hammer taken at the veterinary hospital on the Gold Coast on 31 July 2011, 2 days before he died. Hammer had survived a biopsy of his spleen which I was advised by the veterinary specialist was necessary to determine his illness even though he knew Hammer’s spleen would bleed out. Hammer required multiple blood transfusions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">I lost both Beau and Hammer in tragic circumstances.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Beau was stolen from me on 1 July 2003 when he was only 2 years 5 months old. Despite the extraordinary extent of my search I have never received one piece of valid information about Beau. This is what usually happens with stolen companion animals.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Hammer died prior to 1.10 am on 3 August 2011 at 10 years of age from a haemorrhage in his airways. He had been cruelly de-barked by his previous owner who was a registered breeder and exhibitor at the time. Hammer came to me on 22 November 2006 when he was almost 6 years old.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Even though Beau came to me as a 4 months old puppy and Hammer as a mature aged dog, they were so alike that when Hammer came to me I felt as if a part of Beau had come back to me. Beau and Hammer were different too because they were each unique and special in their own ways.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">I will never forget the last lunch hour I saw Hammer on 2 August 2011. When Hammer heard my voice in the waiting area of the veterinary hospital he broke away from the vet nurse and ran into my arms. Everyone in the waiting area sighed. Most did not believe Hammer was even sick. All of them said how beautiful Hammer was and how much he loved his mum.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">I visited Hammer again that evening, only hours before he died. I brought a dooner with me because I hoped I would be allowed to stay with Hammer all night. He was not coping well in this veterinary hospital. No dog copes well in any veterinary hospital. Unfortunately I was not allowed to stay long at all, only about 30 minutes. I was extremely concerned about Hammer this evening. I knew there was something very wrong. I was ignored by the veterinary specialist. Hammer could not speak. His voice had been taken away from him. The terror and the pain were in his eyes. Hammer was ignored until it was too late. I know he would have tried to let them know of his pain, but he could not speak. Hammer died very quickly, and selfishly, I am relieved Hammer did not suffer a haemorrhage in his airways in front of me. I would have been covered in Hammer’s blood. I sincerely doubt even a human being as strong as myself could recover from this.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">I am writing a book about my experiences searching for Beau. This is taking me a long time to complete. All I will say now is that I will always carry a very painful ache in my heart for Beau.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">On 9<sup>th</sup> February my sweet English Setter, Rose was born. Rose came to me on 2 April 2006. She was 7 years old.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974369906?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974369906?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">This is a photo of Rose lying down with Hobson soon after she arrived. Even though Rose attacked Hobson several times, he was so concerned about her, and so was I. I am certain Hobson’s concern for Rose is clearly evident in this photo.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974369987?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974369987?profile=original" width="567"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">This is a photo of Rose, Hobson and Hammer in the back of my Jeep with the horse food and the groceries. Rose’s tail is wagging, Hobson is sitting on the console in between the 2 front seats, and Hammer is sitting beside Rose. They were all so very close with each other. It is understandable how much Hobson has suffered, as well as me, since Hammer and Rose died.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Miraculously Rose made it to her 13<sup>th</sup> Birthday even though she suffered so much in the 6 months prior to her death. She developed brain seizures on top of all her other health problems. Many a time I thought Rose would not pull through but she kept fighting to live. I wish with all my heart Rose had not suffered so much. She knew Hobson and I were suffering with her.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">My English Setters, Beau, Hammer and Rose all gave me so much unconditional love, so much devotion and so much joy. It is impossible for me not to miss them every single day of my life. My tears are a reflection of how much I love them. My smiles are also a reflection of how much I love them. I feel so grateful I was able to share a small part of their lives even though our time together was far too short.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">I am going to write a blog about my English Setter, Misty soon.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974370062?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974370062?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">This is a photo I took of Misty with her Arabian horse brother, Hallmark today. It is not the best of photos but I rarely have my camera in my hand to capture special moments.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Misty has been a complete joy for me since the moment she arrived. Is it any wonder ... Misty is an English Setter!</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Misty has many of the characteristics of Beau, Hammer and Rose. For instance, Misty feels comfortable with horses, like Beau. When I am walking with her, Misty lifts her head into the palm of my hand, like Hammer. Misty is starting to talk to me vocally, like Rose. Misty crosses her front paws when she stretches, like Rose. Most of all Misty gives me so much love and she is so devoted to me, like Beau, Hammer and Rose.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Misty is my dearest girl and I love her with all my heart and soul. If you decide to watch the video of Misty with the dog treat on my ES page you will notice that when she looks at me, she softens her face, closes her eyes and drops her ears to show me that she loves me. This is what my baby English Setter girl, Annie did soon after she arrived.</span></p>All I Want For Christmas is for Hobson To Be Healthy Againtag:irishsetters.ning.com,2012-12-02:865021:BlogPost:10074722012-12-02T09:00:00.000ZFinding_Beauhttp://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974364012?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974364012?profile=original" width="693"></img></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">It is December. The Christmas decorations and promotions are appearing in shops again. Christmas songs are playing. Unfortunately, anything to do with Christmas makes me feel sick inside.…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974364012?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974364012?profile=original" width="693"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">It is December. The Christmas decorations and promotions are appearing in shops again. Christmas songs are playing. Unfortunately, anything to do with Christmas makes me feel sick inside.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">This photo of Hobson with his English Setter sister, Misty was taken on 4 November 2012. Misty had been living with us for 6 weeks by then. During this time, Misty had certainly helped Hobson, and me, but Hobson is still very ill even though his blood tests including his TFT have always been normal.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Hobson’s health had started to improve after our baby English Setter girl, Annie arrived. On 24 June 2012, the day before Annie died, Hobson and Annie had a lovely run with each other. It was the first time I had allowed Annie to run with Hobson outside the house because I was so worried about her. I felt so happy seeing Hobson and Annie together. Hobson had not played like this since his English Setter brother, Hammer died. The next day our baby girl, Annie was taken away from us. Annie’s death was too much for Hobson and it was too much for me. We have kept each other a-float and I have managed to keep Hobson alive. However, Hobson has become too ill to play and run like he did with Annie this day.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974366592?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974366592?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="695" height="478"/></a></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">This is a photo of Hobson in 2009 when he was 6 years old, prior to GDV. Hobson is a Pamploma English Setter. He is a large, strong boned boy. Well, he was before vets destroyed his health.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974366725?profile=original" target="_self"></a></span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974366892?profile=original" target="_self"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974368853?profile=original" target="_self"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974370308?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974370308?profile=original" width="530"/></a></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">This is a photo of Hobson’s mother, Beatrice when she was pregnant with Hobson. She is a Pamploma English Setter and she is a large, strong boned girl. She has an impressive pedigree.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Hobson suffered GDV because of the adverse side effects of the drug, Prednisone and the harmful preservatives in the veterinary Hills Science Diet z/d low allergen dried dog food. Sometimes the causes of GDV are difficult to determine. This was not the case with Hobson. The treating vet knew he was responsible and he showed no remorse. He knew he would not be made to be accountable by the Veterinary Surgeons Board.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974372116?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974372116?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Even though I was advised by the veterinary specialist who performed surgery on Hobson that Hobson had achieved a remarkable recovery (Surgery was performed on Hobson PM Sunday, 16 August and Hobson was discharged AM Tuesday, 18 August), this is how Hobson looked 8 days later on 26 August. Hobson had lost kilos in weight and his coat had deteriorated significantly. Hobson was a shell of his former self. My beautiful, healthy English Setter boy had been reduced to this poor state by a vet. All the years of excellent nutrition and care had been wiped away by a vet.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Since the GDV surgery Hobson has never been the same dog, physically, emotionally or mentally. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">In addition Hobson had a sertoli testicular tumour which was ignored by several vets even though his nipples were enlarged, his groin area became pigmented and he developed warts in this area. I believe the tumour was the cause of Hobson’s acute skin allergy problem in 2009 because too much oestrogen was being produced in his body, thereby upsetting his hormonal balance. I was ignored by vets and I was almost thrown out of one vet practice because I questioned the use of Prednisone again. Hobson was eventually desexed in 2011 by a vet I did not know without my knowledge or permission. She removed his scrotum without my knowledge or permission, did not insert enough stitches in the wound, and I believe she botched the surgery. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">In addition, Hobson lost his English Setter brother, Hammer on 3 August 2011 and in less than 4 months he lost his English Setter sisters, Rose and Annie. Hobson has suffered a great deal. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Even though Christmas is a heart-breaking time for me, I still believe in miracles and magic, angels and fairies, leprechauns and gnomes (I am a mixture of Irish and Cornish). When I was a child my father used to read books to me. My favourite book was King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and I still love stories about this time, "in a land of myth and a time of magic". </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><em>I am sending out a very special wish for Christmas</em> .. I wish with all my heart that my beautiful English Setter boy, Hobson will be healthy again and he will be able to run and play with his young English Setter sister, Misty for many years to come. Hobson is only 9 years old.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974374293?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974374293?profile=original" width="704"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">This is a photo of Hobson with me after my Arabian horse, Khomet died suddenly and tragically. My hair was falling out because of my trauma and grief. As always, Hobson was there to comfort me and to help me. I will never be able to repay Hobson for the unconditional love and companionship he has given me.</span></p>Hammer - Our 22 November Anniversarytag:irishsetters.ning.com,2012-11-22:865021:BlogPost:10052732012-11-22T14:00:00.000ZFinding_Beauhttp://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974366043?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974366043?profile=original" width="643"></img></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">Today is the Anniversary of the day Hammer and I came together. He was almost 6 years old. Each year we celebrated this special Anniversary until Hammer died in 2011. Today I am filled with sadness and the tears have been streaming…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974366043?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974366043?profile=original" width="643"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Today is the Anniversary of the day Hammer and I came together. He was almost 6 years old. Each year we celebrated this special Anniversary until Hammer died in 2011. Today I am filled with sadness and the tears have been streaming down my face. I miss my boy, Hammer so much. I will never stop missing Hammer. I will never forget this special day. This photo of Hammer is one of my favourites. Hammer hated to be bathed, but he loved to be groomed. When he first arrived, he did not really know what connection he was supposed to have with birds. His English Setter brother, Hobson taught him.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974366623?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974366623?profile=original" width="718"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">This is a photo of Hammer taken at Coolangatta Airport the day he arrived on 22 November 2006. It was an exceptionally hot day. I was worried about Hammer all day. He flew from Melbourne and had a stop-over in Sydney. I phoned Dogtainers in Sydney to make certain Hammer was alright. I was so relieved when Hammer arrived safely.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974368715?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974368715?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">This is a photo of Hammer taken the next day on 23 November 2006 with Hobson and Rose. Hobson (on the left) was not happy with me at the time. He was worried and he was jealous of Hammer, but Hobson was always there for Hammer, and he always loved Hammer, as did Rose. Hobson has not been the same since the day Hammer died. Rose also grieved deeply for Hammer. She had a terrible battle ahead of her.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Those who have read the book <em>Dogs that Know when their Owners are Coming Home and Other Unexplained Powers of Animals</em> by Rupert Sheldrake will understand that animals can telepathically communicate with each other and with humans.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">A couple of months after Hammer died I had a reading with a psychic medium who does not usually communicate with animals. She connected with my mother who had died in 1977. She provided me with accurate information about my mother she could not have possibly known and which no one else knows. She said there had been a recent passing, a male. Hammer came through to this psychic medium as a male child being comforted by my mother. This psychic medium knew how Hammer had died. <em>She asked me what importance the date 22 November had.</em></span><em><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Even though I feel extremely disillusioned, particularly since the death of my baby English Setter girl, Annie, I do believe there is life after death. This does not stop my tears for Hammer, and I will always miss him. <em>His brother, Hobson has his head on my foot as I write this.</em></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974370245?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974370245?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">I believe Hammer had only recently been de-barked before he was re-homed with me. Understandably, Hammer was emotionally traumatised by having his voice taken away from him. Hammer should never have been de-barked.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974371947?profile=original" target="_self"></a></span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974372242?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974372242?profile=original" width="516"/></a></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">This is a photo of my vet, Ian with Hammer on 19 December 2006. Unfortunately Ian retired in early 2008. He was a wonderful vet and a decent human being. He was part of our family. I will never forget the day he told me, with tears in his eyes, that he had made a mistake with my English Setter, Bandit. He had missed his enlarged kidney in a physical examination after which Bandit was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease. I would never had known about this mistake. I respected Ian more for his honesty.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Unlike Ian, the holistic vet I trusted with Hammer’s care was arrogant and greedy. He charged me a great deal of money to misdiagnose Hammer’s blood tests, his x-rays and his ultrasounds. He diagnosed Hammer with a minor liver problem when Hammer had developed leukaemia. He ignored Hammer’s chronic airways problems. He saw Hammer’s distress but he did not care. I did not realise this at the time.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974372485?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974372485?profile=original" width="724"/></a></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">After Hammer died I met many dog owners who had had similar experiences with this holistic vet but it was too late. I blamed myself for trusting this vet.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">The other day I met a lady we have come to know on our daily walks. Her 3 year old Cocker Spaniel, Cody has been diagnosed with cancer. She and Cody were referred to the veterinary specialist who was looking after Hammer. He recommended that Cody not have chemotherapy because his cancer was too aggressive. Weeks later Cody developed many more tumours. She was grateful this vet specialist was honest. He has told her what to expect and at the moment Cody is happy.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Even though the tears streamed down my face when this lady was speaking to me, what she told me restored my faith. This vet specialist told me that Hammer did have a good chance with chemotherapy. Without chemotherapy he was going to die. I trusted him, and now I know I did the right thing by trusting him. I tried to do everything I possibly could to give Hammer every chance to live. Hammer was fighting with all his might to live. After one chemotherapy treatment the cancer cells had almost disappeared but Hammer was also fighting his chronic airways problems from being de-barked. This is what ended Hammer’s life. I believe it is likely that Hammer developed leukaemia because of the stress he suffered from having his voice taken away from him. Hammer should never have been de-barked.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974374670?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974374670?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">While Hammer was fighting for his life, our new family member, our English Setter girl, Misty was born.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> Misty is comforting Hobson and I.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">I will always miss my boy, Hammer.</span></p>Annie's Story - Part 2 - The Reasontag:irishsetters.ning.com,2012-07-24:865021:BlogPost:9714942012-07-24T00:00:00.000ZFinding_Beauhttp://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974353057?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974353057?profile=original" width="596"></img></a> <span class="font-size-2">Even though I thought this would be obvious, I would like to make it clear that I am not referring to any ES member in Annie’s story. I would be breaching my terms of membership as well as the suggested Code of Conduct if I did this. I am also not writing Annie’s story to discredit registered dog breeders.…</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974353057?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974353057?profile=original" width="596"/></a><span class="font-size-2">Even though I thought this would be obvious, I would like to make it clear that I am not referring to any ES member in Annie’s story. I would be breaching my terms of membership as well as the suggested Code of Conduct if I did this. I am also not writing Annie’s story to discredit registered dog breeders. Unfortunately Annie’s story revolves around a disreputable registered English Setter breeder. I wish with all my heart I was not writing this story.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">I am not ashamed to say this – because of the grief and trauma I am suffering from Annie’s tragic death as well as the stress and worry I suffered from the moment I met Annie at Coolangatta airport on 22 May 2012, it is necessary for me to receive weekly counselling from a psychologist. This is an indication of how much Annie meant to me. I have been encouraged by this psychologist to write Annie’s story, not only to help me heal, to raise awareness.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">I have also taken steps to try to stop this from happening again. For instance, (even though no one listens to me) I have recommended to the Canine Control Council that changes be made so that purebred puppies cannot travel inter-state in Australia until they have reached the age of at least 12 weeks and that a veterinary certification must be obtained by the registered breeder and provided to the new owner prior to travel to ensure the puppy is physically and emotionally capable of coping with the required travel.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">As I have said many times in ES forum topics, there are good breeders and there are bad breeders; there are good pet owners and there are bad pet owners. When one of us sees or experiences something that is bad for the breed of dog we love so much, or any animal, I believe we should speak out. This is a quotation I show on the Legal Status of a Dog web page of my website</span> <span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a href="http://www.findingbeau.com/legal_status.htm">www.findingbeau.com/legal_status.htm</a></span> :</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">"Laws can embody standards, governments can enforce laws but the final task is not a task for government.</span> <i>It is <span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">a task for each and every one of us.</span></i> <span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">Every time we turn our heads the other way when we see the law flouted, when we tolerate what we know to be wrong, when we close our eyes and ears to the corrupt because we are too busy, or too frightened, <i>when we fail to speak up and speak out, we strike a blow against freedom and decency and justice.</i>" ~ Robert Francis Kennedy.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">This is why I am writing Annie’s story.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">The photo I have shown above of Annie was taken on 22 May 2012 after we had arrived home from Coolangatta airport. Annie was covered in urine, vomit and faeces. Even though it was after 6PM and it was cold, I had to clean Annie to try to make her feel better. I bath my English Setters in my bath tub and I have placed a spray nozzle on the tap to help me clean them thoroughly. I placed Annie under this nozzle and using warm water, I gently washed away the physical signs of the trauma she had suffered this day. Annie was so grateful to me. How could I not love her deeply! I searched the cupboards to find something to place on Annie to keep her warm. I found Benmore’s rug. Even though Benmore was a dachshund, his rug was still much too large for tiny, baby Annie.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">As you can see, Annie is a pretty little girl and maybe you will also notice her heart-shaped nose. My English Setter, Beau also had a heart-shaped nose.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">This is all I am going to write for now.</span></p>Annie's Story - Part 1 - The Beginningtag:irishsetters.ning.com,2012-07-20:865021:BlogPost:9706692012-07-20T11:00:00.000ZFinding_Beauhttp://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974354070?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974354070?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">My English Setter, Annie lost her life at 13 weeks of age. I never imagined that I could suffer so much trauma and so much grief from purchasing a purebred English Setter puppy from a registered English Setter breeder. Purchasing a…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974354070?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974354070?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">My English Setter, Annie lost her life at 13 weeks of age. I never imagined that I could suffer so much trauma and so much grief from purchasing a purebred English Setter puppy from a registered English Setter breeder. Purchasing a puppy is supposed to be a happy experience.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Annie’s death has had a profound effect on my health and my life. I have never cried so many tears. The week Annie died, the rain poured down heavily and constantly. I felt as if the Heavens themselves were weeping for my baby girl and for me.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Annie’s death has also adversely affected the health of her English Setter brother, Hobson.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><i>The tragedy is that Annie’s death could have been easily prevented.</i></span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><i> </i></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Exclusively Setters (ES) is the only internet community I have found over the last 9 years, since my English Setter, Beau was stolen, where I have made genuine friends around the world. I feel that ES is a safe place for me to share Annie’s story. Based on my moral values and standard of behaviour, I believe Annie’s story needs to be told. I am writing Annie’s story in a series of blogs. I had planned to do this before Annie died showing her progress from a severely malnourished puppy to a healthy young English Setter lady. Annie was always beautiful.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">I wish with all my heart that Annie was still alive. I have had enough of writing blogs and a website with unhappy endings. I wish with all my heart Annie’s time had not been cut so short and she had lived to be my English Setter girl for a very long time. I believe Annie’s story is a truly heartbreaking story.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2">Annie’s story begins the day she was born on 26 March 2012. She was one of 13 puppies born prematurely by c-section. There were 3 girls and 10 males in the litter. On 27 March 2012 a male puppy died. Annie’s breeder advised me this puppy died because he was <i>very small</i>. She said she was <i>keeping an eye on the runt of the litter.</i></span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><i> </i></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">On 26 March 2012 I was visiting my veterinarian, John again with Hobson. Hobson has required constant veterinary attention since another veterinarian almost killed him in 2009. This was followed by a succession of incompetent veterinarians. Incompetent veterinarians are responsible for Hobson's health problems. After trying various forms of treatment, John believed that Hobson’s health was not improving because of grief and stress. Hobson’s English Setter brother, Hammer had died. I received the phone call from the Veterinary Specialist Hospital at 1.10am on Wednesday, 3 August 2011 that Hammer had died unexpectedly. Nine days after Hammer died, Rose suffered her first seizure. Rose then suffered an extreme adverse reaction to the medication. The seizures slowly destroyed her brain. Hobson watched me care for Rose and he watched Rose suffer and die on 6 March 2012. Hobson was left on his own for the first time in his life. I had to go to work part-time. Hobson was not coping. After Rose died, he lost all the weight he had gained. He was 5.5kg under-weight. John, my vet, urged me to find a friend ASAP for Hobson, and preferably an English Setter.</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><i><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974354320?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974354320?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></i></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">This is a photo of Hobson with Hammer and Rose, before Hammer and Rose died, on a walk in their favourite place. Hobson had so much energy I sometimes struggled to control him so he is wearing a halti. Hammer has been shaved for another ultrasound. Rose had not yet suffered a seizure and she was still able to go for short walks.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974356351?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974356351?profile=original" width="528"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">This is a photo of Hobson taken 6 days after Rose died on 12 March 2012. His allergy problem flared up again, he lost his coat as well as weight. His energy had gone. His digestive system was poor. <i>I had, and still have every reason for concern about Hobson’s health.</i></span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">Unfortunately “history had repeated itself”. I was planning on purchasing an English Setter puppy from my friend, Jean in 2001 but the planned mating in March did not result in puppies. The puppy who eventually came to me in 2001 was Beau.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">At the end of 2011 I placed an order for a puppy with another English Setter breeder in Tasmania for a planned mating around February/March 2012. Jean had seen the English Setter sire and dam and she was impressed. Unfortunately, again, the mating did not result in puppies.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">I contacted many registered English Setter breeders throughout Australia but was advised no litters were planned or else the puppies had been sold. On the evening of 26 March 2012 I visited a website where some registered English Setter breeders advertise their dogs. I noticed the advertisement for Annie’s litter. I did not know the breeder. I carried out some research. Other breeders, who are supposed to be reputable, had exchanged breeding dogs with her. Annie’s breeder advised me she also rescued English Setters. She knew I was only purchasing a puppy to help Hobson, she knew Hammer and Rose had died recently, she knew about Beau, and she knew how much I loved my English Setters.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">This is an extract of my email to Annie’s breeder on 30 March 2012: “I have chosen a name for Hobson's baby sister .. "Annie". <i>I wonder which of the 12 puppies she will be</i>.” At that time I only knew that a male puppy had died.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">This is an extract of my email to Annie’s breeder on 31 March 2012: “I just had a look at your website. I notice that there are only 3 girls in the litter. Because Hobson will be happiest with a girl, even if none of the girls turn out to be show quality, this does not matter. <i>All that matters is seeing Hobson happy again.</i> <i>I believe Hammer has had a paw in this so I trust that the perfect puppy will come to us.”</i></span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><i> </i></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">On 9 April 2012, when Annie was 14 days old, her breeder emailed me 3 blurred photos of the girls and wrote: “let me know what think”. I was uncertain what she meant by this but replied that if she was offering me a choice, I would prefer to wait until the puppies were more developed.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><b> </b></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">I have owned purebred dogs for a long time. An example is the purchase of my purebred longhaired dachshund, Benmore in 1985, which is 27 years ago. Benmore was approx. 8 weeks old when I went to see the puppies which comprised long haired, short haired and wire haired standard dachshunds. There were approx 30 puppies and I chose Benmore. Whereas the other puppies jumped up onto the wire fence to greet me, Benmore sat back on his haunches, surveyed me from top to toe, decided I belonged to him, then moved forward and thrust his paw through the fence (similar to the story of the English Setter, Cider). Benmore’s breeder advised me that she was running him on for a few weeks but if I wanted to wait, he may be available for sale. I waited. This is the behaviour I am used to when dealing with a registered breeder.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974358759?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974358759?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">This is a photo of Benmore when he was approx. 3 months old. He was a strong, healthy puppy and he did not have worms. This is what you expect from a registered breeder.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><i>Annie’s breeder specifically chose Annie for me</i>. </span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">On 22 April 2012, when Annie was 27 days old I received an email from the breeder who wrote: “i will send you a pic of your girl today :-) <i>the other two girls are pet quality</i>.”</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">Annie’s breeder sent me another email on 22 April 2012 with the subject heading of <i>English Setter Puppy Show Girl</i> and attached this photo of Annie.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974361169?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974361169?profile=original" width="504"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">What came through to me from this photo was a vulnerable, pretty girl with a nice head and skinny front legs. I loved Annie from this moment. I printed this photo and showed it to Hobson and said: “This is a photo of your baby sister, Annie. Your baby sister is a gift to you from me. Annie is coming to love you and help me look after you”.</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">At the time I wondered why Annie’s breeder was so certain Annie was show quality at 4 weeks of age because the reputable breeders I know have advised me that a puppy has to reach at least 4 months of age before this assessment can be made and even then, there is no guarantee. However, I did not request a show quality puppy. I requested a healthy puppy<em>. Every purchaser of any purebred dog deserves to receive a healthy, well socialised puppy from a registered breeder.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">Even though Annie’s breeder failed to send me photos of Annie’s mother and the litter including Annie because she said she was having constant computer problems, <em>it never entered my head that this was deliberate on her part. </em></span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">Annie’s breeder advised me in writing that Annie was the best quality girl in the litter and she later advised me verbally that Annie was the “pick” of the litter with a male sibling. She led me to believe that she was selling me one of her healthiest puppies to help me because she understood my grief for Hammer and Rose and my worry about Hobson. <em>It was beyond my comprehension that any registered breeder could lie to me, or any purchaser, about issues as important as these.</em></span><em><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"> </span></em><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">I was not buying a puppy from a back yard breeder. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><i>Never “in my wildest dreams“ could I anticipate what was going to happen, and therefore, understandably, I was not prepared in any way for the terrible state my baby girl, Annie was in when I first met her.</i></span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><i> </i></span> </p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">This is Part 1 of Annie’s story. I do not expect comments but if anyone wishes to comment they are welcome to do so.</span></p>My little Orange Belton English Setter girl "Annie"tag:irishsetters.ning.com,2012-06-25:865021:BlogPost:9611822012-06-25T01:30:00.000ZFinding_Beauhttp://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">It is with indescribable despair that I am again writing a tribute blog for one of my English Setters, this time for my little girl, Annie, who died at approx. 5am today, Monday, 25 June 2012. Annie would have turned <em>13 weeks old today.</em></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">When you purchase a purebred puppy from a registered breeder, this is not supposed to happen. The reason I…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">It is with indescribable despair that I am again writing a tribute blog for one of my English Setters, this time for my little girl, Annie, who died at approx. 5am today, Monday, 25 June 2012. Annie would have turned <em>13 weeks old today.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">When you purchase a purebred puppy from a registered breeder, this is not supposed to happen. The reason I purchased a purebred puppy was so that I did not “live” at a veterinary practice, as I have done over the last few years because of health problems with my English Setters, Hammer, Rose and Hobson. The reason I purchased a puppy was so that I did not have to suffer the terrible pain of grief again for a very long time.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">I understand others have suffered, but my little girl died today and this is my grief and she was my girl, and Hammer was my boy and Rose was my girl and Beau was my boy. I was speaking to my friend, Jean this morning after Annie died and she said to me: “Susan, you have to try to stay strong” .. but, sometimes the losses become so great, as has happened to me, that you are pushed over the edge with your grief and you cannot go on.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974349947?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974349947?profile=original" width="704"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">This is a photo of Annie and Hobson taken on 27 May 2012. Annie had been living with us for 5 days. She was almost 9 weeks old. Maybe you might notice how tiny she is. Annie almost did not make it up to Hobson and I during her travel from New South Wales to Queensland. Dogtainers was unable to load Annie on the plane because of excessive diarrhoea. I was shocked when I saw how tiny and frail Annie was. She was covered in vomit, urine and diarrhoea when she eventually arrived at Coolangatta airport. I phoned my vet the next day. <em>Annie only weighed 3.5kg!</em> She was full of worms. She defecated and urinated in her own bed and she ran in her faeces because this must have been the way she lived during her first 8 weeks of life. I have been taking Annie to see my vet every week because of all her health problems. As well as being malnourished, she is 50% under-size and under-weight for a normal English Setter puppy of her age.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">Even though I like the strong-boned English Setters, Annie was my little girl and I was prepared to do everything in my power to help her. I would never have parted with my Annie. Never!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974350876?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974350876?profile=original" width="498"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">This is a photo of Annie on the evening of Sunday, 24 June 2012. She was sitting on top of my one and only couch checking out what I was doing in the kitchen. She was starting to develop her front legs. Her hind legs were still very frail. I felt she was starting to improve.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">Less than 12 hours later my little girl was dead. I feel completely and utterly traumatised. I am in shock. Hobson knows his little sister, Annie has died and he is also suffering. Annie’s death is totally unfair and I honestly do not know how I am going to cope with Annie’s tragic loss.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">I re-covered the deck chairs on the verandah and bought new woollen dooners for Annie’s arrival. She loved to sit on the purple deck chairs. I look out onto the verandah now and Annie is not there. I bought her a soft mauve blanket. She slept on Benmore’s bed (my long-haired daschund) because she was so tiny she “drowned” in the normal beds. She took one of Rose’s toys to bed with her. When I covered her up to keep her warm, she looked up at me with so much love. When she looked at me, her tiny face softened so much because she loved me, and I loved my little girl so very much. But, now, I will never see my little girl again, and my heart is torn apart. I do not understand why my life has to be so hard.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">The reason I love my English Setters so much and the reason each one of them love me so much is because our feelings run deep. We are not made from “froth and bubble”. We are made from "deeper stuff".</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">Except for my beautiful Hobson who continues to suffer ill health, my time with English Setters is now over. I never thought I would ever say this because I love this breed of dog so much, but the pain and the heartache has become too much for me. I honestly do not know how I am going to even get through this day.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">Today is the birthday of my beautiful English Setter boy, Bandit. He suffered so much before we found each other just prior to his 7<sup>th</sup> Birthday. When my English Setters suffer, I suffer. Our hearts and our souls are connected. When one of my English Setters dies, a piece of my heart dies. This is the way it is with us. Many people have assumed that I loved Beau more than my other English Setters and my horses because of the extent of my search for Beau. They were wrong. My search for Beau is only an example of what I would do for each and every one of them. They are my life, and I love them so much, but the big problem is that I am now struggling very hard to cope with their deaths. I miss them. I still cry every day for my beautiful Hammer. I miss him so much. I miss my Rose. I miss my Beau. I miss all my beautiful animal children in Heaven. And now my hope in Annie has been taken away from me. My little girl Annie is gone.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">I wish to thank all the kind friends I have made on ES. I know you will understand my pouring out my heart and my despair.</span></p>Sunny - Best of Breed - Sydney Royal Show 1998tag:irishsetters.ning.com,2012-04-08:865021:BlogPost:9197812012-04-08T05:19:18.000ZFinding_Beauhttp://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974334450?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974334450?profile=original" width="480"></img> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">This is a photo of Sunny, who is the father of Hammer and Beau, with his proud owner, Victor Hammer, after whom Hammer was named. I was talking to Victor today and because it is Sydney Royal Show time again, he said he would be very happy if I published this blog in memory of Sunny, who he misses very…</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974334450?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974334450?profile=original" width="480"/><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">This is a photo of Sunny, who is the father of Hammer and Beau, with his proud owner, Victor Hammer, after whom Hammer was named. I was talking to Victor today and because it is Sydney Royal Show time again, he said he would be very happy if I published this blog in memory of Sunny, who he misses very much. Sunny's pedigree name is Gr Ch Eireannmada Gold Smith. His father was Gr Ch Tybyrn Longjohn Silver. I admit I am completely biassed in my belief that the past Champions bred by Jean Preece (Pamploma), Elizabeth Culverwell (Chilworth) and Joan and Karen Kristoff (Tybryn) are still contributing to the beautiful English Setters of this current day. For instance, the Grand-Dam of the Best of Breed winner of the 2012 Sydney Royal Show is Tybryn Hannah Rose, who is Sunny's daughter.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">In 1998 Sunny not only won Best of Breed of the Sydney Royal Show, he also won Best of Breed of the Queensland Royal Show and the Hobart Royal Show.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">I am a sentimental fool. Therefore, as I write these words the tears are streaming down my face. I hope you enjoy this beautiful photo.</span></p>Rosetag:irishsetters.ning.com,2012-03-07:865021:BlogPost:9040132012-03-07T02:55:05.000ZFinding_Beauhttp://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974330723?profile=original" width="614"></img></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">It is with an extremely heavy heart that I am writing another tribute blog so soon for another one of my English Setters, this time my girl, Rose. Her name was originally Rosie but I always called her “my sweet English Rose”.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">Rose and Hammer came to me in 2006 because of my ongoing search for Hammer’s brother, Beau. Losing a beloved…</span></p>
<p><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974330723?profile=original" width="614"/></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">It is with an extremely heavy heart that I am writing another tribute blog so soon for another one of my English Setters, this time my girl, Rose. Her name was originally Rosie but I always called her “my sweet English Rose”.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">Rose and Hammer came to me in 2006 because of my ongoing search for Hammer’s brother, Beau. Losing a beloved animal child from death rips out your heart. Having them stolen from you is something I cannot describe.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">Rose was 7 years old when we found each other on 2 April 2006. She was a shell .. so sad, so timid, and so frail. The first time I took her to the leash free dog park, she clung to me because she was terrified of human beings and dogs. If a dog approached, she growled and bared her teeth. Even if Hobson came near her at home, she told him to go away. The sight of a hair brush would make Rose throw herself in the corner of a room.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">Rose did not have an impressive pedigree and was born with many conformation faults, some of which contributed to her health problems. However, once she found love, Rose blossomed into the special girl she was born to be. There will never be another English Setter like my Rose.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974330750?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974330750?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">Rose has suffered a great deal over the last 7 months. Her fighting spirit has been astounding. I wonder if she tried to stay alive for me because of Hammer’s tragic death. In a way, it is a blessing that Rose developed pneumonia and she finally let go.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">Another big piece of my heart died with Rose. I pray she is with Hammer and my other English Setter children in Heaven.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">I will always miss my sweet English Rose.</span> </p>
<p> </p>Hammertag:irishsetters.ning.com,2011-09-08:865021:BlogPost:7832702011-09-08T06:30:00.000ZFinding_Beauhttp://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974303305?profile=original" target="_self"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974305018?profile=original" target="_self"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974305558?profile=original" target="_self"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974305593?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974303305?profile=original" target="_self"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974305018?profile=original" target="_self"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974305558?profile=original" target="_self"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974305593?profile=original" target="_self"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974307324?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974307324?profile=original" width="613"/></a><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">I chose this photo of Hammer taken at the veterinary hospital on 31 July 2011 because it shows his extraordinary courage as well as his beauty even though he was 10 years old. I met with a veterinary specialist today for 2 hours and now I know why Hammer died. This had not been made clear to me at the time of Hammer's death. Hammer had been suffering health problems since November 2010 but his death was sudden. For 7 days Hammer stayed in the veterinary hospital and he fought with all his might to make it into remission after he had been diagnosed with leukaemia even though his airways were full of puss. Hammer had been debarked by his previous owner who is a registered breeder. Why Hammer developed leukaemia is unclear. Hammer died from a haemorrhage in his airways.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;" class="font-size-3">Hammer was a Grand Champion, as was his father and both his grandfathers. His grandfather Tybyrn Long John Silver was the first English Setter in Australia to gain the Grand Champion title. An impressive pedigree. However what set Hammer apart was his extraordinary temperament. He was the essence of a true gentleman with adventurous and loving ways. I feel extremely blessed that I was able to share my life with Hammer from 22 November 2006 to 3 August 2011. I wish with all my heart our time together had been longer but nothing can ever take away the unconditional love we shared for each other. Even though he did not live with me all his life, Hammer will always be my boy and I will miss him forever. I hold onto the hope that death is not an ending and we will meet again. There will never be another English Setter like Hammer.</span></p>Royal National Dog Show at the Brisbane "Ekka"tag:irishsetters.ning.com,2007-08-20:865021:BlogPost:112152007-08-20T02:03:26.000ZFinding_Beauhttp://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974074563?profile=original=/ekka.jpg?width=300"></img></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">The Canine Control Council (Queensland) displayed a large poster of Beau prominently at the entrance to the Dog Pavilion throughout the Royal National Dog Show from 9 to 18 August 2007. The RNA Dog Show is held once a year in every State of Australia. Channel 10 News interviewed the CCC Queensland Councillor who organised this for me and focussed on Beau's poster. The CCC Qld has never done this before, but no one in…</p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974074563?profile=original=/ekka.jpg?width=300"/></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">The Canine Control Council (Queensland) displayed a large poster of Beau prominently at the entrance to the Dog Pavilion throughout the Royal National Dog Show from 9 to 18 August 2007. The RNA Dog Show is held once a year in every State of Australia. Channel 10 News interviewed the CCC Queensland Councillor who organised this for me and focussed on Beau's poster. The CCC Qld has never done this before, but no one in Australia has ever searched for as long and to the extent I have to find my English Setter "Beau". I have received continuing support from every Canine Control Council in every State of Australia. My search for Beau has attracted national media television and magazine attention 8 times so far. All the media attention is shown on the Media Stories web page of my website. Despite this, there has still not been one sighting of Beau. This is because there is no system in place in Australia to trace stolen dogs. Stolen dogs are hidden and kept out of sight, and Australia is a huge country. I believe in my heart something is going to happen one day and Beau will either get away or someone will see him.</p>