Gone but never forgotten

 Some may of thought that I had forgotten you Smudge. Smudge passed away the end of April suddenly, just as I was awaiting the arrival of Rosie's litter and just after losing her Mum Millie. So I mentioned her passing and said, I would mark her passing at a later date, because it had been a bit unexpected. Then we had the tragedy of losing her Granddaughter Teagol.

​Just a week before Smudge's death I had joked with a vet about seeing her in six months after her check up, as we had started her on heart medication. Although on heart meds, she was very well in herself. The old MVD can be like that though and having her trundling around happily that morning to then finding her collapsed in our utility room, a quick check of her gums. I new what was happening. Her valve had all but totally gone. I rung the vet for advice about whether I should let nature take its course and stay calmly with her. I was told to give her twenty minutes and if she had not passed, it may be best to come in with her and help her on her way. She remained amazingly calm and with my oldest son Bert, we took her to the vets. No crying I said. Not until she's gone. Don't make her think she has upset us.
It was a tearful burial. She was such an old softee, one of the gentlest, kindest dogs I have been lucky to have had in my life. I will always feel your warmth and whiskers against my face Smudge, never forgotten!

Smudge 2010 - 2021