I spoke to my brother Ian tonight. He, Josie and the boys returned last weekend from a month-long holiday in Europe. They had a ball. Unfortunately, the joy of that trip was tarnished yesterday when they had to make the decision to have Wolfie put down.
Wolfie was a beautiful collie. He had a wonderful 14 year life. What a lottery it is for pets. It is pure fate whether they will be mistreated like so many are, or whether they will come into a family where they are embraced as an integral part of the family. Wolfie was certainly the latter. Ian was saying tonight that he and Josie hadn’t realised what a reference point he was for them – whenever they looked into the backyard, Wolfie was the point of reference.
Carol and I have two dogs – Ned, who we think is a cross between a labrador and a cocker spaniel, and Spike, who is a labrador / rottweiler cross. Spike was the first and is no doubt the apple of both Carol’s and my eyes. Our vets tell us he has one of the most beautiful natures of any dog they’ve seen. It’s so frustrating when people see the rottweiler in him and head the other direction when we’re out walking. You can see the big boy in my profile picture on Facebook.
Ian’s news got me thinking about how much I value true friendship and loyalty, qualities that Spike demonstrates every day. Loss of friendship has been the event that has thrust me into the greatest depths of depression in the past. Still does.
I did a quick search of the web to try and find out the source of the reference to a dog being man’s best friend. I didn’t find it, but I must admit, I didn’t try too hard, because as far as I’m concerned, I don’t care who said it. It’s just so damn true. Dictionary.com nailed it – “A dog is more faithful than most other animals — and more faithful than many people.”
I know that, when Spike’s and Ned’s times come, Carol and I will be absolutely distraught. As Ian, Josie and the boys clearly are at the moment.
Farewell Wolfie! You were a legend!
Paul Daniel's Views On The World, For What They're Worth 
Thanks Paul.
He was such a lovely boy, and I miss him dearly.
Last night before going to bed I went outside to fill up his water bowl, give him a tickle and say goodnight. He wasn’t there. I came back inside in a daze, went to bed and burst into tears.
He had a good life. He gave us so much joy, and I know that he was happy throughout his life, until his health declined over the last year, and even then there were still many glimpses of joy.
It means a lot to Josie and me that you are thinking of him and of us.
love,
Ian
Great post – can only imagine OUR family when we lose our beloved Chloe – she’s become fairly neglected with 3 young kids, but always there, and happy to see us.
There was a great song out a few years ago – entitled “Dogs are the best people” – so true !
Ian – sorry for your loss, our sister-in-law had to have her beloved Nina put down a few months ago – she was devasted (for weeks). Hope all is well in your family – you’ll have to go for a walk with Spike & Ned (& Paul !) – on a nice warm summer evening, in memory of Wolfy…
🙂
Wonderful piece Paul & so true ! Thanks so much for sharing – we are missing Buddy but know we gave him a great last 16 months and he was ready to go. I also learnt the value of having a Vet who does house calls (moving a 28kg dog who can’t get up is not fun!) as I am sure you can imagine with the size of your two :0) And while I never would wish it on you – if you ever find yourself in the position where you have to make the tough decision to put a pet down – the experience of having the procedure done in our own home where Buddy was happy in his own environment is the only way I will ever do it in future.