In Memorium
Indy
Canine Friend Indy, died on Friday, 19 June 2015 Indy got 'Go Slow' back in January and just when we thought he was getting completely over it and the vets were happy he suddenly developed a 'lump'. It came up so fast it was unbelievable (approx 4 hours) and as it turns out Go Slow can trigger sometimes deadly side effects. In Indy’s case a Mast Cell Tumor of the worst kind.
He was diagnosed with the Tumor on Tuesday and passed away Friday morning being cuddled and stroked in front of the fire. He did his last visit to a dear friend in BOI hospital on Thursday and as ill as he was saying goodbye to our friend he still visited with several other patients.
He was an amazing dog and I will miss him dearly.
Caroline Weatherspoon - Whangarei
Paige
It is with deep sadness I report that our “Canine Friend” Paige passed away naturally at home on the 23/11/14, eight days before her ninth birthday in Motueka, Tasman.
Paige had been part of our family for two and a half years. She came to us through a series of unfortunate events. When I was originally offered her I declined as I was well aware of how medically problematic the British Bulldog is. However I agreed to take her for occasional foster visits. A month later after a couple of visits we had fallen in love with her and she became part of our little family. She had a very loving, gentle nature to her and always thought that to share those traits with others would be wonderful. This led me to joining Canine Friends and the start of her visits to the local rest home Woodlands.
From the first moments she was a hit. Either joining in the communal room for up to three laps around the residents for treats and cuddles or her slow strolls along the corridors to visits others in their rooms. Although to me she was a small dog her actual weight of 25kgs meant she wasn't really a lap dog so as some resident would not be able to bend to stroke her, I would pick her up and hold her close so she could get some touch. She was such a patient girl. Due to Bulldogs inherent breathing and cooling
difficulties and the generally high temperature in retirement homes she could only handle a hour visit before she would start to overheat and we would say our farewells. On the final two visits before she passed she turned in the car park and went back to reception to sit for some final goodbyes. Shortly after her passing I was able to return to the rest home and present them with a framed picture of her to remember.
Due to circumstances only a very special dog could have joined us in life. Only a quiet dog with relatively little exercise requirements (maximum she could walk for was 30 minutes) would of been possible for us. She ticked all the boxes and more. And although we never knew a quiet nights sleep from snoring we now struggle to sleep with the silence. They say you can't look at a Bulldog at not feel yourself relax and smile. She was a true companion to me and I was proud to be able to share her. Always close and wanting to know what you were doing. Happy to be by your side. Our grief is raw and unbound but we are thankful that Canine Friends helped us share Paige’s life with others.
Jason Wood
Licorice
It is with a heavy heart that I wish to inform you of the loss of my beloved black lab, Licorice. We visited Marinoto Rest Home in Inglewood, Taranaki every Thursday morning.
Licorice was 9.5 and lost her battle with full body arthritis on Dec 3 2014. She was so amazing when visiting the residents, she was gentle and right at home. I miss her so terribly, as do the residents. Please see the photo of Licorice enjoying herself at the beach.
I will be back with a new dog as I’m in the process of adopting a greyhound so once we’re acquainted we’ll be back at work.
Thank you
Nichola Smith
Biggles
Myself and Biggles, yellow Labrador, use to visit Palliser Rest Home in Greytown. Sadly Biggles passed away in 2012 but he was great with what he did and he had his favourite folk.
In memory of him I decided to erect a fountain not only for the canine species but also for their handlers. You can see the fountain in Henley Lake Park Masterton Reserve.
I have enclosed a photo of the script on the plaque.
Regards Paul Walker from Masterton
15.05.2015
