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Thank you all so much for your lovely messages about my diet. I’m afraid things have lapsed rather, partly because we’ve had a death in the family.
It was a fairly small death, given that it happened to a little red dog who’d ruled our family for eleven years. But as I’m sure many of you know, a small death such as this can have a very big impact.
Lucy developed a liver condition in March and we were told that she had no functioning liver. No one mentioned it to her, however, so although the weight fell off her and she was always ravenously hungry, she carried on being her bright, bossy self until just recently.
I think the hardest part was that we had to decide the moment. We weren’t told by the vet that it was the only thing we could do for her. Eventually we did make the decision and on her last day Desmond took her for her favourite walk in the park. The previous day she had to be carried home as she was too weak to walk. On her last day she ran around and chased a squirrel.
Of course we discussed cancelling the appointment, but we came to the conclusion that we didn’t want her to get worse. Some days she was so weak she had to be carried. She’d stopped being able to eat biscuits. But while Desmond was on the phone to the vet and I was listening she hopped onto the sofa and ate the cheese from my salad.
I heard Monty Don said no relationship with an animal ends well but I hope we don’t dwell on Lucy’s end for too long. She was such a strong character, she’s more than frail little thing we said goodbye to.
Andrea Sayer says...
Sorry to read about the loss of your beloved dog. Our dog Ziggy recently had a brush with cancer and needed a op. Luckily for us he is back to his usual cute, friendly, occassionally grumpy running round the garden like a two year old even though he is 12 self.. Dogs mean so much to us all it is hear breaking when they leave us but we have to remember the love and happiness they brought to our lives. Without asking for cash like my teenage children do!. God bless stay safe and I am sure Lucy is running around helping God keep the squirrels in check.
December 14, 2020
Louise Harrison says...
So very sorry to read about little Lucy. What a brave gorgeous girl she sounds – I am sure her company and love were immense and that you and your family will miss her so much but remember her with joy now she has ‘gone to Devon’.
May I take this opportunity to thank you for the comfort your books have brought over the years – reading is so often a great refuge during difficult times.
Susan Wiseman says...
I am so sorry for your loss. My family have just got our first dog. The children, when they were young ( 23 & 27 now!) always wanted one but I was always conscious of having one and then the loss being too much when the time comes. Selfish I know. But, 16 months ago we rescued a gorgeous little whippet/Italian greyhound cross. And the joy she has brought to us as you know is worth more than words can say. She has given us so much already and the wonderful memories we already have with her will last a lifetime.
Nicky Knowles says...
Katie, I’m so very sorry for your loss, Our pets are a huge part of our family life and they give so much unconditional love to us.
What a hard and brave decision to make. Look back on all the love and happy memories that you and your family shared with her – she had the best life with you.
With loving thoughts of you at this time. Best Wishes Nicky x
Helen says...
The gift of their unconditional love and the void left behind, is what we mourn; and mourn you must, but then in time life’s memories are what you treasure ❤
