Hammer

[Finding_Beau]

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.

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.

[Finding_Beau]

Thank you all very much for your kind comments which are not only helping me cope with Hammer's loss, they are also helping me cope with what is happening with my English Setters, Rose and Hobson. Since Hammer died, Rose has suffered 4 seizures, the last 2 in less than 24 hours. However I have finally found a decent, competent and caring vet who is doing everything he can to help Rose and also Hobson who has unresolved health issues. This kind vet understands that dogs suffer grief and he breeds Gundogs. Rose's grief for Hammer could have something to do with her seizures. Hobson has to deal with his grief for Hammer as well as watch Rose suffer these seizures and he is not well. Hobson is the worrier in our family. I have to keep myself together for all my English Setter children. When humans reach out to you in kindness in times like this it certainly helps.

[Sue and Cash]

Even so very ill, he is so handsome and brave looking in the picture.  Sorry for your pain.  Hammer was lucky to have you in his life.

 

[Finding_Beau]

I am adding the comment made by Val Martin on Thursday which was deleted because she is no longer a member of ES:

What a lovely tribute you have paid to Hammer.......it brought tears to my eyes when I read he has had to leave you. I send you my deepest sympathy..........

Val's comment and every comment means a lot to me. I am sending a copy to Victor Hammer, after whom Hammer is named. Victor is also very upset about Hammer's tragic death.