In Special Memory of my Best Friend Lou

Goodbye letter to my Lou

It is with a heavy heart and empty spirit that I must add yet another sad edition to this week of losses in our lovely world of Danes.

Early this morning, with the help of Sharon, and the supportive words of so many that I trust in our world of danes, that we said good bye to my beloved Lou.

Louie came to me as a rescue because he was unpredictable with other dogs and had been aggressive, he had been to three other homes before we finally settled him here.  We neutered him, got some weight on him, and cleaned up his obedience as best we could. We knew we had to be careful with him around other animals, but the never the less we did suffer a few set backs and minor medical doggie emergencies, but for the most part we had learned to judge and feel him out with certain dogs……………and we had all together quit taking him out to public events with other dogs after he clearly let us know that his issues were escalating in recent months.

It breaks my heart to say that he then escalated to human aggression of the worst kind when he turned on my husband this past weekend.  He aggressed at him with full force with no warning and no reason, he even scared himself so badly that he wet himself.  Our poor guy, he knew better, and he so badly wanted to be a good boy, but he just couldn’t help it.  We feel very fortunate that he communicated this to us with my husband and not with my young child or one of his friends.  We immediately went for help, and after many tears, questions,  hours of phone conversations, and evaluations by both trainers and a vet, the conclusion was made that Lou was losing control, and his sudden rage and unpredictability, coupled with extreme licking and chewing of his own body, was an indication that something neurological was happening to him.

I know that my boy would never want to have hurt somebody, he had such a giant and gentle heart.  I know he was so sorry he had attacked his daddy, and he could not help it and he wanted so badly to make it right.  I miss him so much, I can hardly stand to be in my own home with out him….it feel as if some one carted away everything that mattered in one swift motion.  But I am grateful and thankful that everyone is safe, and Lou may now find peace, my son put it so well when he said “the puppy angels flew down and took Lou’s paws and showed him to the bridge so he wouldn’t chew anyone up”…………yes, I like to believe that is exactly what happened to my beloved Dane baby.  As Dianne so perfectly put it “he is not comfortable in his own skin”, well I pray that he has now found that comfort.

I will be forever grateful to those who provided us with knowledge and confidence that we had to let go of Lou and we were taking the right steps……thank you Mo, Mel, Sharon, Heather, Gerry and Mom.  I was not able to take those steps alone, but we needed to take them.  Your words and help are a comfort.

Louie is NOT the first Dane to have to cross because of a neurological temperament issue or sudden rage.  There are many out there, and a good percentage of the animals rescue has had to let go of in the last year have ALL come out of the same lines as my Lou.  And it is with full documentation from my evaluator and vet that I will move forward and ensure that Lou’s story will reach all the ears it needs to reach.  I for one will not stand for the breeding of white deafs or merles under the disguise of “AKC” and a well known name……………there is a reason all these dogs from the same breeder inbreeding the same lines are being lost because of temperament and are responsible for so many bites and attacks.  This is not a coincidence, and Lou’s story will be shared and pushed as far as I can push it.  He is not the only documented case out of this breeding, he is only one of many.

For now, I just pray that we did right by him, and that he will always know how incredibly much I love him.  I have never had a friend that was so devoted and solid, and do not know if I ever will again.  And I know there are so many people out there who knew and grew to love my Beasty guy, he never met a soul he couldn’t win over, and I am so sorry to have to tell you that he is gone, and I wanted so badly to fix him but had to realize that we could not.  He will most certainly never be forgotten and I will patiently wait to see him again.

God speed to you my Lou boy, may your wings spread fast and I know you have already found your way home.

Lou enjoying a cool sunny day

Lou with a Christmas gift all for him!

Lou taking a break

Lou ready for a ride

Much love to you my beast, you will forever live in the hearts of your mommy, your daddy and your boy, and all those met and charmed by your deep eyes and endlessly gentle heart.................................................

Tribute To A Best Friend

Sunlight streams through window pane
unto a spot on the floor....
then I remember,
it's where you used to lie,
but now you are no more.
Our feet walk down a hall of carpet,
and muted echoes sound....
then I remember,
It's where your paws would joyously abound.
A voice is heard along the road,  
and up beyond the hill,
then I remember it can't be yours....
your golden voice is still.
But I'll take that vacant spot of floor
and empty muted hall
and lay them with the absent voice
and unused dish along the wall.
I'll wrap these treasured memorials
in a blanket of my love
and keep them for my best friend
until we meet above.

Author Unknown