How we got Monty

I suppose it all started at the end of November 2008. My wife and I were out with our dog, Mr Blue, when we noticed he seemed to stumble a couple of times. As he ran around a lot, chasing his ball, we didn’t really think much of it.

But the next day he started to lose his balance, becoming less and less coordinated. This got progressively worse over the next week or so. Despite the best efforts of the vet it was concluded the problem was neurological. After suffering a fit on Sunday evening it was cleare the end was near.

On the Tuesday evening he could no longer get upstairs. Therefore I slept downstairs with him. On Wednesday I spent the day keeping him as comfortable as I could and slept downstairs With him again that evening.

On Thursday the 11^th December it was obvious the day had come. He could not stand, barely being able to lift his head. He finally gave up the fight for life a 2:20pm. It was undoubtedly the worst day of my life. We had him cremated. And I hope to take his ashes back to Cornwall sometime to scatter them on the coastal path where he used to love going for walks.

I had watched his life slowly ebb away over the previous 18 days. I’m not even sure he knew who I was during the last couple of days, which was particularly upsetting as I had spent, practically, 24 hours a day with him for eight years. Save when my wife and I went on holiday.

We spent the next few weeks desperately upset. Wondering why he had died at the age of 8 ½. Was there anything we could have done differently? Christmas for both my wife and I went by without much celebration. My wife had a picture of Mr Blue & me printed on canvas and gave it to me for Christmas, which now hangs in our bedroom. Slowly the pain subsided but the memories are as fresh as ever. I try not to dwell on his last couple of weeks, though it is hard, but remember the wonderful times we had together in Cornwall, UK and in Ottawa.

My wife had said many times early in Blue’s life that she would not get another Giant Schnauzer as they were too big. But after Blue died she realized that she not only missed Blue very much but also missed having a big dog around the house (Blue weighed 120Lbs). And Charlie didn’t quite fit the role of a big dog (he’s a Yorkshire Terrier/Cairns cross) though we do love him dearly. So it was decided that at sometime in the future, when the time was right, we would get another Giant Schnauzer.

We looked round for a breeder and finally decided on one. But I still had some reservations; I didn’t want to just replace Blue. Then, while looking at some photographs of him I came across one of him sitting in the den looking at the camera. As I looked at t I had a feeling that Blue was telling me that although I till missed him it was alright to get another dog; life must go on.

So that's how we have arrived at Monty. He was born on the 30th June, and we will get him around the 25^th August. I don’t want another Blue. He will remain a unique dog in my eyes that will be impossible to replicate. Monty will be different, but I am sure he will be as special as Blue in his own way.