in memory of Hamilton (May 1st, 2010)

A beautiful way that Camp Cocker volunteer Michele, is honoring her first rescued cocker

Hamilton was my first Cocker Spaniel. He had been through so much, when he was a puppy his first owner kept him locked up in a bathroom all day. His second owners rescued him and took really good care of him for several years but once they had a child they kept him in their basement with very little attention and neglected to take care of his medical issues. They no longer wanted to keep him and searched for a rescue group or a no kill shelter that would take him but no one would. The owners were going to have him euthanized. I could not allow this to happen, this poor dog just needed a break. So I adopted him despite being 10 years old, in need of a lot of medical attention, ie skin, eyes, ears, hypothyroid and seizures along with behavioral issues, ie separation anxiety. I did everything that I could to assure that he felt safe and loved. He was not an easy pet but he was loyal and I loved him so much. After everything that this poor dog was put through he was still willing to trust me and was always wagging his tail. I would not have traded my Hammy for the world.

My husband and I had most of his medical issues under control for the exception of his ears. Due to chronic infection and neglect, his ears were so heavily ossified you couldn't even see an opening to his ear canal. We were making progress on his separation anxiety and aggression towards Bailey (my other dog). Just to see him flourish overshadowed any negative. After having him for several months it was time to finally take care of his poor infected and probably painful ears. I spoke to my vet and the vet that would perform the operation. I researched the TECA procedure and finally got the guts to arrange his operation. He did great throughout the whole procedure but when he was waking up he was not breathing correctly and we lost Hamilton on May 1, 2010. We did everything we could to ensure his well being, blood work, x-rays and an EKG and we still lost him. Despite all of the precautions that we took I blamed myself. The same thoughts would enter into my mind: I was the one to go ahead with the procedure, it is my fault, he trusted me and I let him down and I put him through all of this for nothing. I had a difficult time around my other dogs, every time I would even look at them I would break down and cry.

He was let down by so many people and I refuse to be one so I am trying to have something positive come from all of this. Hamilton was not the perfect dog but he deserved so much more so in his memory I am trying to raise money for those cockers like him. You know the ones that were dumped at the shelter, those that needed medical issues addressed, those that just wanted love and were neglected? During his life he was never given a voice but I hope through his death he is finally given one to help speak for those cockers that deserve more.

You were loved so much in the short time you were here. You may have had many homes and a long journey to find your way to our home, but we will always be your one and only forever family. We love you Hamilton - now and forever, Michele & Mike

In memory of Hamilton, Camp Cocker volunteer Michele is asking for donations so that we can get the second ear surgery done for Meghan, an older cocker spaniel that needed double ear surgery just like Hamilton did.

Comments

[mary]

Michelle and Mike - I am shedding a tear with you today as I learn about your beloved Hamilton - rest assured, he will never be forgotten. I know he is so grateful for all the love and care you gave him, and he is up there right now with my Rascal, who I lost last May as well. God bless him, and all the cockers, and those like you who gave a chance to a needy pup who gave so much love in return!

[Kelli]

Michele, you story breaks my heart, cause I have had two special boys in my life that made me open my eyes. You cannot blame yourself for trying to give this boy a better life. He had such love and understanding when he was with you. You gave him what he truly needed. You followed your heart and served him well. God bless you for opening your heart to a special needs older dog that had so much love to give. And yes, he is frolicking in his heavenly place with my Zephyr and Beau Boy now. Did you know that heaven is not the same without our precious little kids? May we all meet again one day. Hugs, Kelli.

[Michele]

Thank you to everyone for taking the time to read Hamilton's story. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about him. I learned to forgive myself by helping dogs like him and finally coming to an understanding that it would have been selfish not to go through with the surgery. He was our special boy who we hope will inspire more people to get involved or adopt a dog that is considered "less adoptable". Through this he will live on.

Mary, I am truly sorry for your loss of Rascal. I know it is difficult to lose a fur child. They become such a huge part of your daily life that it is difficult to find the norm when they are no longer with you. Big hugs to you.

Kelli, I think that it is very fortunate you had two special boys. I love that they were able to teach you. I really do appreciate your words of kindness. Thank you.

For those of you on facebook who posted a comment on camp cockers' wall. I am so grateful to those that donated because of Hamilton. Your kind words meant so much and brought a smile to my face on a very difficult day. Thanks for the support.

And of course a big thanks to Cathy. I can not tell you how much this meant to me. Thank you for allowing me to share Hamilton's story and thank you for giving so many dogs that second chance that they deserve.