Thanks Abbie. I completely agree, it’s so hard watching them struggle. I’m so relieved for him that it’s over and that we tried everything we could for him before we found out what it was. If I’d known, I’d have held off getting another dog until he passed, but then I’m not sure how Millie would have coped being on her own either, so many in a way it’s maybe worked out ok. I always tried to make sure all three got plenty of attention and kept the ladies out of his space when he was in a grumpy mood (he was a dog who very much liked his own space, even before he was ill). : ) I got some of his ashes in a wee casket, and the rest in a box to scatter. I think we’ll scatter his ashes on the beach as he loved it there. I also made a wee memory box with his collar, his favourite toy and I made a wee album of my favourite photos of him. That helped a lot. I think the fact he was my first dog also made him extra special.
I think at some point I’ll bring another boy-hound home. Love my girles to bits, but it just doesn’t seem the same without him. The girls love my husband to bits, but Shane was always ‘mine’. He was such a huge boy that I just miss his physical presence and just being able to look at him, as he was a very striking dog. I just think the boys are really different. Wee Millie’s almost ten now, and I worry about what will happen when she passes, as I don’t think I could let Cosmo on her own. She gets quite distressed if she thinks you’re leaving her alone. Don’t want to leave it too long as don’t want Millie to go through all the upheaval again once she’s an old lady. But at the same I want to get used to Shane not being around first so I know I’m not making a rash decision because of my loss.
When the time comes I’ll take the ladies to meet a few boys and let them pick. Hopefully they’ll pick someone tall and handsome! : )
