23/08/2026
Angus 💙
Angus was sadly taken from us on 11.08.26 due to volvulus contortion - a rare but common issue with giant breeds.
Whilst I’m D E V A S T A T E D that my boy was taken at the ripe age of 5.5 years old, I am taking a LOT of solace knowing that his last ever walk was on the beach with his friends and he was the happiest I had seen him for a long time.
I spent almost 2 years battling Angus’ reactivity & aggression. I tried everything from avoiding dogs, walking in open spaces and allowing him 48 hours to ‘decompress’ after any reaction. I cried through walks, after walks and before walks. I was rushed by dogs, abused by fellow dog owners and quite frankly, regretted ever getting my ‘dream dog’.
I didn’t understand Angus or his reactivity.
He was complex. His needs were unique and I soon learnt that not every training method suited every dog.
Whilst I navigated the dog training world, under heavy speculation and abuse from fellow walkers + trainers in Harrogate, some required police intervention but I won’t get into that..fearing my business would be shut down due to how I trained MY OWN dog, I persevered. I pushed through.
I found options that suited Angus and myself. I was able to allow him off lead safety, we muzzle trained and made new friends, every new dog we met was a military operation, every walk was managed, the environment scanned and any dog we walked with was a dog ‘I’ knew Angus would like & be okay with.
Over time Angus became a normal dog - with a circle of friends he trusted - he loved and accepted. He became the dog I dreamed of, add the extra spice, in the end he certainly kept me on my toes and was the dog I loved within an inch of his life.
Angus allowed me the opportunity to grow as a dog handler & owner. He’s allowed me the chance to refine my business and understand dog’s needs.
I never wanted Angus to be a secure field dog. He deserved more, I wanted more and so I worked my arse off to give him the life he deserved and I am SO glad I did because I look back and say ‘I did that’ 🏆
Angus Blackmore. The only dog I’ve ever met who has more issues than vogue but i would not have changed it for the world.
BBB 💙
