Welcome to our Memorials pages, where all our beloved furbabies can be remembered with love.
These beautiful souls are all dogs which have lived as Sanctuary Dogs with K9 Crusaders. Many have been neglected, abused or mismanaged to an extent where they needed the security and stability that the kennels provide. They are all our K9 Family and have a very special place in our hearts.
Bud
Date: August 4, 2023
This afternoon we lost our oldest, and longest serving sanctuary dog.
Kelpie/gsd mix Bud arrived in 2011, having endured some brutal treatment, which impacted his view of the world, and humans, for the rest of his life.
Bud was a big, strong and stunning boy, red and white, with the most amazing yellow eyes.
He was startlingly intelligent, highly strung, and just loved to train. He loved to follow instruction, and learn. Undirected his behaviour could be unnerving. When he turned those yellow eyes on you, and fixed you with his trademark intense stare, you never quite knew what would follow.
Bud was selective about the humans he engaged with, but even with his preferred human company, he had a large personal space. After what had happened to him, he never fully trusted humans again. Retribution was swift and painful for those who overstepped the mark with him.
Bud became a sanctuary dog. He knew he was safe here, and he enjoyed the structured, familiar routine and surroundings.
Bud developed epilepsy quite soon after joining us. He responded well to medication.
He enjoyed the company of other dogs, and in turn he was popular with most, especially exempted sanctuary dog Boid, and Figaro and Luna, two of my lurchers. Many a walk was enjoyed in their company.
Life was never boring with Bud.
As the years caught up with him, Bud mellowed a little, and he permitted his favourite humans to enter his personal space for a fuss-but always on his terms.
He became stiffer as he aged, less mobile, more of an old codger, but he was still happy, enjoying his meals, treats and walkies, with the aid of arthritis medication.
Two weeks ago he went significantly downhill, and became very wobbly. He was diagnosed with a tumour. He picked up on steroids, enjoying special meals, and treats, and the odd stroll when he felt like it.
Yesterday we knew the end was close, and this afternoon he was ready to go. He enjoyed a car ride, lots of fuss, and being hand fed gourmet sausages then, with the help of our accommodating, patient and immensely kind vets at Clifton Villa, Bud slipped swiftly and peacefully away. He was at least 14 years old.
Losing Bud is huge. It is the end of an era, and it has hit us hard.
He was the special favourite of Marion, Lucy and Kez, and of course Wendy and myself as we were the first to have the privilege of working with him after his arrival here. Please keep them in your thoughts as they grieve the loss of our very, very special boy.
Rest easy, big lad. You taught us so much. Such a huge privilege to have been able to care for you, and learn from you. Love you always Buddles….
