Wiggle - Day 694

We've had a lovely sunny day here in our part of the world and Wiggle and Sofy have enjoyed themselves. Wiggle spent some time in the garden, playing with his Giggly Wiggly toy.

The toy makes giggling noises when its moved but Wiggle decided to chew the toy instead:











Giggly Wiggly doesn't giggle anymore....










As it was warm and sunny, we only had a short walk this morning and this evening went up to Maude Heath.

It's the first time we've been since we said goodbye to Sir H but I like to think he was with us in spirit.

The cows were in the field so Wiggle and Sofy had to start off onlead:








Once we were into the next field, it was time for some running around after the ball, with Wiggle running ahead:











Heads down, searching for the ball:










Sofy finds the ball and brings it to me, knowing she'll get a treat:











Wiggle's turn for the ball:










Playing in the dandelions:










Waiting for the ball, with the Downs in the background:









More chasing:









Sofy leaves Wiggle to look for the ball:











Waiting:












Still waiting.....











Happy to be running:










We walked on, across the next field but I put the dogs back on lead as the field with sheep had an electric fence!












On our stroll back the way we'd come, I saw something in the distance and realised it was a deer! I've seen them in the lanes around here and before now, seen foxes and rabbits up on the hill, but never had the camera ready










After the deer had spotted us, it didn't hang around and ran back into the tree's











We carried on, with me thinking how nice it had been to see the deer, when ahead, I spotted another!










We walked as quietly as we could and saw the deer had stopped in the field:











We'd been spotted!












Taking flight:
































There must have been a group of deer in the tree's as no sooner had one gone, another appeared!











Watching us:













Moving out into the open:












Then taking off, across the field:











The deer then went across the far side of the field, stopping every so often to watch us:











I'm convinced that the deer must have been in the tree's and taller grass and plants on the side of the hill as the last deer did a full circle before disappearing out of sight.

Wiggle - Day 693

This evening, after I'd come home and taken Wiggle and Sofy with me over to see my mum, I gave the dogs a little after dinner treat. Sort of like dessert for dogs!

I don't usually buy many processed products but the filled bone chews were on special offer, so I let Wiggle and Sofy have a treat. Once the packet was opened, they were in their best sit, waiting to get their teeth into the snacks:













Wiggle chose to lay down (after leaving a noticable trail of drool across the floor!:









Sofy went for the upright-eating position:













Sofy relaxes, snacktime over:







Wiggle, looking a little tired & bleary-eyed, prepares to nap on the sofa:

Wiggle - Day 691

It's been a week now since we said goodbye to Sir H. For a dog who didn't do an awful lot, he's left a big gap here for us. I do miss my old boy, with his kind nature and looks of disdain .....

Apologies for the lack of blogging over the last few days. Hopefully things will be back to somewhere near nornal again soon.

Wiggle - Day 690

While Wiggle was sleeping off our evening walk from the comfort of his bed, Sofy decided it was her time to have cuddles with me on the sofa.

Sofy is more of a fidget than Wiggle but after a while, settled down.....

Wiggle - Day 689

We were out bright and early this morning, even though it was grey and drizzly. Didn't stop us walking a few miles though.

After doing a few chores, we all had some relaxation time which Wiggle enjoyed - by laying on me on the sofa...







Snuggly boy:









Sofy was having a little sulk as she likes to lay right ontop of me as Wiggle usually curls up on my feet:













Wiggle, however, was taking no notice of Sofy's protest and used his elevated position for a better view of the television....

Wiggle - Day 688

Apologies for the lack of blogging over the last couple of days, but since losing Sir H, we've just been have some quiet time.

I'd like to thank everyone for their very kind comments and emails. I really do appreciate it.

Wiggle and Sofy are both doing ok. Wiggle is definitely a little quieter but he's very much a 'mummy's boy' and keeping close to me. Sofy is just her usual dollopy self, oblivious really.

Today we've not had great weather so mostly done chores around the house and walked to the shop to get a paper. Seems Wiggle and Sofy aren't bothered by doing much else either!

I did take some more cheery photo's the other evening - Wiggle and Sofy playing in the field with masses of dandelions:

Sleep Peacefully, Sir H

I start today's sad entry by making no apologies for what may seem a slightly self indulgent, waffly blog post. In many ways, its cathartic to get it all out in words.

Last night, Sir H slept well, on his blankie next to my bed, dreaming running dreams and hopefully remembering a time when he was fit and well, running around the fields. I must have been crying as I woke up in the night to find Wiggle had crept up onto my bed and was laying next to me, licking my face. Even Sofy, not known for her sensitive moments, came in from her bed in the spare room to check on us all.

After giving up on sleep, we all got up some time after 5am and the dogs all had breakfast, which included ham and sausages with their usual kibble. Sir H enjoyed some quality time in the garden, laying on the grass, sniffing the fresh air in the sun:



















I went into work for a few hours and came home at lunchtime, determined to give Sir H some special time before we went to the vets. We went to Maude Heath and had a sit down on the grass, with me hugging my handsome old boy and feeding him treats. It's been so heartbreaking to see his poor old body unable to keep up with his active mind. He's never had any hearing or sight problems and was always ready for a treat.....













Wiggle has definitely worried about us. It's hard to explain and despite his goofyness most of the time, Wiggle is a very sensitive boy. He spent most of the evening yesterday laying opposite me, just watching me and coming up to me for a hug and to lick my face when I cried.

Sir H was here from day one for Wiggle and although they've never been dependant on each other, they've had a lovely, brotherly bond.

I don't think Sofy really understood what was going on. I suppose in her young life, she's never lost a canine companion or known a life without love.








It's hard to know whether Sir H knew what was to come this afternoon, but if he did, he didn't show it.













Seeing Sir H so relaxed and happy, I have to be honest and say that I did question whether I was making the right decision. But in reality, I know I was. This morning, once again, Sir H had diarrhoea with blood in it and was struggling to go to the toilet without wobbling over. The lump on his leg was looking so sore it must have been painful.

I honestly don't think I could have wished for a more peaceful passing for my gentle old boy. After leaving Maude Heath, we went to the vets and although Sir H hopped in, once we were there, he flopped down on the floor in the waiting room. So, I sat on the floor with him, stroking his soft fur.

When it was time, Malcolm called us through and Sir H greeted him with a wag of the tail. Sir H decided to lay down on the floor, which was fine.

It may sound selfish, but I had my last wish for Sir H - he fell into his eternal sleep with me holding him, kissing his head and telling how much I loved him. I could feel him leaning into me and at that time, I felt he knew that I was letting him go and that it was with love, as the last thing I could do for him. My boy passed with peace and dignity.

As Sir H closed his eyes, I told him to go and find Dolly and Bumpy, I told him how very brave and special he was and that I loved him so much......

Sir H was not one for huge displays of affection and at times, I would wonder whether he actually liked me much. But he was truly one of a kind, the most gentle and undemanding boy and even though he was only with me for 2 years and 2 weeks, he is going to take a huge chunk of my heart with him.

Although I have lost 6 dogs now in 4.5 years, it doesn't get easier as each one is so special in their own way. I don't know that the future holds but hopefully it will be a long time yet before I lose another.....

Sleep peacefully Sir H, you truly were one in a million and I feel very lucky to have shared your final years with you in my life.