The Armadale Reptile Centre (ARC) has bidden farewell to their much-loved dingo Jay, who passed away on 10 June.
A long-term resident, Jay arrived at the centre in 2015.
As a one-year-old, he was surrendered by his owner, who had FIFO commitments that clashed with his ability to care for the dingo.
“We wanted a friend for our other dingo Kyah, so after hearing from our good friend Dot that she had a dingo needing a home, we set off to go look at him. After a brief meet and greet, Jay was in the back seat heading for a home at ARC,” a centre spokesperson said.
“He was desexed and introduced to Kyah, and it didn’t take long before they became best mates.”
Jay has been described as cheeky and full of life, with many stories of his misbehaviour.
“One rainy day, Kyah was fast asleep on his warm bed in the dry den, when next minute Jay grabbed hold of the bed and dragged him out into the pouring rain.”
It was not long before his passing that health issues began to appear.
“At the start of May, we noticed he was having some discomfort in his mouth, rubbing and shifting his jaw around and a minor swelling under his left eye could be seen. This was after a routine urine and blood screening for both our dingoes back in March that showed no issues.
“We then scheduled a vet appointment and took Jay down. The symptoms were described to the vet, who placed him on antibiotics and anti-inflammatories with a hope it would clear up, and if not, the next step would be sedation for a full oral inspection.”
He remained upbeat and active, though following continued issues, and a mouth inspection, it was discovered Jay had loose and decayed teeth that required surgery.
“Surgery was completed, two teeth were extracted and the prognosis looked good. Another 15 days of antibiotics was prescribed which Jay completed with no issues. However, after his medication was completed about four days later, he started to show symptoms again, and the vet was called.
“Sadly, on Wednesday 10 June, it was noticed he had developed a swelling again under his eye and had serum leaking from his nostril, where blood was discovered.
“After sedating Jay at the vet and inspecting his mouth, it was discovered a large and aggressive tumour had formed since the dental surgery only two and a half weeks prior. It had seriously compromised his jaw and even pushed up into his sinus and was potentially impacting his left eye. The prognosis was very poor, and the tumour could not be removed. Thus, the final heartbreaking but kind choice had to be made.”
Jay is now buried with the centre’s other two original dingoes, Rebel and Rusty. He made it to the comfortable age of 12 years.
Kyah is receiving extra love and attention since Jay’s passing, according to the centre. Thankfully, he appears to be coping well enough.
The ARC has sincerely thanked Harrisdale Animal Hospital for what they describe as the amazing care and support Jay received.
“Rest in peace, Jay. Our hearts are shattered and we will miss you dearly. You really were one of a kind,” the centre has said.
