Little Companion

[jennyjoan]

Called to see friend in one of the sheltered dwellings per se (a different friend) - I haven't seen her for about 6 weeks.

Bumped into her neighbour who owned the most beautiful dog - I met her about January in all that snow and she was walking him and she divulged to me even tho she had children and grandchildren - she loved this wee dog. She just lived for him and walked him about 4 times a day. Then he got a little sick and had to wear as she called it a lampshade (the dog collar) - he got better. He loved her as much as she loved him. I know the dog filled a massive a hole in her life as she lost her son to suicide some years back and other lots of wee troubles. But the guy lifted her so much.

Anyway told me she went away for a few days about June - left dog in the care of her son - dog run out and was killed. I know she is broken-hearted and I am broken-hearted for her as her and I had shared wee naughty bits and pieces of dog life. She tried to say to herself - it could have been a child and indeed it could have been but it wasn't - but it was her child.

The more I think of it tonight I just think carelessness comes into this - this dog wasn't a runaway dog, adhd dog, whatever. But I am sad for her tonight.

[Mamyalynne]

It's very sad when you lose such a faithful friend JJ - I can understand your sorrow for her too.

We once had a dog die whilst we were away, it feels worse often when you've left someone else in charge even though they did nothing wrong.

[jennyjoan]

She walked away quickly from me in the hall as the tears were starting to fall. Mamy - do you think it would be appropriate for me to send her a few comforting words.

[tonyav]

The more I think of it tonight I just think carelessness comes into this - this dog wasn't a runaway dog, adhd dog,

Maybe, jj. But accidents do happen, maybe the little dog managed to slip his collar or the front / back door was left open for some reason and little dog made a run for it !.

[Mamyalynne]

It would be lovely and I'm sure she'd appreciate it, maybe talking is still too raw.

[tonyav]

( I know I'm not Mamy ).
Wouldn't do any harm imo, jj.

[Mamyalynne]

Tony has a good point, I wouldn't mention carelessness in your words of comfort.

[jennyjoan]

you're right Tony - but you know until you become a dog lover nobody else can fathom what it's like. I came home and clung to my wee Maxie LOL - wrapped him in a blanket and held him close. He's looking out with the big eyes saying "here what's wrong here" LOL

[jennyjoan]

OMG Mamy - no no carelessness - those are my private thoughts.

Thanks Tony - I'll never be convinced other than carelessness. If they held onto a dog the way they hold onto a mobile phone - the dog would be alive today. Of that I am convinced. And I think lady in question knows he would be alive too.

[tonyav]

I'm sure that little Maxie loves you back though, jj.

[jennyjoan]

the dog was a tiny dog - but a sit-at-home - on the settee dog - she lifted and laid him. It will be a long time if ever if she'll get over him.

[DarceyK123]

That's so sad JJ. When we had our little fella we very rarely went away cos I didn't enjoy it worrying about him all the time, I felt no one could look after him as well as me.

We sometimes have our sons dog when he's on holiday, she's a lovely dog but to be honest I don't enjoy it as much as I should because of the constant worry that something might happen to her.

[jennyjoan]

sorry to be maudlin tonight so I'm off and goodnight to you. x

[tonyav]

G'night,jj. Try not to let this get to you ( accidents do happen you know ).

[Mamyalynne]

JJ, I don't often get cross but you are making huge suppositions unless you were there.

When our dog (Sweep) died my Grandmother blamed herself and cried for weeks - some boys climbed over her back wall to retrieve a football and exited leaving the gate open.


He wandered off and to his delight found a reservoir (with very steep sides) he loved water , he was found the next day - he had swum until exhausted unable to get out.

[Mamyalynne]

Night all x

[jennyjoan]

that's right Darcy - I looked after my neighbour's dog Saturday night and Sunday day this weekend.

I only had to open the backdoor and let her in - then I fed and watered her. Owner asked me to let her stay in the kitchen for hours.

But a horrible problem happened. Back door wouldn't open so I couldn't get the door open to let her in . This dog is the size of a small pony and strength. Neighbours have a (side) back door - which I opened - with great strength from myself I tried to slip a collar on but she pushed and pushed me causing me to lose a little balance- however I got the collar and used my lead to try and lead her from the side door into the front door. Now when I think of it the dog could have run down the street and horrors of horrors.

I did tell my neighbour and he did say the back door was broke but the whole family knew how to "open and shut it". Now I won't look after that dog again until the door is fixed.

[tonyav]

G'night Mamya x. Sleep well.

[Buenchico]

JJ:
I'm reminded of the situation, a few years ago, when you lost your previous canine friend. People here worked hard to persuade you to look for another dog (even though you clearly weren't too sure whether it was the right thing to do or not). Knowing how much Maxie now means to you, I'm sure that you'll agree that 'a bit of a push' was the right thing in that situation.

So perhaps it's time (or soon will be) for you to give your friend a similar push?

[Canary42]

/// I know the dog filled a massive a hole in her life ///

Now the hole is back, she should fill it again with another dog. Is she likely to entertain such a suggestion ?

[jennyjoan]

thanks guys - - I think she'll find it a difficult push as she always thought the dog being in sheltered dwellings per se with no entrance or exit to a little garden put restraints on the animal itself She also adored the dog not only cos it was a special dog but it belonged to her deceased son.