September 25, 2020
Steve
IT IS WITH the deepest sadness and shock that we announce the sudden death of long time sanctuary resident, Steve.
Stevie collapsed this afternoon and was rushed to the vet, where he was diagnosed with internal bleeding. Further investigation revealed a ruptured spleen as the result of a tumour. Our wonderful vets operated immediately, but despite their best efforts, Steve’s body went into shock, and our boy was gone.
Before Stevie came to us, he endured some brutal treatment, as a result of which he lost his trust in, and confidence around humans.
Very gradually he learned to trust us, and his confidence grew. Unfortunately he couldn’t sustain this in the wider environment, and around strangers he could be guarded, unpredictable and defensive, so he stayed with us, and was happy here.
Steve was a big, handsome, immensely strong boy, a huge character, larger than life, intelligent, very cheeky, and with a great zest for life. His handsome face drew you in, and you couldn’t help but smile and jump around when you were with him. He loved a fuss, too, from those he trusted. We never knew his exact age, but he is estimated to be around 10 years old.
Our vet says it is not uncommon for them to show no symptoms until the rupture. We hear the words, but they don’t make it any easier to grasp what has happened. We are in a complete state of shock and disbelief, winded by the suddenness of it all.
Rest easy, darling Stevie. May there be blue skies, endless green meadows to run and play, and hooper courses galore for you to investigate and pee on. And Christmas dinners, and angels to give those all important fusses.
Loved always, precious lad.
