This man has a lot to answer for…but he did utilise the phrase ‘ Be Prepared’….. Someone else, I cannot pinpoint whom, chose ‘ Be ready’ a variant of the idea, somehow sounds, to me more modern. But there are times in your life you do need to be prepared. A shock factor on top of anything else only adds to the weight of grief.
I’m talking to you today about my old dog Patches. My sole/soul companion. I’m his 4th mom and he has sometimes repaid me with agression. A time I ended up in hospital being stitched back together, when his frustration had nowhere to go..but towards the hand that feeds him.
Sure I threatened him with all manner of alternative living arrangements, but both he and I knew it was just talk. It was never going to happen.
But he’s more frail now. Eleven years old is not always considered a ‘ good age’. But it’s the only data I have about him. He could be older, for sure. He’s feisty when he wants to be. He can climb the stairs ( albeit slowly) and get onto the bed ( with the help of a step-up) He knows what he wants and when he wants it. But I love that about him. His spirit. Eons ago I cared for kids, rose through the ranks and became really good at it. I have/had the same sentiment, I relished my charges being ‘ spirited’. Harder work, but the product ended up a treat!
So here we are. I’ve arranged to take Patches down to Cornwall for what may be his last beach holiday. A very dear and lovely friend has given up many days of a rent free Airbnb break, to accommodate us.I thank you Trish, soo much. Your Shepherds Hut ‘ The Sheppy’, is fabulous! ( Dear readers, should you want somewhere easy going to stay during a trip to Cornwall, get in touch and I’ll give you the details)
I’ve researched mobile vets for euthanasia at home and will use a close by pet cremation services for his final send off.
I had no help or support when I lost my Tony( which happened really fast) and the pain was unbelievable. I used prescribed drugs to get through the loss of Joe and Mia. This time I will have simply preparation when the time comes to lose my companion. So, being prepared..being ready, I can only hope will support my fragile mental state when I lose my ‘ best boy’….
IN THE BOOMER PIGEON HOLE? 
What a sad time of preparation. But it shows how much you love him. And your memories of good times will carry you forward.
We get attached to our pets, they see us through so much. I had 2 cats, twiggy and squeaky, a mum and daughter. They were my joy and comfort through a nasty divorce.
Then my puppy dog Spike who saw me through the pet shop window and broke my heart. He grew up with my sons, and made me walk further than I had ever walked before.
Enjoy your time with him on the beach. 😘
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Thank you xxx
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Aw Joey.. That is a hard pill to swallow. I like pets more than most humans! And it’s the ones you rescue who become closest to your heart. My thoughts are with you and Patches. He is one lucky dog to have found you x
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💗
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He’s my life, Mae
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Joey, your words went straight through the ribs and into the heart.
There’s something about those battered, bruised, stubborn old souls, the ones who’ve been let down before and still find a way to love you in their own complicated, growly way. It’s never easy with them, but it’s never hollow either. You feel it in your bones.
You’re right, being prepared, being ready… it makes a difference. Not because it makes the loss easier, but because it gives you something to hold onto when the ground falls away. It’s a kind of kindness we can give ourselves.
Cornwall will be beautiful. Salty air, old stones, restless waves, good places to carry a soul home. And you, my friend, are giving Patches the most precious gift: the ending he deserves, with the person who never gave up on him.
I’ll be holding you both in my thoughts, and when the time comes, I hope you feel all those invisible hands and hearts around you.
Some loves change us forever. Patches is one of those.
And you’ve been a damn good mom.
Love and light to you both 🖤
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Thank you Mae for your kind words and understanding. Patches may take his time to move on…I have no idea… We’ll simply enjoy being together for now x.. He’ll let me know.
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You’re so welcome, Joey. And yes… Patches will know when it’s his time, and until then, every moment you share is a little piece of forever. Animals have a way of teaching us how to be fully present. Sending you both love and light for the journey, one beautiful day at a time.
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💖
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I actually wrote a post this morning about Heff.. The Blind Dog and the Blind World!
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Aww I didn’t read/reàlise Heff was blind xxx
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I truly can understand I’ve been there nine times. They take a bit of you with them and leave a bit with you for ever there is no pain like it not even for dearly loved humans xx
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Nine times….that is a lot of damage to your heart xxxx
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