Bear-brawling dachshund succumbs at 12
Rheta Murryrhetam@thedailytimes.com
Originally published: November 21. 2009 3:01AM
Last modified: November 20. 2009 8:33PM
Carolyn and Michael Roach felt heartbroken Friday morning after their "only child," Swartz, died Thursday evening at Midland Pet Emergency Center Inc. in Alcoa.
Swartz, the diminutive yet courageous dachshund, suffered seizures early Thursday evening. Already diagnosed with prostate cancer and Cushing's disease, the Roaches realized the dog was suffering and had him euthanised.
Ironically, Swartz died at the same veterinary hospital where he was taken after an incident that garnered him media attention about five years ago.
According to Roach, the dog saw a mama bear in his "territory," and charged it. Swartz took on the bear and the bear swatted him. Carolyn Roach took the dog to the animal hospital with broken ribs and a bite mark. Police officers chased away the bear and her cub.
Now, the Roach home is silent. Michael said his wife is devastated. The couple have no children.
"That was her baby," Michael said. "She is almost inconsolable, and we've gotten a lot of e-mails. A lot of people are saddened by his passing."
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