Diesel CD

3/3/97 – 22/10/09 

We first met Diesel when a neighbour brought him home at 6 1/2 weeks of age. Because our neighbour worked long hours, the little pup spent most of his time with our dogs. At age 4, Diesel came to live with us permanently but, much to Diesel’s joy, his first owner continued to visit him occasionally throughout his life.

On his walks with our other dogs, Diesel always lagged behind and people used to comment on ‘how slow the black one was’. Actually he wasn’t slow at all, he was the kind of dog who liked to take time out to ‘smell the roses’. He insisted on smelling each blade of grass three times over, and take in all the subtle nuisances of everything he came across. He taught us all a thing or two about relaxing and enjoying life.

Diesel’s favourite food was icecream. When we went to the Hillarys Dog Beach we always went with money to buy a couple of tubs to share with the dogs.
Diesel would spot the icecream man way up the beach and would run to greet the van and escort it back to us, trotting along in front with a big smile on his face and his beautiful big tail waving.

Diesel would do anything for treats and he learned how to do party tricks. He would drop, roll, give you a ‘high five’ with either paw and, he learned how to count. He would bark to tell you how many tails he had, how many eyes, ears and legs and, what was 5 minus 2. He was a hit with young children who thought he was very smart. He won a Cute Trick competition at the Animal Expo. He got stage fright when he noticed all the people in the audience but, once he got into his routine he performed flawlessly.

In the obedience ring Diesel gained his Companion Dog title (CD) as well as a third place at the State Obedience Trial. He later went on to gain the first leg of his Companion Dog Excellent title (CDX) but, sadly, his trainer suffered a back injury and had to stop trialling before he gained his title.

On October 22 2009, at the age of 12 years and 7 months Diesel made his final journey to the Rainbow Bridge. We fed him liver treats and he fell asleep in our arms.

Diesel you were a valued member of our family and a mentor and friend to our other dogs. You were a charming, gentle and funny boy who left us with many happy memories of a life well lived. You touched the lives of the many people who met you. We will see you again one day dear friend.
Vale Diesel CD.

We would like to especially thank everyone at Mira Mar Veterinary Hospital in Albany for their faultless care of our wonderful boy, during the last two years of his life.


Zoe and John Butler