RIP Zhaan

First time I met Zhaan - in Melbourne in 2009.  She was about two years old then.

Zhaan died last month.  She was Son No. 2's dog, and a gentler, more good natured dog you would probably never meet.

She was an unusual breed for Australia - a Canaan dog.  When living in Melbourne, Son No.2 was friendly with the American community there, and apparently one of them bred Canaan Dogs.  I believe they are more common in the US.

Zhaan was 3rd generation in from wild dog status.

This breeder had since returned home, and as far as we know, Zhaan was the last of four Canaan dogs in Oz.

Ready to cross the Nullabor in 2011

When Son No. 2 decided to return to Perth, I flew to Melbourne to help him drive with Zhaan across the Nullabor.

On the way to Perth: Snowtown (South Australia) - Zhaan and I outside the disused bank made famous by the bodies in the barrels murder cases.

Zhaan lived with us for about 18 months.  Pic shows her first night with us, sharing the room with Flemington.

With Granddaughter A and Flemington

Following are some photos of our daily walks in Perth.  Even after moving out when Son No. 2 remarried, Zhaan and Molly were in our care for at least two days a week.

Exploring Adenia Reserve with Molly, my daughter-in-law's dog

Dawn at the dog beach - Molly, Zhaan and Flemington

Spring flowers in Adenia Park

In her last 18 months or so, Zhaan had a myriad of health problems.  A leaky heart valve was a major one, and she ended up on lots of medication for that.

She also suffered lots of backache and muscle cramps, for which she had acupuncture at Murdoch University Animal Hospital.  That appeared to help a lot.

She didn't really enjoy this, but it did her good,

Old and grey

My very last photo of Zhaan