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Saturday 12 October 2013

Dad always said...

'Don't kiss the dog!'

Me being a spoilt brat always replied

'Okay!'

And of course over the years carried on
doing just that.
Planting a kiss on the top
of their heads, where is the harm?

Last thing every night, I would knee
down to Lettice kiss her and say

'If kisses were pounds you'd
be a millonaire!'

Ted always waited patiently, while
I  settled her and said all the stupid things;
 the fact she couldn't hear me was 
neither here nor there.

On Lettice's last afternoon, I kept myself busy,
 sorting and tidying, all in her sight line.
She slept and sometimes woke 
to watch me, all was very calm. 

My greatest concern was that I would lose it, 
and convey my fear to her.
How I managed to keep calm, 
I don't know, but I did.

I cleaned my teeth, and washed my hands in the 
Pears soap, that would every night in her world 
have been the last smell she would have of me.

The vet came and asked if I'd experienced
this before, she then gently explained
what would happen.

Lettice saw their arrival and didn't seem 
at all phased by it.
She was ready, I could see that.

Ted said his farewells.
I sat at her head, kissed her and said

'Night, night!'

Very gently they shaved her paw,
 the first injection went in,
the next I didn't see, as
I was kissing her good bye.

Lettice was dead. 

In happier times




25 comments:

  1. All life ends but Lettice went out in a calm and very caring and loving way. You did your best by her, my heart goes out to you.

    Jean xx

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    Replies
    1. I know we did, and we didn't leave it too long, that's what comforts me.

      LLX

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  2. So brave Linda to write about it xx

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    Replies
    1. It eases me somehow Carol, don't know why?

      LLX

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  3. How can any one not cry when they read this... lots and lots of love xxx

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  4. Replies
    1. I can't tell you how lovely it is to know women understand and take time out to comment. Thank you.

      LLX

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  5. Lots and lots and lots of love xxxx

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  6. I've been thinking about you xx

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  7. Your post made me cry. beautiful x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just needed to do it, afterwards I felt strangely lifted.

      LLX

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  8. It made me cry too Linda, if there can be a lovely end, that was it, the people who loved her best in the world there with her, in her familiar surroundings. You must miss her terribly x

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    Replies
    1. Yes, Jayne we do, and of course this morning is tough because a week ago she was here, a week ago this afternoon she was gone.

      LLX

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  9. You did everything right for dear Lettice. If only we humans could be treated with such consideration and love.

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    Replies
    1. Nilly, I couldn't agree more; I am ever conscious that humans are suffering the world over and here's me wallowing over a dog! Ridiculous I know: it doesn't make it any easier though.

      LLX

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  10. Thank you everyone that has commented, emailed, etc.

    Simon used to say 'She's just a dog!' And she was, however one very special dog,
    who I will never replace.

    I will endeavour to kick-start my mo-jo, although it may be a while before I get back to my irreverent self. Watch this space!

    LLX

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  11. The deepest of bonds and love...a loss, be the loss canine, does not diminish the pain. My sincere empathy and sympathy for the void you feel my friend xxx

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    Replies
    1. Mans' best friend... a dog. Loyal, loving and non-judgemental... a dog... better some might say than man!

      LLX

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  12. Oh, made me cry. I've been wondering how you were doing. xxx

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  13. Not well I'm afraid to say Debbie. There's just such a huge hollow in my heart.

    LLX

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