I don't think one ever gets over losing a dog. It seems like only yesterday that we lost our Lab' Monty, and our Black Lab' cross Border Collie Bok. Not a day goes by when I don't think of them and miss them.
Billy was 4 years old just a few days ago, and normally he would have plenty of years ahead of him; but that's what we thought about both Monty and Bok.
In fact Monty died aged 4, Bok aged 8, and Freddie our Cat at 14; Fred outlived the lot of them. I'm not expecting Billy to suddenly leave us, he is extremely healthy, but these things cross one's mind. It didn't help that the dogs had had death threats from a nasty neighbour. It was never established how they'd died.
Billy should live to about 13 to 16, so he has plenty of fun-years ahead of him. I often gloomily think of who I would like to go first; Billy or me. If Billy were to suddenly die, I would cope. Of course I would be devastated but humans have the ability to get-over such things. If I was to go before Billy, I don't know what would happen. I think he might be more confused than sad. When Bok's very best friend Monty died I was expecting him to be distraught, but he showed no emotion whatsoever. One never knows how dogs will react.
I meet and greet many dogs every day, and I find them all fascinating. There are only two types that I avoid; Pit Bulls (or anything that resembles one) and Chihuahuas.
The labs at least led a happy life in the french countryside. I hope Billy lives much longer.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure he will, he certainly looks very healthy, and enjoys life to the full.
DeleteBilly is such a handsome dog. My first dog was a Billy. We had just one photo of him which got lost somewhere over time. When we cleared Mum's house back in the summer I was hoping to find it somewhere but sadly, no.
ReplyDeleteI have just one photo and one drawing of my first dog, Hamlet, and I treasure both.
DeleteI remember both of them and Freddy the cat. I can understand the pain.
ReplyDeleteThey become such an important part of your life and depend on you 100%. It's not surprising that we miss them so much.
DeleteBilly struck gold when he got you as his human dad - even though you haven't got a small flock of sheep for him to round up.
ReplyDeleteWe say much the same, even about his being lucky. It was his birthday recently and we wondered about his brothers and sisters; I don't suppose they're as pampered and well-travelled as Billy.
DeleteI have always had dogs Cro and the death of everyone has been devastating but I always say to anyone you have to accept they don'thave our life span. Losing them early as you did with two and not knowing why must be devastating. I have always had mine put to sleep by my vet - sad but at least one can say goodbye,
ReplyDeleteBoth the previous two were put down by the vet', but the reason for their sudden ailments remain unknown. We do have our suspicions.
DeleteBeauties and the Beast. As if it needs pointing out, the beast being your good self.
ReplyDeleteEach of your menagerie, past and present, with their own character and charms (and foibles). Freddie will win hands down in an elegance contest. I can't describe how much I love that photo of him up in the tree. It epitomizes all that "cat" symbolizes for me. Freddie, the poster cat. Pulling my heart strings.
Can an animal feel "sad" at someone's demise? Who knows what animals feel and "think". Though have witnessed one black Alsation, a majestic dog, wilting away when separated from the pack leader, my grandmother.
U
Do you know the story of Blackfriars Bobby?
DeleteAndi, that story was stored in the darkest recesses of my mind. Thanks for reviving it, dusting it down, bringing it back to light.
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I was brought up with Cats, not Dogs, and Tabbies have always been my favourites. Freddie was a lovely boy, very independent, but very loving too.
DeleteHaving recently lost my gorgeous thirteen year old Labrador Inca, I know how you feel. She was our sixth dog and fifth Lab. Losing each one was heartbreaking, even at a time when there were still two others in the family. I now have a Golden Retriever X (with what, is anyone's guess) a dog destined for the local rescue after her owner died, and after being passed round like a parcel. She'll be 14 next month and I accept she may not be with me for long, but I can offer her love, comfort and the security of a safe home in her twilight years.
ReplyDeleteI've been lucky that, with the exception of one Lab. who had to be put to sleep when she was eleven, all the other dogs lived well into their teen years.
I think about them all every day.
I have a particular liking for older dogs, once that greying muzzle appears they become mellow and charming. And, of course, young puppies make their lives hell.
DeleteBillie is a gorgeous dog. I'm sure you'll have him for many, many years more years. Both my dog and my cat are now seniors and I have to admit there are perks that come with that. My cat now sits in the backyard with us, (in the nice weather), and we have no fear he'll escape over the fence. (His back legs have lost their spring.) My dog spends most of his day napping and being a very pleasant house mate. He was a rambunctious young dog for eight years. His nine year old self is much more "chill".
ReplyDeleteBoth Dogs and Cats mellow with age, just like a good wine. They are often hooligans as youngsters, then become so much more friendly as they get older.
DeleteYou and Billy are living the good life. We do treasure our dogs and cats. They are as, if not more important, to our daily lives as many people.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree.
DeleteYou know, quite strangely, I think animals do understand death on a very simplistic level. My sister had two dogs. They were strays that arrived at different times, but became a bonded pair. Missy got cancer and was finally put down when her pain could no longer be controled. Buddy was there when she was brought back home to be buried, and that dog grieved. He was lack luster, went off his food and went frequently to her grave. He is better now, but it was a sad thing to see.
ReplyDeleteI don't like Chihuahuas either, but my grand daughter N loves them so I put up with it when I visit which is rare, more often she comes here and leaves the dog at home. Border Collies are among my top three favourites, the other two being Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds. I think Billy will live to his full old age, you take such good care of him.
ReplyDeleteChihuahuas are devils in canine form; even Billy avoids them. Billy's best friend in France is a big female German Shepherd. They adore each other. I also particularly like Black Labs.
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