I knew that this day was coming, but that doesn’t make it any easier. I am only thankful that this didn't happen whilst I was away overseas.
Magnum had not been in the best of health for quite a few months, but we got to celebrate his 13th birthday in late October, and he had still been enjoying a run in the paddock with the others, and would sneak into their runs from time to time if the gates were left open, to steal any nice bone that he could find. That was, up until this morning. Now he is gone, and I am heartbroken.
Magnum may not have been a Best in Show winner, or the “hottest” working dog around, but he was definitely a good, honest and very reliable dog, in any situation. He gained his show title quite early, with a couple of very large CCs along the way, and was only a whisker away from his Retrieving Championship (and thus Dual Ch title) when he had to be retired due to injury (self-inflicted, from his attempts at koala and possum hunting over the years – GSPs were not designed to climb trees).
He was a most affable boy, both with people and dogs, and absolutely loved little children, and baby puppies. I have some beautiful photos of him with day-old chickens snuggling up to him. His kind and biddable nature ensured that he had friends, both human and canine, where ever he went.
As a working gundog, Magnum was very calm and easy to work and train, and he had a beautiful soft mouth. He loved retrieving – rabbits, birds, training dummies, his toys, and anything else that he could find. He would often bring me “presents”, totally unsolicited.
He was a real “toy boy” and whenever I had baby puppies out playing with a selection of toys, he’d always come and join in. Of course, he always had his own special toys, but just couldn’t resist more.
Competitively, he won a number of working dog awards from both the GSP and Gundog clubs over the years, obtained an FCI “Excellent” grading and won Top Field/Retrieving Dog at one of the National events.
Most importantly though, Magnum has been a loving and loyal companion for the past 13 years, and his passing has left an enormous hole in my heart. My home seems so empty now, without my big brown Marshmallow Boy.
RIP my dearest friend. Today, I had to say goodbye to my dear old companion, Magnum (Ch Oakridge Fernando AARD) , who was the sweetest most kind and gentle dog that I have ever known.