Dogs – grew up with them, can’t think of a home without one! Sadly, Ruffie, aged 13 and a bit, left our pack on Friday morning.
Bless her, half blind, riddled with arthritis of the spine and laid low with latter stages of Cushing’s disease, she still trotted around the block for her last walk and trusted me as I took her to the vets for the final time. Her heart was so large she could have carried on for another month or two, but when she started saying no to sausages, we knew enough was enough.
Apologies for the slightly sad blog, but I wanted to share a picture or two so that I could always log on and see her wherever in the world I am.
She was the perfect family dog, never needed a lead, was never happier than with a stick or at your feet of an evening and was totally loyal and loving. She taught my own two-legged offspring so much and I am forever grateful for her sharing her life with my pack. I shed a years worth of tears on Friday. Our other pack member, Robbie, (the ginger one in the pictures) has slept in her bed the last two nights.
The tears are only just stopping.
Boadicea's Chariot 
Howzit Cuprum, nice pics, particularly no. 3.
A beautiful, beautiful post cuprum, I send you my heartfelt sympathy, I know how you are feeling just now, the photos are lovely. If I have your permission, I will post a lovely piece for you, but I won’t until you agree.
Commiserations, mate. Always difficult.
It’s always so sad to lose a faithful friend. My sympathy to you and your family and Robbie.
My sympathies – hang on to the memories.
Thanks all. I didn’t realise how much I talked to her until she had gone.
Val, please carry on!
I should give No.1 daughter credit for the photos, she is far more talented than I! (Have I resized them correctly Bearsy?)
As I type I have my great galloot of a 5 yr old labrador/himalayan cross slavering and wimpering in her sleep on the settee next to me. I can’t imagine life without her, and do not want to try.
I have had to say goodbye to many faithful friends down the years and it is never easy, my humble sympathy to you Cuprum.
If only we could do the same selfless service to our human relations as we can for our canine family when the pain and suffering become too great. It hurts I know but there comes a time when you have to do what’s right for your dog no matter the personal wrench. She is at peace now. Enjoy the memories they will always be with you.
Yes! 😀
I’ve put the speech in a separate post for you cuprum.
Lovely photographs to remember happier times, Cuprum.
Good on yah, Cuprum. Sorry to hear of your loss but I’m sure she left you many years worth of good memories, dogs always do! 😦
What a great dog. Sorry to hear about her loss.
What type of dog was she, Cuprum? An English setter?
A heinz 57 we think. She was a rescue dog – we believe yes, english setter cross collie cross springer spaniel. I don’t think her mum was fussy! Robbie too is a rescue, part JR cross collie. I love a mutt me!
I could see setter in her, but I feel a cross is better as the setter family are all rather highly strung in my experience.
I have a soft spot for Corgis. Strange, really.
Ankle biters.
Yes. I find that the only way, apart from whacking them, is to say: down boy.
A lovely tribute to her, Cuprum and sympathies and commiserations from me too. They actually are part of the family. Life-enriching.
Hope she remains vividly in your memory always 🙂
Terrible isn’t it?
Very bad design that they don’t last as long as we do.
I always have rescues too.
Happy memories when the sadness passes.
I have to admit to keeping my favourite dog’s ashes on my bedside table along with the boy’s. They are waiting for me!
My sympathies, Cuprum.