On Sunday 10th April Breezybrook Trouper was put to sleep aged only 9yrs. This was a devastating day for me as to date he has been the best dog I have ever had and I believe will ever have. Although he was a great working dog he was also a great friend and very much my favourite.

In the last two weeks of the shooting season I noticed he had a small lump on his gum, so off to the vet, where it was removed and sent for testing, the result came back, Malignant Melanoma.

I was informed that without treatment he would have 2 – 4 months to live.

We discussed at length what could be done without putting him through misery and decided to bring in a drug from USA called Oncept which prolongs life up to 4 times without side affects.

With the delay in getting a government licence he started radiotherapy to control the melanoma until the Oncept vaccine arrived.

The day after his fourth and last radiotherapy he was placed at Crufts in the gamekeepers classes, thus showing that he was happy and in good form and looking good!

The Oncept vaccine course started, one injection every 14 days with four injections in total.The vaccine should start to work when the course is completed.

But with five days to go before the last injection, I had to make the awful decision. Although he looked well, he had heavy breathing and did not want to lie down to sleep, preferring to try to stay sitting, he was tired as he couldn’t get any proper sleep, the vets said they thought he had developed fluid in the lungs.

It was a devastating blow as we were so close to completing the vaccine course, but with the words in my mind of the poem below I made the decision…

The sun was shining, Trouper walked out in the fields with his mum and daughter and his tail wagged.

We returned to the garden where I hugged and kissed him but knew that this was right for him as his chest heaved. The vet put him to sleep in the sunshine of the garden and he flopped into my arms. The pain and tiredness gone forever. He is buried in the field next to Suzi

If it should be

If it should be that I grow frail and weak

And pain should keep me from my sleep

Then you must do what must be done

for this battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand

Don’t let your grief then stay your hand

For this day, more than all the rest

Your love and friendship stands the test

We’ve had those nine years

What is to come holds no fear

Would you want me to suffer so

When the time comes, let me go

Take me where my needs they’ll tend

Only stay with me to the end

And hold me firm and speak to me

Until my eyes no longer see

I know in time that you will see

It is kindness that you do to me

Although my tail it’s last has waived

From pain and suffering I’ve been saved

Don’t grieve if it should be you

Who must decide this thing to do

We’ve been so close we two these years

Don’t let your heart hold any tears

I am so sorry to hear your sad news

My thoughts are with you.

Im devastated for you  Sending all the love in the word to you  Run free at the bridge little man xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

All my thoughts are with you Jacquie, I am devestated. x

RIP Trouper

So sorry for your loss

Really sorry Jacquie, he was lovely dog and will be much missed.

Jackie

oh Jacquie so sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy, words are not enough, god bless.x

I am so sorry to hear this, you had to make the final decision as to the right time for him to leave you, he couldn't do that for himself, no way out if it, he will thank you for helping him.

So sorry to hear this very sad news, Our thoughts are with you all….

So very sorry to hear your sad news, he was such a beautifull boy.

Really sorry to hear your news, he was a stunning boy.

So, so sorry to hear your sad news. 

im really sorry to hear that - seeing a picture of him about 6 years ago first got me into cockers..

Very sorry to hear that Jacquie. Best wishes.

Nick

So very sorry to hear the sad news.

Trouper sired our dog, Minnie's, second litter. We kept a stunning bitch, Bell.

He seemed to epitomise all that was good in a working cocker.

Really sad to read your news......

I'm very sorry to learn about Trouper, Jacqui.  We are lucky enough to have his beautiful granddaughter, Calla, here who has a gentle, loving, full of fun nature.

My thoughts are with you at this time

I am so sorry for the heartbreak you must be feeling.

Your poem is absolutely beautiful and reflects of the courage that you have shown.

I am dreading the day that I also have to show this type of love.