It dawned on me today that after some devastating news that I have never mentioned my k9 soul mate Bess in my blog.
Bess is a 16 year old border collie. She is not in good health and has struggled on for the last 3 or months. In 8 hours time she will be free from her pain and torment.
A dog who was so full of life and joy, recently reduced to the indignity of not being able to hold her bladder due to advanced kidney failure.
She stayed at the family home when I left 9 months ago. It was the best place for her and she was surrounded by love and care.
We got Bess as a very frightened rescue dog when she was about 12 months old. She had not had the best start and I very strongly suspect was mistreated. She would jump a mile if I moved my feet quickly. Someone had kicked her in the past, I have no doubt.
She soon acclimatised to being loved and being the centre of attention.
She was the best dog that I have ever known. Fearless yet so loving and needy at the same time. So smart too.
She has dodged a few bullets. Injuries, cancer and tumors. She never complained. Always up for a walk as soon as she could.
When I was living in the same house I would walk her everyday, often twice. No matter the weather. We would often be the only dog walkers out. Howling winds and torrential rain.
Our morning chats would sort me out. I would talk to her. Squat down and cuddle her. If I was not happy she would stay and press against me. If I was happy she would run off and dig a hole or just play.
She could run for miles. A 3 mile weekend walk for me would be a 10 mile walk for Bess. She would run so far ahead and then run back to me and off again. Always exploring.
I often claim to have no regrets in life … Utter bollocks. One regret is not buying a motorcycle and sidecar so that I could take her with me on a ride out.
Tonight I got the call that I had been dreading for a while. I went straight to her and cuddled her. Told her how much I loved her and would miss her. She knew.
Goodbye my beautiful girl. Thank you for being amazing and giving so many such joy.
Lone Rider 