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Thank you MM for your kind words.

I am thankful I have two of her beautiful offspring to remember her by.

You have me in tears Threedogs! I am so sorry for your loss, it is so very sad! Even if it wasn't your dog.

Fortunately you have two of her offspring! Enjoy and love them!

Thank you hilda.

We are certainly being very careful with our own dogs at the moment. Little Lizzie's daughter Flossie from her last litter, now nearly one year old, was with her that day and some how escaped being bitten which is a blessing.

It has been too long since I`ve been here, now I`ll try to be here more often.

I have a heavy heart just reading your story, TD. Every life is precious, and none more than a dedicated, loving animal's. Although one can anticipate something sad that may happen in the future, it seldom ameliorates the pain and sorrow when the event happens. I feel for you, TD.

Thank you OWN
My first visit back to the stables since little Liz died was the hardest. Her young daughter Flossie was a little subdued and SJ said she had become very sooky.

I think one doesn't just grieve for the animal lost, but also grieves for the change that takes place.
Us humans do not respond to change well on the whole and when the change is brought about by the loss of a loved one it makes it all the more challenging to adjust to.

We also had a change of circumstance brought about by the retirement of our racehorse. I say 'our' racehorse, but we actually only owned a small share. Djatala or 'Tank' as we knew him, is special too because he is the last of the horses bred by SJ's father who is now aged and frail.
He was born on the property and I watched him grow and followed his progress right through. He was a very difficult horse from day one but not aggressive in any way, just big and pushy and very headstrong - hence his stable name. His career was incredibly promising to start with and he won a few big city races, but unfortunately he battled problems with his knees and after two operations we found he was just finding the work too difficult. I developed a close relationship with him over the last 12 months. He responded to my gentle but firm handling and I always gave him carrots after his daily work and a lot of pats and fuss. No one would ride him at home because he was too strong, so we just worked him by other non-riding means and my boss let me be his sole handler - a task I loved.

He ran his last race two weeks ago. The highs and lows this horse gave us over the last 4 years have been quite something. I will certainly miss the excitement of his race days.

In a week or so he will have his shoes off and be put on the horse float and make the short trip up to my place where he will live a quiet, natural, relaxed life with my three other horses. It is the least he deserves after giving us so much pleasure.

How wonderful to be able to give Tank a peaceful, loving and caring place to spend his old age Threedogs!

I'm sure you are going to enjoy his presence as much as he will enjoy staying with you!

It is heartwarming to feel the tenderness and respect with which you speak of Tank, TD. When one merges with the spirit of an animal, one literally enters a spiritual dimension, and the human psyche advances to a place of love and joy from which it can no longer regress to mundane existence. Actualisation of this nature is a blessing from above, and I strongly believe that animals that cross our paths are meant for our souls' advancement. You are a being in touch with the greater powers of our universe, TD, and I laud you for intuitively understanding the magic that mutual love between human and horse can bring to both. Based on his personality, I think his name is perfect!

Thanks for the lovely replies hilda and OWN!

After 14 years, 5 months and a week's love and joy I received from my eldest Pekingese, Rudolph, the Vet had to put him to sleep yesterday afternoon at 16:20 after he had kidney failure and a stroke. He was such a pleasure to me during all these years. His place might be empty in the house, but he will always be in my heart. Rest in peace my lovely dog! No more suffering where you are now.

He will also be missed by his "Dad" as well my SO . Lucky for us that we have the best Vet in the world that guided us through the process.

Hilda, Barry, my deepest sympathy. I know how much a little creature can snuggle into the heart.

A cyber from MM

Oh Barryels and Hilda, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your little dog!
I am very glad you had a compassionate and understanding vet. Our beloved pets are each so special and such a joy in our lives - I am sure you have lots of wonderful memories of Rudolph.

Sorry for my selfishness my dear SO! I am so drowned in my own sorrow that I forget about everything else around me. He loved you so much! Thanks for all the love you gave him since we moved in with you 12 and a half years ago.

We are very privileged to have a Vet like ours!

Thank you Meandering Mouse. We really can do with a cyber hug!