We rescued Azeka from local Council Kennels when he was aged 6. As soon as I set eyes on him I knew he was for us, so handsome, ears like shovels and the body of a small bear. Azeka had the 'Barry White' of barks and certainly made us feel more than safe in his company, especially when the doorbell rang, his bark almost shook the house down.
He really liked to chase his rope and especially his ball, well the first one he dropped into a pond never to be seen again, the second rolled 1/4 of a mile down a hill when he decided he couldn't be bothered carrying it any further and the last ball as seen in his gorgeous picture, is the toy he had with him right to the very end.
Azeka was badly injured in a hit and run road accident in 2007 and we really thought that was the end for him but to our amazement, the brave lad fought through making a miraculous recovery with the kind help of the vets and nurses at Parkside. Azeka started to slow after this, with a combination of age, arthritis, hip dysplasia, and unknown to us at the time CDRM, chasing his ball slowly turned to an easy stroll and stairs were a bit of a struggle. In July 2008 we decided to move house to suit Azeka and his adopted rescue Shepherd sister Saoirse, with no stairs, a big enclosed garden and a huge park just round the corner.
In summer of 2009 Azeka's CDRM started to take its toll on him, he no longer was capable of going for walks, was really became more and more confined to the house and garden. Watching him trying to walk outside, losing the control of his rear legs giving way underneath him was getting as distressing for us as it must have been for him, his quality of life had really taken a nosedive and it was time to take the hardest decision I have ever taken. To look at Azeka lying down, you would not think there were any problems, he was so alert and wanted to play but his body was not responding as he wanted. On 25th November 2009 we made the heart-breaking decision and took Azeka on his final journey where in the end he was put to sleep forever with his favorite ball by his side and his mum and dad cuddling into him like never before. It was very peaceful for him, his dignity and pride were intact, and no longer was there any pain in his hips or frustration at not being able to join in anymore with his sister on walks or playing.
Azeka will be sorely missed, there is a huge hole in our life now and no dog no matter how handsome or well behaved can ever replace the most wonderful, handsome, loyal friend and companion I have ever had the pleasure to know. Thank you Azeka for sharing your final years with us, we really could not have asked for a better friend. Enjoy Rainbow Bridge (as many free carrotts as you like!) until we meet again, nite nite Zeeks.
Derek, Gail and Stephen