Me ol' mate Sprocket passed away this afternoon.
Died on the vets' operating table minutes before an operation to remove a cancerous growth from his spleen or liver (not sure which).
Didn't even realise the poor bugger was ill 'til last night.
Returned from a dogwalk yesterday evening and he didn't eat his grub.
Looked poorly this morning so I booked a slot at the vets'.
Slowly lost his sparkle throughout the day.
Died in my arms as I comforted him before the op.
There's a big hole where he used to be.
It was a huge privilege and one of the greatest pleasures of my life to have been the keeper of this enthusiastic bundle of joy throughout his existence.
Our little gang was gifted from above to have known him.
Lucky me. And Georgie. And wee Jocky.
See y'again chum.
P.S. - Went down to the vets' this afternoon (the day after he died) to pay the bill and sign the incineration(?) certificate because I was in no fit state to do it yesterday. Told them I didn't require his ashes, but went back there about twenty minutes later and said I'd changed my mind. I'm to collect his ashes in a month's time which will apparently be in a box of some kind. Might scatter the ashes at the top of the Lightning Tree hill which was one of his fave walks. Gave Jock a quick walk down in the valley on the way home. Walking without Sprock is going to take ages to get used to. I kept thinking he'll run alongside at any moment. But he didn't. Dammit, I miss him. And I think Jock does too.
I really am sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI have followed your blog for about a year now and you have always presented your life in France, with your 'oh so photogenic' dogs, as being the life so many of us aspire to but lack the courage to go for.
Our pets give so much but ask so little of us.
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
DeleteOh dear. This has upset me too. He had become part of my life as well, as I read about his adventures through your blog. But at least he had a good end of life, was not sick for a long time, and you were able to comfort him as he passed over. He had a good life with you, and his spirit will continue to stay around you, of that I am sure.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you Tommo. x
Thanks Vera. The little scallywag is sorely missed.
DeleteOh Tommo, I am so sorry to hear of Sprocket's passing.
ReplyDeleteI can't help but shed some tears of my own.
Our canine family members are so dear to us, and it is always hard when they leave us all too soon. You were with him until the end, providing comfort and love, and he knew that you loved him.
I am sure that he is happy and pain-free with many others at the Rainbow Bridge.
Sometimes they can be very stoic even when in pain, thus shielding us from worry, and not allowing us to know that something is wrong.
Please place a pretty flower on his grave for me, I shall surely miss reading of his funny antics which always made me smile.
Rest in peace dear Sprocket, you will always be remembered.
Thanks Virginia. It'll take time but our grief will eventually be replaced by the many happy memories. He was a real character.
DeleteTommo, I am so happy to hear that you have requested Sprock's ashes after his cremation. Good idea to scatter them in his favourite spot.
DeleteI buried all six of my bow wows under their favourite shade tree in the garden.
Rest assured that his sad passing will be taken over by all the happy memories of the good times that you two spent together. In many ways, you will even sometimes sense his presence around you. He will be in your heart forever.
Jock needs you now too, since he is grieving too.
Oh Tommo, I am so sad to read this.
ReplyDeleteI don't know which is worse, to have them die without much warning, or to see them decline and then have to take the awful decision, which is what happened with my last two poodles.
Dogs bring us such joy but also such pain when they are gone. I hope it's not too long before the tears are replaced by smiles and chuckles every time you think of him.
Thanks Jean. Am looking forward to getting over this grief stage. Could take some time but we'll get there.
Delete"A good dog never dies. He always stays. He walks besides you on crisp autumn days when frost is on the fields and winter's drawing near. His head is within our hand in his old way." ~Mary Carolyn Davies
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you Diane