Yin and Yang…
It’s strange how life is so very yin and yang.
The last few days have been filled with excitement (Huff Po pieces, radio interviews and books being re-released for i-book, Kobo and Nook etc.)
But then our beloved dear girl, our oldest Jack Russell, had a further retreat into Doggy Alzheimer’s and we knew it was time…
She was a super girl – the absolute runt of the litter, had appalling JRT conformation but she was as feisty as only a JRT can be and the only one of the litter to lick my neck when I held her. From that moment, she and I were a match made in heaven.
She loved the beach, water and swimming, she was intrepid and I found out when she was eight weeks old that she had a chronic heart defect and would live no longer than four years.
Fifteen years and two months later, she has lived every day actively, despite her bad heart, liver disease, Cushings disease, chronic arthritis and most recently, Doggie Alzheimer’s.
She had a finely honed hunter’s instinct and no bird, lizard, goanna or rabbit was safe and a number of times she disappeared on an ‘Expedition’, requiring us to spend time and effort hunting her. She was never ever apologetic about trouble caused!
But her approach to life was to live in the moment, have a long walk every day and have a swim, no matter the weather. We called it her heart-starter. Whatever the case, she lived eleven years beyond her use-by-date and I loved every minute of it.
There is such a lesson there, isn’t there?
I adored her devil-may-care attitude, her ability to walk through my garden and not leave a footprint, her damned cheek, her stoicism and her courage.
We will miss her beyond belief and had the most proper wake in her honour.
Vale my dearest little Muse, best little JRT ever…
PS. No condolences please but do send a hug up to her!
A hug to your beloved JRT. Hope she meets my Pomeranian and they make fast friends.
Judiang, I’m sure she has. Along with our blessed Spot the Wonder Dog, Milo the Magnificent and Tara the Terrific. They must be having the time of their lives…
My JRT Sasha and I are sending hugs! Sasha is 15, and I cherish each day with her! Happy memories!
Thank you, Judi. I’m sure my little girl can feel them.
What a fine girl, and what a fine life!
Oh she was, Juliet. More than I can possibly say. Immensely stoic and strong. Thank you for your comments.
Sending hugs
Thank you, Libby. I can feel the hugs and I know my little Muse can!
Lots of hugs to your little darling in her new hunting ground. And hugs to you too, S x
Thanks Siobhan, I’m sorry it’s taken a little bit of time to answer but i needed a bit of downtime. You’re very kind.
what a gorgeous, loving tribute to a wonderful miracle dog. Such a great teacher too. Sending hugs and love
Thanks so much Sylvia. She was the best. And unconsciously the best teacher – as you say.