Swanee Ewen

In 1990, seven weeks old Swanee flew from Sydney to join our household. My husband Ross and I had owned Labrador Retrievers for over thirty years and Swanee was number 10.

I was in my seventies and I figured that she would have to be the last lab I trained. So we chose for her pedigree name TERRANAUT MARIES SWANSONG.

Our two older labs, Penny (13 years) and Becky (4 years) accompanied us to the airport to establish themselves as the guides and mentors of young Swanee who soon learned the rules for living with the Ewens.

She became a wonderful companion and she loved everybody, both people and dogs. I am sure she enjoyed her life with us …. daily runs in a lovely riverside reserve and on the beach, swimming in the river and the ocean and early morning running beside Ross on his bike. I trained her to compete in Retrieving Trials and trial days became the highlight of her life, especially when we travelled to country venues where she slept in the back of my wagon.

Not long before her 14th birthday we found out that dear old Swanee must be put to sleep. She enjoyed her outings right up to the last day. Now she rests in a shady spot not far from our back door where we can feel close to her forever.

“Goodbye Swanee … we will never forget you.”

MARIE EWEN