When we stepped off the peg at the New Zealand Championships this year, I really didn’t care what the score sheets said. But when we placed 3rd, it hit me… just how far we’ve come. What made this years champs truly special was the realisation that this time last year I thought I was going to lose Hail altogether.
Hail’s Little Life-Threatening Episode
Photo credit: McMaster and Heap Veterinary Practice.
On the 6th of October 2024, Hail had a life-threatening medical event that very nearly finished her off. While out at a local trial, she had a stomach ulcer rupture on a major blood vessel in her stomach lining. She lost about a litre of blood and had to have part of her stomach lining removed in order to stop any further bleeding.
That day was a bit of a blur after that. I know that I raced in to the vet clinic. I know that I was there most of the day. I know that she spent the night at afterhours and that I picked her up again the next morning to head back to our vet clinic for more monitoring. In all honesty, I was functioning on autopilot. You just respond. There isn’t much time to think.
Fortunately, she’s a tough bugger and she pulled through, but her road to recovery was long and complicated.
Off the back of her surgery, Hail had to have what felt like a million different medications given at varying intervals throughout the day and night. This meant that for the first two weeks post-op she needed around the clock care. This meant that I ended up taking time off work to cope with the medication schedule… and sleep deprivation.
This later morphed into having to make alternative arrangements for her to come to work with me so that I could pop out and medicate her during my lunch break. We went on like this for weeks… and it took all of my mental capacity, and some, to be able to keep on top of everything. A dear friend, who happens to be a vet nurse, even made me a ‘Meds Schedule’ to help me stay organised.
Initially, I didn’t think we’d be able to manage any of it. There were so many logistical and emotional aspects to negotiate. Medication and crate rest were only the tip of things.
Once the shock had worn off, I kept losing it over the thought of Hail not being able to live a ‘full and happy’ life. The prospect of having a dog with a limited exercise regime and life-long medication wasn’t something I’d ever had to consider before. It wasn’t until much later that the penny dropped… she might never be well enough to trial again!
Then there was the financial strain… the vet bill was immense. In fact, I still haven’t sat down an added it all up… I wouldn’t take it back and, in all honesty, I’d make all the same decisions if I had to do it again. I’m operating on the mantra “ignorance is bliss” with this one. Fortunately, I had some money saved up for animal emergencies, but this pretty much cleared out that account in one hit.
What’s frustrating is that the cause of the ulcer is still unknown. As Hail was asymptomatic until she was on deaths door, I had all sorts of anxiety around it happening again. We suspect that her episode could be linked to food allergies or possibly a condition brought on by undergoing sustained physical stress, such as over exercising. In truth, we will likely never know for sure.
Unfortunately, this little episode has changed the way we live our lives. It means that Hail now receives life-long medication to prevent future ulcers and has had a major shift in diet (to the most expensive dog biscuits on the market… cheers, Hail). Due to ongoing blood tests, it also meant that we picked up that Hail had a thyroid condition (again, unsure if this is related) which could also have been life-threatening… I’m hoping any day now we’re going to catch a break!
The Journey Back
Some months later Hail began to make considerable progress in her recovery. Her bloods had returned to normal and physically she was healed from her surgery. Now that were were also on top of her thyroid issues her weight was back under control again, her coat full, and her attitude bright.
I could see that she was ready to get back to life as normal, but I really struggled with letting go. I wanted her to be active again. I wanted to see her out doing what she loved. I could see that she was bored at home living the cotton-wool lifestyle. I just couldn’t get my head around the fear that something like this could happen again without any warning and I was helpless to do anything about it.
It took me many more months to recover. Scared was an understatement. I owe all my courage to the people around me who loved us enough to keep pushing me to reengage again. Hail’s breeder, a vet and dog-sport enthusiast, was so supportive, as were many of my fellow field trialists friends.
We started small. At first it was just working on little things, close and quiet. Then we expanded that to a bit of heelwork and a few short retrieves. Nothing racy. All about calm and controlled. Eventually we even did a small Weimaraner Specialty Field Trial where Hail managed a first place in the Novice! A sign that she was ready to be back at it even if I wasn’t so sure!
From there, life slowly returned to normal… well, our new normal.
Beyond the Scores
I can’t describe the overwhelming feeling of pride I get when I think about Hail’s performance at the 2025 South Island and New Zealand Championships. It’s that corny stuff that brings a tear to your eye. Lame, I know. But this is my blog and I’ll say it how I like!
I know that my usual line is “comparison is the thief of joy”. While I definitely think that this holds true if you’re comparing yourself to others, there is absolutely something special about looking back and comparing where you were to where you are now.
Hail and I have bonded so strongly over the last 12 months. She’s become my shadow. We are so in tune with one another, her still more-so than me, but we really read each other. As we worked at the peg and in the walk-up line, I knew that we were working together. I knew that she was reading my cues, and provided I didn’t fuss, or do anything outrageous, she would follow my lead.
For the first time in a year, I knew I didn’t have to worry about her.
Don’t get me wrong, the scores were a nice confirmation that our training is going in the right direction, but they’re not the thing I keep replaying in my head. What I keep reliving is the feeling of being at peace and in tune on the peg. After a tough year of uncertainty and struggle it finally felt like we were a fully functioning team.
Have you ever had a moment that made you realise how far you’ve come with your dog? I’d love to hear your story. Share in the comments below so we can celebrate those hard-earned wins together!
Field Notes & Follies 
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