Gildas Blue Angel

"Phaedra"

Photo: Marie Loré

September 18th 2002 - May 25th 2005

Phaedra's original webpage is still here. You will find more information, pedigree etc. 

Moving Phaedra to the Past dogs-page feels awful and unbelievable. Last Sunday, we were training for the tracking test and she was fit as a fiddle. Monday afternoon, she seemed a little tired and I took her temperature in the evening. The thernometre showed 39,7, so we went to the animal hospital at once. The tests come up with a diagnosis: autoimmune anemia.

Since my first cocker Fredman died from autoimmune thrombocytopenia, I was quite shoked. But I HOPED that she would recover, so the treatment started. After all, Phaedra was at the animal hospital only hours after her first symptoms.

But it turned out that Phaedra followed the same pattern as Fredman two years earlier. She did not recover and did not respond to the treatment. The very experienced vet Monica Stavenborn was pessimistic. There were other drugs, but the chance of recovery very slim and Phaedra was not feeling well at all. So I took the hardest decision of my life - the treatment was stopped and Phaedra was put to sleep.  

My plans had involved Phaedra as the foundation bitch for my future kennel. She was mated to Keonomis Ocean Drive aka "Pricken" in February 2005, but did not get pregnant. Mabye something was wrong already? But there are no other signs and numerous bitches have been 'empty' only to give birth to healthy puppies later.

Phaedra and Pricken, February 2005

Photo: Kicki Bro

In many ways, Phaedra was a fantastic dog and a great personality. She had her own opinions on many things, but was a very sensitive dog at the same time. I do not think she ever feared anything. She met all new challenges with her typical calm, confident attitude. I am absolutely hearbroken over her death. 

As we sat there,  Svante and myself grieving, flowers arrived. The card said:

"She was one kind of a personality who loved her mum in the cockery way - but a little bit more. She will leave an empty spot hos everyone who knew her. Our thoughts are with you!"

My wonderful friends in Uppsala Cockerklubb had sent the flowers. Anki, Jea, Sofia, Karro and Stina - THANKS!

Phaedra and myself at tracking course in the spring of 2005.

Photo: Stina Yron Lund

 Phaedra in the ring at Österbybruk Int. 2005 - the show that totally unexpected turned out to be her last one. She was placed fourth in the open class, handled by her "grandmother" Marie Loré.

Photo: Stina Yron Lund

Thanks to all of you who has helped me with Phaedra! 

Photo: Anneli Sundkvist

Background on sides from