"Ace", EPIC Quantam Ace

At one time, the oldest Kerry alive in Canada.

Ace (Born 5-Aug-1991)

My name is Maeva and I was blessed with having one of the oldest Kerries.

Ace was born on Aug 5 1991 and died April 28 2008 that made him 16 years 9 months and 23 days.

He lived with us since leaving his dam and lived most of his life in Edmonton.....cold climate with lots of snow. He loved the snow and always had a walk, even a short one in the coldest weather.....He lived in the city but had access to a golf course and ran with us as we x country skied there in the winter. The summer he could not go there due to the golfers.

He was not over exercised but he did get long walks every day and he jogged with me 2-3 times a week until he was 11years of age. Then the snow and ice in the winter became too much of a hazard for both of us.

Ace slept in our room his whole life, except for the last 6 months as he preferred to sleep in between the living room and dining room. That way he had easy access to his dog door and could watch all the goings on in our new home.

He most recently shared his life with another Kerry, 4 year old Sailor, but Ace was ‘the boss’. He had previously lived with a Scottie for 11 years and another Kerry for 3 years and was an only child for 2 1⁄2 years. He also lived with a parrot.

He was a big Kerry, he was 22 inches at the shoulder and 52 pounds and he maintained his weight at about 47 pounds until the last few months before he died.

He took basic obedience, and agility.

We also took 6 week course in poison proofing - where the dog was taught not to touch any food, garbage etc unless given to him with the magic word. As a puppy Ace was a garbage guts and we wanted to train him not to get into the garbage nor our food. Ace's magic word was 'lunch' and his no no word was 'taboo'. This worked pretty much all his life up until the last 3 months or so when his eye sight started to go.....Other than that I swear he could read lips).

He did not like water and would only go in up to his shoulders.

We both worked but Ace had a dog door and a big yard that he could access. Also I only worked part time and was within minutes from work.

He did not play with toys except for a pull rope and did not retrieve. Would fetch the toy but not bring it back.

On the occasion of his 15th birthday the following was said of him:

He is a charming old boy who is still active and enjoys 3 walks a day. (of 1 kilometer each time) His hearing isn’t all that good but he can see very well indeed. Well enough to spot a rabbit and make a dash for it, pulling hard on his mistress’s shoulder. Ace stills loves to run free in the nearby enclosed hockey rink. That way his people don’t have to worry and can catch him, as he loves to tease. Ace loves treats and when asked will still do tricks. His best trick is jumping through the arms of his people. No mean feat at his age and weight.

He ate normal dog food with people food snacks (but not a lot) had great teeth. He would let me scrape and brush them and he had then cleaned by the vet once a year.

He was good with all people and children. He was pretty laid back except toward dogs he did not know and then was dog aggressive. He was well behaved with dogs he did know. He remained an affectionate lovable dog to the end and we thought he was perfect except for the dog aggression.

He was a great guard dog until then end, announcing visitors, dogs and people in the park across the street and patrolling the house at night.

Ace was neutered as he was not a show dog.

His coat was totally black, never having changed color.

He did have the usually Kerry problem of cysts and he had several surgeries to remove them, but other than that he was healthy his whole life.

His hearing started to go around 14 and his eyesight at 16. Ace knows a few hands signals to make up for his hearing loss and his mistress is convinced he can read lips.

Ace moved with us when we retired last June. He drove from Edmonton to Vancouver Island with Sailor (the young Kerry) and myself in a mini cooper. It was a long drive for him as he did not like the car but the vet felt he would be safer with me than on an airplane. The move was hard for him but he adjusted and like most Kerries, never complained. Once adjusted to his new surroundings he did very well and seemed to thrive in the ocean air and on the beach. He walked everyday 1-3 times (several km a day) and it was only in the last weeks that his walks diminished to a short walk once a day.

Ace had a vet check prior to our move last June and his muscle mass was still intact. In fact the vet was amazed at how much he retained for his age. It really started to go about 2 months prior to his death. Physically he started to fail and his muscle mass decreased but he could still manage in and out the dog door and around the house. It was his senses that betrayed him and he developed doggie dementia. He would get turned around in the house or yard and become confused and distressed. He still knew us but we did not like to leave him alone for long and he became more and more anxious if he as his confusion increased.

We helped Ace over the 'rainbow bridge' with many tears, much love and a place forever in our hearts.

I believe he did as well as he did due to breeding and his zest for life. I also would like to think it was because he was so well loved but that may be a bit conceited.

I think that’s about it except; how do you say how much you loved him and miss him......the smell of him and the feel of his fur on your face as you hugged him , his nose in your lap, his dainty kisses, his presence, his bark, his weight as he leaned into you and the look in his eyes. And most of all his love and his forgiveness.

May all kerries have a wonderful long and loved life!

Maeva Lowen
Qualicum Beach
British Columbia

Ace with owner Maeva and breeder Janice.

Here is Ace with his doggles.....the sun doesn't bother his eyes anymore.
Looks pretty good for a 16 1/2 year old.

©1997-2011 KBTF -- Last Update: 08/27/10, 15:13:32 -- Terms of Use and Disclaimer -- Contact Webmaster