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With Sadness and Joy, I write this to all of you

Hello to all of you coming aboard the Desert Willow Aussie Family and to those of you whom I consider family.

I write to you to say that we tragically lost one of our DWA boys, Sebastian, about a week ago (Feb. 16 2011).  As devastating as it was, and will continue to be, I wanted anyone and everyone considering coming on board to listen to my story. 

If you’ve read Theresa’s letters, you’ve already seen my first enjoyment when I became a part of this family back in 2008, with my Tri-boy…Snubs.  OMG, we could not wait to get our second, which was in 2009, the fun and crazy Blue-Merle, Sebastian, stepped into our lives.  Now mind you Theresa picked out both of them for me.  As she got to know me, she knew what “fit” our family would be with one of her new pups.   As  the pups grew into adolescents, everyone commented on how beautiful these dogs were and the temperament was unbelievable.  I’m so proud of my boys.  They loved other dogs, loved people, loved us, just loved life.  And with their love, they actually saved other dogs lives….Let me explain.

It was in 2010 when my veterinarian called me to ask if he could do a blood transfusion on another pup that was left for dead and wasn’t doing so well.  He explained that they really did not believe this pup had a chance but wanted to try, and they knew that Snubs was healthy.  They wanted Snubs blood for this transfusion, and without hesitation, I consented….No problem (I’m a nurse and it’s what we do).  Literally the next day another call came in and said, “Guess what? Hear that noise in the background, it’s the pup and he’s doing miraculously well, and we know it’s because of Snubs.  Thank you”.   I cried. My pup saved another pups life, and all are doing well.  I’m happy to report that this pup was later adopted and they all play together at the doggie day care (yes I said doggie day care).  Later that same year, it happened again, another puppy sick and they needed help.  Again, no hesitation, I have super pups (LOL).  And at this point, I’ve just said to my vet, if you need anything, I trust you as you have trusted my pups to fuel the spirit of others.  No it doesn’t happen often, but when it does, I know my Snubs and Sebastian were there to lend a helping paw. 

Each one of them has a personality of their own.  Snubs, Father James Earl Jones and Mother Grace Kelly, is very laid back and built solid.  At his last vet check, he was 71.0lbs (and that was in December 2010). When he sits, he looks graceful (if you can say that about a male…hehee), head up, back straight, legs tight…you would think he’s getting ready for a show or something.  Now Sebastian was also solid.  His Father was Augustus McCrae, and Mother, Hallee Berry.  If I’m not mistaken, I thought Theresa said he wasn’t going to get very big…hhhhhmmmm.  Sebastian’s last check in December 2010 was 71.4 lbs. You could feel how solid he was when he plopped down on you while you were laying in the bed, or when he came terrowing down the stairs to greet you when you came in.  But I was worried. I asked my vet should I have them go on a diet, and he stated “No, they’re just built solid, strong dogs.  Can’t beat those genes”.  (Thanks Theresa, and thanks to Life Abundance, Flint River Ranch, and NuVet Plus vitamins). 

Sigh! This was our first weekend without Sebastian.  I spoke with Theresa the day after it happened; it was the hardest thing I had to do.  I feel I had failed her and her family.  We talked, cried, and laughed. I can’t begin to tell any of you what a beautiful spirit this woman has. What a spirit and presence the Gorduyn family is all about.  For those of you in this family, you know.  For those of you who aren’t, I can tell you without hesitation, you will not find this love spirit from any other breeder.  

We’ve said good-night to Sebastian every night like we’ve always done, and will continue to do. Today was the first day I can say we breathed (February 20), because Sebastian wants it that way.  Snubs continue to look out the window during the evenings at the spot Sebastian now calls home.  Sigh! We’ll get another DWA, we know it….We’ll Get Another!

Like I’ve said before if you’re on the fence, have Theresa give you my number. Desert Willow Aussie is Heaven on Earth.  Thanks Theresa, Mel, Julianna, Travis, and Grandma Dee Dee J 

Nicole, Jody, Snubs, and Sebastian (RIP)