Sad day
Posted by Fiona Nevile in Cottage tales | 36 comments
Many years ago my mum was given Great Aunt Daisy Beatyl by a couple of generous Miniature Dachshund breeders. She was five years old and needed a good home.
We motored into the country to collect her. As far as I can remember it was quite a long drive and they questioned us carefully about her future. I agreed that if something happened to my mum I would look after Daisy B. As we piled into the car to leave, Gloria wiped a tear away. She had confided that she would have loved to have kept the dog but her husband had drawn the line at more than five dogs in the house.
Daisy Beatyl was a youngish dog, looking for affection and love. She got this from my mum. As well as walks, treats, hours snuggled on the sofa and the occasional wonderful distraction such as the rabbit hutch sited on the other side of her fence in the next door garden. The rabbits survived but tantalised and entertained her for months.
I had a soft spot for DB from the word go. Her beautiful eyes would have tempted the shyest suitor. And they had. She’d mothered a couple of litters before she came to live with my mum.
Over the past couple of years, Great Aunt Daisy Beatyl has gradually moved from being a stylish city dog to sedate retirement in the country cottage where she had holidayed all her life. We have a dog flap, which is ideal for an older dog that needs her own key to the garden.
As senior dog she kept the Min Pins in line and us too. Welcoming me home with the softest nuzzley, toothy reminder that it was suppertime. After this she would flit, sausage like and deft between my feet, demanding food.
Opening her mouth to take a small piece of bread at lunch time today, I noticed a large bright red blood clot in her mouth.
The young vet was kind and gentle as he explained that she had cancer. She was dying and that it would be best to put her down. He was surprised that she could stand on the examination table.
But that was Great Aunt Daisy Beatyl, stoical, trusting and a real trooper right to the end.
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Hello Wendy
It was a shock and a bad day. Thank you for leaving a comment it helped to salve the pain.
Hello Kate(uk)
Thanks for dropping by. It™s so quiet without GADB™s snuffles and sores.
Hi Joanna
You always remember the good times.
Hi Kay
This might seem mawkish . But burying her in the garden has made a big difference. She only ever really sat and sunned in he first part of the garden. And she™s still there.
Hi Sylvie
Thank you for dropping by.
Hello The Chicken Lady
It was a shock. I still miss her enormously.
Hi Magic Cochin
Like all animals that live with us, she was a true gem.
Hi Pamela
You are so right. She would have suffered and the vet confirmed this.
Hello Haley
She was a super dog and we loved her.
Hi Sam
Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment – much appreciated.
Hi Sally
A big hug to you too. Thinking of Grey
Hi Pat
I miss the whirling dervish dance for food and the comfortable snores.
Hello Frannie
Your comment made my heart turn over. So sorry that you have lost a special pet too.
Hi Tony
GADB now sleeps in our garden. And that™s a great comfort.
Hi Sam
GADB had a great personality. I miss her at meal times and so do the Min Pins. No one to honk for food anymore.
Hello R-Hawk
Thanks for leaving a comment. It™s dreadful but instantly I looked at the ages of the other dogs. 9, 8 and 2. Natural dog lives are so short.
Hi Alice
Great to hear from you! We are sad but so good to hear from you. Lots of love, to you all. Bob and Dim (eyebrows).
Hello Lizzie
It was a tough day. Thanks for leaving a comment.
Hi Hank
She was fifteen, just. But sometimes she seemed like five. Fingers crossed that your cat lives for years.
Hi Jan
Thanks for leaving a comment.
Hi Lyn
Thanks for dropping by.
Hi Plumsource
The cottage seems so quiet witout her. I miss the snores.
Hello Poggy
Thanks for leaving a comment. Much appreciated.
Great that you are enjoying the site.
Hello Ban
Yes memories never die.
Hi Philippa
What a lovely thought. Marble and Beatyl digging holes in heaven!
Hi KJ
Yes it was a sad day.
Hi Moonroot
She was a special, gentle dog and it was good to have a senior dog too. Now Dr Quito has stepped into the role.
Hi Natasha
Good to hear from you. Best wishes for a long and happy marriage.
The baby chicks are divine.
Hi Sarah
Thanks for leaving a comment. Pats to B and B.
I am so sad to read of your loss. Your stories of Daisy Beatyl have been a joy to read.
Sent with a hug from Sarah and licks and wags from Berry & Basil
Hi Fiona,
Just wanted to pass on my condolences….GADB was a great friend to you, I have been away on honeymoon (….) andwas saddened to hear this news on returned, however heartened to have good news from your chicks, life goes on, annewed, every day and it is blessed.
I’m so sorry to read this sad news. I think the first post I ever read by you was about Daisy Beatyl.
The pain of losing a beloved pet is deep, but I hope you feel comforted by the knowledge that she had a wonderful, happy life with you.
Sending a hug.
Aaaw, I was so sad to read this Fiona. The lives of these wonderful creatures are way too short.
As an owner of dachshunds and an owner who has had to face a loss or two, I know it must have been very hard.
But Beatyl will be no doubt joining my speckled head Marble, checking out those holes to her heart’s content.
Philippa
New York City
My condolences for your loss. It is always a sad time, but also a time to remind ourselves of the blessings we have in life and the loveable memories that will remain with us forever. Take care.
Hi, my mum Frances has been on your blog and raves about your site she is absolutely in love with it, hence why I’m here!
Firstly I just want to say how really sorry I am about your gorgeous little dog. We have a border collie Ben and I just can’t imagine losing him. They are loyal devoted friends and it is a dreadful loss. Mum is right though it is the price you pay. But like they say it is better to love than never have loved at all.
On a happier note your site is great and I am looking at your duck recipes next as we love game (my hubbie is a farmer)and are always on the look out for good dishes. Brilliant website. Thank you for producing such interesting reading.
kind regards Em.
Sorry to hear your sad news. What a wonderful dog she was by your description. It’s such a shame that all our lovely pets can’t be here forever. Take care.
I’m so sorry.