I am writing this up tonight, and you may not hear from me for a few days dear readers, as we have had to make a very difficult decision in our home. A few weeks ago we discovered that our beautiful chocolate and white Border Collie, Locky, has a form of aggressive nasal cancer, with not a good prognosis.The vets, as were our friends and family who all love Locky, have been devastated by the news. When is the right time to give him a peaceful end to any suffering he is encountering? We have decided that now is the right time, as we don't want him to suffer anymore, even though he still loves his tucker, and his walks, however he can't really smell anymore and he has always loved to have a good sniff along his walks, and sleeping is troublesome for him. There are also other side effects happening which aren't pleasant for him. So we would rather say good bye tomorrow, than see him have a fit or deteriorate quickly. You may remember that he was our son's family dog, and when they went overseas a few years ago he came to live with us, to enjoy a nice quiet retirement. After only a few years, it's as if he has been with us forever and is very much a part of our family. We love him so much. What an awful month it's been, as it has been for a few other bloggers who are online friends as well.
Locky loved the beach and chasing the tennis ball, in the backyard as well.
I wrote the above and didn't post it, and yesterday Locky went to sleep forever peacefully, and we are both absolutely devastated and a bit of a mess, and not far from tears at any time. Our home and backyard is full of constant reminders of Locky as he was with us almost 24/7 when we were home, and being retirees we are at home a lot. He was always with me in the kitchen as well, just hoping a little treat would come his way, and it often did. I still can't believe that he is gone.
I am taking a break for a little while now from blogging and we will be venturing away for a while to help with the grieving process and have a break. Being older doesn't make our loss any easier, there are so many other sad family memories of losing loved ones that come flooding in as well, and this one adds to our list of life's experiences. Thankfully though we have lots of happy memories of Locky which in time will be hopefully what we think of. He was just the best dog, with a beautiful nature, full of unconditional love and so very handsome. He would have been 13 next year in February.
These beautiful orchids and plants of mine are flowering at the moment and bringing us some pleasure, and hopefully next year will be flowering at this time again, as another memory of Locky.
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| Phalaenopsis |
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| Beautiful Brassia |
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| Aggregatum |
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| Soft Cane Dendrobium |
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| Fraser Island Creeper |
Take care everyone, and love the ones you are with.
Warm wishes,
Pauline
I'm so sorry about that Pauline. May Locky rest in peace. It's so devastating when we lose our precious babies.
ReplyDeleteThe orchids are lovely. I bought my friend an orchid when her dog passed and this year it bloomed on the anniversary of his passing xxx
Thanks so much Lorraine. I know you have also been through the pain of this kind of loss. It will take time to heal. x
DeleteI am so very sorry to hear about this, Pauline. We too just lost our cat to cancer and I can relate so much how you and the whole family feel...(((HUG))
ReplyDeleteLocky, Rest in Peace!
Thanks so much Angie, and I am so sorry to hear about the sad loss of your cat. Big hugs to you. xx
Deleteso very very sorry to hear this pauline. i know how devastating it is to lose a beloved pet. sending loving vibes to you!
ReplyDeletesherry xxx
Thanks so much Sherry, It happened too soon, and there are too many reminders here at present of his role in our lives. Hope you feel stronger each day. xx
DeleteI understand your loss having to make the same decision for my 17 year old girl last month. There is a hole in my life that will be present for a long time. When the feelings well up I go to one of the happy memories and the joy of having shared that time. May all your memories bring you joy, I think it will honour Locky and your life together. 💐
ReplyDeleteThankyou so much Bernie, that is so sweet of you. At the moment, I can only think about how beautiful he looked after he had passed away peacefully in our arms, however I know that will pass in time, and we will find joy in the happy memories. So sorry to hear about your beloved girl. That is an amazing age to reach, and for you to have her as your special friend for that long. I really thought we would have Locky that long. Take care my friend.
DeleteBig hugs, Pauline. I canremember the joy our border collie brought to our family when the kids were growing up.
ReplyDeleteThanks Chel, border collies are such beautiful dogs, and great with children.Hope your are well. xx
DeleteI know the pain of losing a beloved pet. A big hug.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thanks so much Amalia, I really appreciate you taking the time to send your sympathies. I hope you are ok now, however I think the loss stays with us forever. xx
DeleteI am so sorry, Pauline — please know you will be in my thoughts and heart as you grieve this immense loss. Hugs from afar, David
ReplyDeleteDavid, Thanks so much,that is very sweet. This kind of loss just doesn't get any easier as we age unfortunately, however there aren't as many life pressures for us to contend with as well. I just hope my cooking mojo returns soon :) Take care my friend
DeleteThis is absolutely the hardest thing to lose a beloved pet. I can tell you are a pet parent like we are. The right thing to do isn’t always the easiest.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and love are with you all.
Tina
xo
Tina, thank you so much for your very kind words. Your taking time to write to me means a lot. Take care, Pauline xx
DeleteOh, I'm SO sorry to hear about Locky! I know the hurt you're feeling -- you'll be in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much KR, it really has just been so difficult at times, but life has to go on. Taking a few breaks away is helping. Take care, Pauline
DeleteI am so sory to hear your loss Dear friend! Hugs! Greetings!
ReplyDeleteIt is so lovely to hear from you, thank you for your very thoughtful words. Greetings and hugs to you as well.
DeleteSorry for loosing your dog. IT's hard to go through when you loose your beloved pet.
ReplyDeleteI have a 8-yr old labradoodle that my family can't not think of life without. She is getting old and not as energetic as she used to be. Locky had a good life because of your love and care.
I love border collies. My neighbor has a couple of them and they are such an intelligent breed.
Thanks so much for your thoughful and kind words, He was so intelligent and very much a beloved part of our family. Your labradoodle sounds delightful, I'm sure she receives wonderful care from you.
Deleteplay safely over the rainbow Locky! My heart is with you Pauline. Sorry it took so long for me to visit back. Life is nearly getting back to normal after our time away.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Tandy for your very kind words, I hope you had a lovely holiday, and it takes a while to get back into the swing of things. Wonderful that you can travel overseas. We're still not game to do it.
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