Farewell To My Big Boy Locki

On October 2, 2024October 2, 2024 By pureheartbullmastiffsIn LockiLeave a comment

15th March 2019 – 6th April 2024

Tunzapower Porter (Locki) was a big boof head bullmastiff who loved his family. A big cuddly boy who was 82kg at his heaviest and 72kg at his lightest.

With such a massive character, Locki was trained by me and our beloved Bella. He loved to walk with Bella and me in his youth, however sadly that didn’t last for too long.

My plan was to breed Locki with Bella and then with Bonnie and Boo when they came into age. Unfortunately fate brought about a few blows to my plans. Firstly, Bella passed from thyroid carcinoma which was devasting to say the least.

Then when I went to mate Locki with Bonnie the veterinary reproductive specialist advised that Locki had no semen, that in fact he was sterile. After the initial shock I asked the specialised veterinarian, as prior to this Locki had a UTI, if this would be why and he resoundingly said no. So, after realising that I bought a dud stud dog, I decided to get him desexed and then possibly look at re-homing him.

Locki had excellent hip and elbow scores, however according to my very experienced veterinarian was advised that he would have arthritis issues as he aged which was another blow for this lovable boy. So at the tender age of 3 years, yes he indeed start having hip and elbow issues. He would easily pull a hammy and our walking ceased.

When you think that nothing else could happen Locki who was also susceptaible to entropion (a condition in which the eyelid rolls inward) decided to scratch his eye and off to surgery we went to fix the eyelids and repair the scratch to the eye. This recovery again meant wearing the very large “cone of silence” around his neck. It had to be hand made from two largest cones and along with this came “hot spots”.

Hot spots are another issue of concern for the bullmastiff and when Locki got them, which was every summer, they were big. I would have to pin him down with all my weight to shave the area so that I could treat it. He didn’t take too kindly to me doing this however persistance always wins in the end.

The decision to re-home him went out the window as I did not want anyone to get attached to him and have to make the decision to do surgery or place him on medication for the rest of his days. It just did not seem fair for anyone else to go through heartarche. I always said that if I got to spend 5-6 years of having this beautiful big boy in my life that I would be one very lucky person.

YAY! Locki made his 5th birthday and he was celebrated for being an older big brother to all the puppies and his mates. This big fella was intimidated by the little puppies and would run in the opposite direction whenever they were brought out to play. He had a fasincation for them from a distance, however just didn’t like them touching him. It was classic to watch this gentle giant leap frog over them in every effort to go in the opposite direction.

Our excitement was short lived as Locki passed very suddenly on 6th April 2024 (one month after turning 5 years) from a GDV (twisted stomach). Although there was not a lot we could do for him we rushed him to the vets only to have him pass away in the back of my car. An autospy revealed that this beautiful boy had an underlying lung issue which is probably what brought on or didn’t help him when this condition started.

Our hearts hurts so bad for you my big gentle giant boy Locki. Run wild and free my boy in the fields of yellow flowers until I get to see you again.

Love mumma Kaz

Morning Sing-Along

On July 14, 2020July 14, 2020 By pureheartbullmastiffsIn Locki6 Comments

Ever since Locki heard Sia’s Chandelier on the radio when we picked him up from the breeder, he has a strange passion for what I call his singing voice (beautiful howling).

Since then I have changed it slightly by saying his name at a high pitch and the fun has continued. Much to our amusement he regularly howls when I call him in this tone. Now that he has his girlfriends, Bonnie and Boo, I believe that he likes to show off his singing talents to impress the girls.

My girls have very different barks. Bonnie has gone from sounding like a wounded bull to the voice of an angel while little Boo’s bark is loud and sharp. This morning the girls decided to join in with Locki’s singing.

Here is a video glimpse of the fun we have when we decide to sing…

Enjoy…

Second Dog Show – Henty

On February 9, 2020 By pureheartbullmastiffsIn Locki, Show ResultsLeave a comment

8th February 2020

Henty Show was a blast for Locki and I, our first dog show on our own. We arrived early to setup. Learning about the show world is both interesting and confusing at the same time. You have to put yourself out there by meeting new people, asking lots of questions and learning the process very quickly.

Your dogs need to have faith and trust in you and on this day my Locki showed both. He settled into the day a little more relaxed than our first show in Wollongong. Even though the noises of side show alley were new and close, his choice was to stay in the protection of his cage.

It’s easy to forget that Locki is only a puppy at 10 3/4 months of age due to his size. Locki met lots of people who were impressed with how big, gentle and shy he was. He has started to lose some of his shyness which makes me one happy mamma bear.

Finally at approximately 1:30 to 2:00pm it was our turn in the ring and on the walk to the ring we almost had an incident. Locki’s trust in my holding while comforting him was noted by another breeder who later commented on my ability to control Locki in that instance…. feeling blessed.

Then it was Locki’s turn and once again he strutted his stuff by my side and he looks magnificent… so I was told!!! Our stacking training over the last week had paid off when Locki was awarded with a Best of Breed certificate and Best Puppy in Group ribbon against a boxer puppy.

Locki having a big drink after winning Best Puppy in Group

A huge thanks to the judge Mr Russell Britten for his guidance and awarding Locki with 6 points…

Locki receiving Best Puppy in Group Award from Mr Russell Britten

Locki’s Certificate for Best Puppy in Group

Feeling very grateful for my amazing boy… until next show, Gundagai 15th February 2020 here we come….

Introduction to Locki

On January 16, 2020January 17, 2020 By pureheartbullmastiffsIn Locki3 Comments

Locki was born on 15th March 2019 and is kennel name is Tunzapower Porter. We contacted the breeder in Victoria looking for a dog to mate with our Bella. After a few discussions with her we where on our way to meet our boy.

Locki has grown to be a rather big boy weighing in at a hefty 62 kilos at the the tender age of 10 months. He is a gentle giant with so much personality. He loves his cuddles and playing for short bursts.

From his humble small birth size to Christmas Day 2019 Locki has definitely grown into those large paws. For all his size he takes many naps during the day and maintains a watchful eye on the magpies that frequent his backyard.

Now that he is old enough I take him for a short stroll around the suburb and surrounding bush lands to introduce him to the many sounds and things in his vicinity. He howled very loudly when I took off with his two favourite bitches Bella and Bonnie on their first outing. I could hear him barking for the whole time were were gone.

Until next time enjoy Locki’s pictures.

Karen Feldbauer