Retirement for Rufus

[wassy]

After nine seasons beating on the Grouse moor the time has come to retire our Spaniel Rufus.
He came to us as a young pup in 2016, and fitted in straight away. We already had two dogs and I wasn’t particularly bothered about another as I knew I’d be the one getting up in the early hours and cleaning up etc but i needn’t have worried as he was absolutely no trouble.
He started working in August 2017, and I’ve taken him every shoot day ever since ( except the super hot summer days ).
I’ve noticed him slowing this season and put it down to old age but a couple of weeks ago he collapsed in the garden and we all thought he was on his way out however the Vet did a blood test which showed a problem with his red blood cell count due to immune meditated haemolytic anemia which is common in older Spaniels.
Fortunately his Hematocrit level was above where a transfusion is required but he’s on a heavy dose of Steroids which have brought him round significantly so fingers crossed he’s going to be ok.
He’s getting me up at 0300 hrs for a pee but that’s ok he’s given me so much over the years.
Hopefully he’ll be a pet for years to come yet but he’s picked his last bird.

First picture is with his parents.

 

[Thejoybringer]

After nine seasons beating on the Grouse moor the time has come to retire our Spaniel Rufus.
He came to us as a young pup in 2016, and fitted in straight away. We already had two dogs and I wasn’t particularly bothered about another as I knew I’d be the one getting up in the early hours and cleaning up etc but i needn’t have worried as he was absolutely no trouble.
He started working in August 2017, and I’ve taken him every shoot day ever since ( except the super hot summer days ).
I’ve noticed him slowing this season and put it down to old age but a couple of weeks ago he collapsed in the garden and we all thought he was on his way out however the Vet did a blood test which showed a problem with his red blood cell count due to immune meditated haemolytic anemia which is common in older Spaniels.
Fortunately his Hematocrit level was above where a transfusion is required but he’s on a heavy dose of Steroids which have brought him round significantly so fingers crossed he’s going to be ok.
He’s getting me up at 0300 hrs for a pee but that’s ok he’s given me so much over the years.
Hopefully he’ll be a pet for years to come yet but he’s picked his last bird.

First picture is with his parents.

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What an absolutely cracker, I’m sure Rufus will love his retirement. We have just lost our 15yr old Border Terrier who ran with our Springer, Florence. Florence is 11 and miss’s her best mate. Enjoy

 

[KMD]

A life well lived there for the boy. One he’d have chosen if he could. Deserves a bit of time in front of the fire now.

 

[john_aero]

time now for the fluffy blanket and rest during the cold days.

once retired they become amazing company as pets, seem to find their new calling in life

 

[SteveT]

They, dogs (spaniels especially), give their all when asked to do their bit when out doing what they are bred for.
Giving them some gentle years after their time out with you shooting, beating or picking up is as it should be . . . BUT . . . they'll still be wanting to follow you out of the door come the next working day

Steve T

 

[timeandtide]

After nine seasons beating on the Grouse moor the time has come to retire our Spaniel Rufus.
He came to us as a young pup in 2016, and fitted in straight away. We already had two dogs and I wasn’t particularly bothered about another as I knew I’d be the one getting up in the early hours and cleaning up etc but i needn’t have worried as he was absolutely no trouble.
He started working in August 2017, and I’ve taken him every shoot day ever since ( except the super hot summer days ).
I’ve noticed him slowing this season and put it down to old age but a couple of weeks ago he collapsed in the garden and we all thought he was on his way out however the Vet did a blood test which showed a problem with his red blood cell count due to immune meditated haemolytic anemia which is common in older Spaniels.
Fortunately his Hematocrit level was above where a transfusion is required but he’s on a heavy dose of Steroids which have brought him round significantly so fingers crossed he’s going to be ok.
He’s getting me up at 0300 hrs for a pee but that’s ok he’s given me so much over the years.
Hopefully he’ll be a pet for years to come yet but he’s picked his last bird.

First picture is with his parents.

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Aren’t spaniels wonderful!

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I met a girl this morning, who trains gun dogs and has some of her own to use for beating and picking up
Fascinating subject and beautiful dogs (I was dealing with her husband, a farmer)

 

[KMD]

I met a girl this morning, who trains gun dogs and has some of her own to use for beating and picking up
Fascinating subject and beautiful dogs (I was dealing with her husband, a farmer)

That the blonde lass who takes them up to Low Moor in a black L200? Usually has about 5 or 6 with her.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

That the blonde lass who takes them up to Low Moor in a black L200? Usually has about 5 or 6 with her.

Nearer Masham, K
Interesting to ask her how it all works and think she has a L200, maybe silver

 

[geotim]

After nine seasons beating on the Grouse moor the time has come to retire our Spaniel Rufus.
He came to us as a young pup in 2016, and fitted in straight away. We already had two dogs and I wasn’t particularly bothered about another as I knew I’d be the one getting up in the early hours and cleaning up etc but i needn’t have worried as he was absolutely no trouble.
He started working in August 2017, and I’ve taken him every shoot day ever since ( except the super hot summer days ).
I’ve noticed him slowing this season and put it down to old age but a couple of weeks ago he collapsed in the garden and we all thought he was on his way out however the Vet did a blood test which showed a problem with his red blood cell count due to immune meditated haemolytic anemia which is common in older Spaniels.
Fortunately his Hematocrit level was above where a transfusion is required but he’s on a heavy dose of Steroids which have brought him round significantly so fingers crossed he’s going to be ok.
He’s getting me up at 0300 hrs for a pee but that’s ok he’s given me so much over the years.
Hopefully he’ll be a pet for years to come yet but he’s picked his last bird.

First picture is with his parents.

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What a lovey life he’s had so far, and a retirement to look forward to.

Chapeau, for you clearly care deeply about man’s best friends.

 

[wassy]

Thanks, yes he’s enjoyed every minute of it and hopefully a long retirement.

He’s been back to the vet today for another blood test and his red blood cell count has risen from eighteen to thirty so fingers crossed it will continue.

What a lovey life he’s had so far, and a retirement to look forward to.

Chapeau, for you clearly care deeply about man’s best friends.

 

[wassy]

Rufus update.
He’s doing really well and down to two steroids a day. His red blood cell count is a steady 34 and the vet hopes that he’ll come off the meds fully in time. He’s put a bit of weight on which is probably due to all the mice and mouse nests he’s been eating !

 

[Clifton]

Great news way to go Rufus!

 

[TYKEBBS]

Retiring a working dog is a really tough decision and is one I have had to make twice

Our current dog is a Cocker Spaniel from pedigree working stock, he hasn't ever 'worked' neither of us being members of a syndicate either as shooters or beaters

An 'ex working dog' can IMHO enjoy a long, comfortable and deserved restful life

Good luck Rufus