Today I am going to gush unashamedly about the best dog I ever knew rather than share adventures or crafts. This is where Angel usually sits when I am typing here but sadly she died today.
I want to remember the most courageous dog I ever met like this.
She came to me as a special case having lived rough in Wales for over a year even in deep snow. She had a coat on her like a polar bear and she stank to high heaven.
We luckily lived in the middle of nowhere back then so we had the right setting to gradually introduce things to this terrified greyhound who was used to surviving on her wits and running away from anything worrying.
She did get scared still but slowly I gained the priviledge of her trust. She never let me forget that it was an honour. At times she could still assert herself like the time we went camping and I went to the toilet block. Within seconds she had chewed through her lead and went off to find me. And she did. I got bunted in the leg for that. 🙂 When I had pneumonia she stayed by my side for 3 days straight only leaving to go to the toilet. She was such a loyal and loving hound.
Below is a pic and a video of Angel’s last birthday. She was just 2 days short of being 12. The vet thought she had a tumour either on her spine or head. She fought as long as she could in typical feisty Angel style. As soon as she was able she removed the drip.
They did lots of tests this week but she worsened. Last night at 9:30pm we took her home to see if she would improve in familiar surroundings and family.
I camped out with her on the living room floor willing and tempting her to drink some water.
Always wanting to please me she tried. Like I said she was a gutsy lady. She fought as hard as she could to regain control of her body.
I will remember her like this with Fluff instead of her cross and scared face when her legs gave way. She hadn’t given permission for that to happen!
And now I think of her waiting at Rainbow Bridge for me. We had a talk about that just the 2 of us looking deep into one anothers eyes. She’s there now with no more worry or pain, running free and fast. She trusted me to do the kindest thing for her. It hurts though but I had to write this tribute to her: Angel the bravest and most loyal dog I ever met.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge…
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they miss someone very special to them; who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. YOU have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
