Disaster Strikes

[chalky]

Some of the regular users here might remember that I had to go and work in the Middle East since the middle of November. I was home at Christmas but had to return in early January. Needless to say as a result of this my Bavarian Mountain Hound, called Darby, wasn't getting any work and was becoming a house dog as a result of my wife and two children spoiling him. But yesterday when she went to let him out for his morning run and he was dead in his kennel. Now I can think of no reason for this to happen he was healthy, only seven years old and showed no sign of sickness up to this. I was just wondering if any of the other members here have ever heard of this happening with this breed before. As any of you who hunt with and train their own dogs know, the bond between hunter and dog is very strong, especially with deer specific breeds as you have to spend so much more time training them and with them while stalking. The loss of Darby will be hard to come to terms with as from the time he was a pup he came to work with me every day and we would be out stalking 3 to 4 times a week. He found a lot of deer for me and friends of mine, his best being a 1 mile (1.6km) track that was 11 hours old by the time we got there. He loved being out in the hills with me and he knew that once he heard me up and about before it was bright outside we were going stalking and would be waiting by the car for me when I got there. I attached some photos of his finds over the years, he'll be sorely missed.

[Dom]

Sorry to hear that Chalky. Looks like Darby led a good life with you. I do not have any clue what killed him, however a good friend of mine had a couple, getteing a good 10 years out of them before he basically retired them to an easier life. I think they lived to be around 13-14 years or so. I just wonder if you being gone seemed to be a detrimental effect on him, but wouldn't think it would be too bad with the other family members there taking care of him. When you get back you'll have to pick up another BGS. Have a safe tour and return safely when your time comes.

[Corjack]

Sorry to hear of this. From the pictures he looked to be a very intelligent pooch.

[mchughcb]

Sorry to hear that Chalky. Are you going to leave it a while or you going to get another soon?

[Vaughan]

Sorry to hear that mate, must have been a shock. Like Dom, I've no explanation for such a sudden death. Heart problem seems a possible reason but only an autopsy is likely to give a clue to the cause.

[canalrifle]

Sorry to read this news. It ia hard to lose a member of the family and hunting buddy.

[stokesrj]

Hi Chalky,
I too am sorry for your loss and know all to well how it feels. I've had bird dogs all my life and my grandfather was a renowned bird dog man. I don't know about the Bavarian Mountain Hound, but it would not be uncommon for my birddogs to suddenly die around seven years of age. I had one of my favorites, Jake, a Llewllin Setter, autopsied by the vet to see what happened to him. My vet's explanation is that he died of an enlarged heart that finally gave out. His theory was that because Jake ran for such long distances every day that his heart had grown large to supply the needed oxygen and nutrients to his muscles and basically wore itself out.
I suspect that Darby as a stalking dog would not cover the distances that my bird dogs did, but don't really know if similar ratio's are in play with those short legs. Anyway, that's just a piece of information to share, it may not be relevant, but I'm very sorry for your loss all the same.
Bob

[pagosawingnut]

The unexpected loss of a friend/companion/member of the family is never easy. My condolences for your loss. We, as cognizant human beings, are Not prepared for the loss. It's too bad that they aren't around longer than they are.

[chalky]

Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated

"Dom"
"I just wonder if you being gone seemed to be a detrimental effect on him, but wouldn't think it would be too bad with the other family members there taking care of him."

Interesting you should say that, spoke to my wife earlier and she said that he did seem to go "downhill" since my return in January.

"Corjack"
He did seem to know more about stalking than me

"mchughcb"
I defiantly want to get another dog as soon as I can. I think they add another element to stalking, and give you options in regard to hunting locations like heavy forest you otherwise wouldn't be able to hunt in and be sure of retrieving shot animals.

"Vaughan"
If I was at home I would have an autopsy carried out but my father in law had him buried before they were able to contact me.

Canalrifle, stokesrj and pagosawingnut thanks for the condolences

[thechamp]

Sorry to hear about losing your partner. Getting another one solves some of the problem but the one you had is gone and that's going to be there no matter how good the new dog is. I know we certainly miss our dogs but they both lived longer than expected. They were part of the family.

[dinsdale]

Sorry for the loss.

I had a seemingly healthy dog die on me; grand mal siezure. Came home from work, fed the dogs after they ran around the yard for a few minutes,both layed down next to me when I was checking emails,she started having seizures , and a few minutes after that I was in the truck headed to the vet less than 10 minutes away. Whole episode lasted less than 30 minutes start to finish. Guess I just happen to be there.