RIP Kerry Blue Terrier Extraordinaire Paddy McGee

Dear readers,

I am heartbroken to report that our elder Kerry Blue Terrier Paddy passed away after an intense battle with spinal pain and injury for the past 14 days (from apparent degenerative spinal bone loss (the vets and our family suspected cancer of the spine without confirmation) not from a specific event, we think).   He was almost 12.

I adopted him at 6 after his doctor dog parents both had Alzheimer's; he went into the Southern California rescue group after escaping from his guardian and surviving a severe attack by another dog.  We loved him, and taught him the virtues of hiking and frolicking on the beach which he loved (his favorite was Rincon).  He loved riding in the car, and I tried to take him on many car rides.  He was a loyal friend - and the first dog I adopted on my own.  I was in Vegas when I made the decision upon seeing his picture - I knew he was the one.  I loved him from the time I set eyes on him when he came to visit and stayed.

You never know when life is going to change so suddenly.  Just a little over two weeks ago he was fine, he had slowed down considerably (very stoic and good boy) since his birthday in October).