Community Post

RIP Carson the Newshound: 2000-2010

It’s a day of tears here at CDNews World HQ as we had to say goodbye to our friend and mascot Carson. He was put to sleep this morning after a 3-month battle with liver cancer.

Carson joined the family almost exactly ten years ago, in November of 2000. Born into a litter of incredibly cute Golden Retrievers in Shoreline, he added an immeasurable amount of happiness to all of our lives.

He was often a companion on our news gathering outings as we walked the full length and breadth of the neighborhood together. Whether waiting patiently outside meetings or tied to our waist as we took photos at parades, he was always an enthusiastic member of our team. That teamwork is spread throughout many of our archived photos, whether it’s a dog reflection in a window or a bit of dog head hanging at the bottom of a snapshot.

His main interests in life were typical of the breed, loving nothing more than to chase down a frisbee or ball and bring it back to you. Combining that with water was just heaven for him. His energy in doing that job would exceed the stamina of any human participant.

People often remarked at what a well trained dog he was. But the truth was that it was not due to any dog training talent on our parts, and instead a result of his neverending desire to please. He wanted nothing more than to try and understand what you wanted and would do his damnest to comply.

He never begged at the table, always keeping a respectful distance, and would go outside or to his bed on command. He never jumped on the bed, but would sneak up onto a couch when we’d leave the house. And of course he had mastered all of the other usual tricks to, including sit, lay, stay, shake, speak, and roll over.

Carson was always a popular dog. When he was a puppy we would walk around Seward Park and everyone that passed by had to stop and coo and give him a pat on the head. And that held through even in his older white-faced years. On a family trip to Victoria this past summer, we walked all over the city and people would always want to stop and say hi. We joked that it seemed like no one in Canada had seen a dog before. But the truth was that he was just so darn charming that it was difficult to resist.

I think in many ways he was a much better dog than we were dog owners. In his younger years we would take him on mountain biking trips that were always huge family fun. But we pushed the limits on one ride at Tiger Mountain, and arrived back at the truck to find that we had almost worn the pads off of his paws. Even though they were bloody and raw, for the last few miles of the ride he trotted along right behind us, never complaining, just wanting to keep up with his pack.

Margery Facklam once wrote that “we give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare, and love we can spare. In return, dogs give us their all. It’s the best deal man has ever made.”

Nothing could be more true in our case. We were very fortunate to have been able to spend time with Carson, and will miss him terribly. But we were clear beneficiaries of that bargain, and will count ourselves luck if we ever have a dog that’s even half as good.

PS – If you ever have a pet dealing with cancer, we can’t say enough good things about Dr. Sarbu and her team at the Veterinary Oncology Center. She was compassionate, skilled, and incredibly helpful to us.

0 thoughts on “RIP Carson the Newshound: 2000-2010

  1. I’m so glad I had the chance to meet Carson in these last 6 months – charming doesn’t even begin to describe his nature. My thoughts are with you today.

  2. You’ll be in my thoughts today. Always heartbreaking when such a loving family member passes on. Sleep soundly and pain free.

  3. so sad for you. what a sweet spirit. love the one of him licking his nose in from of the mtns. thanks for sharing the pics. thinking of you..

  4. we had to put one of our cats down earlier this year, and we still miss him. The memories are sweet though. Cherish those.

  5. Your memories and your photos. I have to pretend like I am suffering from allergies here at work because I got choked up, but I appreciate your sharing. He sounds like the best kind of buddy.

  6. Oh Scott, I’m so sorry. I just saw him out for walk a couple of days ago, and as always was charmed by the love and enthusiasm he showed, even though he was slower than usual. We’ll miss him (including Shylah, who always showed off for him when he was around), but not anywhere close to as much as you will. Our deepest condolences.

  7. Ah Scott, I’m so sorry for the pain you guys are feeling. Swing by if you feel like a glass of wine or some neighborhood cheer when the time feels right – my thoughts are with you.

  8. I am so saddened by your loss; I always would ask about him if I saw you without him as you seemed incomplete (Sorry, no judgement about you, just the power of the furry guy.) It took me 20 years to get over the loss of our dog to cancer (same clinic and they are kind and caring.) We finally have another dog, a rescue dog, but we often wonder, who rescued who??

  9. Aw I always loved the acknowledgement you gave to ‘newshound’ when you’d post some fab picture from various walkabouts in the neighborhood.

    It’s hard I know, but enjoy the memories. Love the photos, especially the incredibly baleful look he gave you when taking a bath. Funny tho, he seemed to love water otherwise ;-)

  10. I saw you walk Carson as I drove by, I think as recently as 2 weeks ago. This was a great tribute. take care.

  11. I always love hearing about the ol’ newshound in your posts. I appreciate reading such an eloquent and heartfelt remembrance.

  12. Neighborhood parades and picnics won’t be the same without Carson the newshound. I’ll miss seeing him with you on your neighborhood walks. My heart goes out to you both in this great loss.

  13. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your fine associate, Carson the Newshound. I remember him too, by your side almost every time I saw you outside…What a great and loyal friend. I always thought he was the best trained dog in the world, too. But I guess he was so perfect because he loved you so much.
    Please take some comfort in the fact that he shared a wonderful life with you!
    May Carson’s Memory be Eternal.

  14. So sorry to hear of your loss, Scott and team. Carson was one of the best who ever sniffed a story (or pant leg). Be easy on yourself in this time of sadness.

  15. I know this is very painful for you. There’s nothing for that pain but time, and perhaps reading all these good wishes, you’ll take a little comfort.

  16. When I lost my 14-year old shepherd lab last August, I made it about 5 days before getting onto petfinder.com and searching for dogs in need of a foster home.

    Wouldn’t you know it, my very first customer turned out to be a keeper, and he’s been a real gem. I hope you don’t wait too long to get back on the horse and help a dog in need…there are too many!

  17. There is a wonderful book written by a Seattle pediatrician at Children’s Hospital about what kids remember after they’ve died and been resuscitated. “Closer to the Light” is the title…one child remembered zooming thru a tunnel of light and saw a hole-like exit coming up and wanted to go thru it, but the “person” with him told him, “No, not that one. That’s for animals.”

    :O) I love that story.

  18. Rainbow Bridge

    Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

    When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and
    comfortable.

    All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
    The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

    They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

    You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

    Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

    Author unknown…

  19. I am so sorry for your loss – it was clear he had a great life and was very loved. I am sending you great thoughts!!