Our dog Gypsy died alone. But at least she died at home. In her sleep.
Late last night she was keen for a walk. So I took her out at 10:30pm. Once out she was slow. She sniffed everything. At a couple of points in our lap of the block her tongue lolled out of the side of her mouth. She had done the same earlier in the night and we had laughed at how silly she looked.
I unclipped her lead once we got to our street as she seemed to want to do her own thing. Back inside I poured fresh water into her bowl as she ignores anything even a few hours old. She lapped it up. On following me into the garden for her ritual bedtime wee she only wanted to sniff after a hedgehog.
The fire had died down in the living room so she headed in there and flopped on the floor. I can’t remember if I said goodnight as I turned out the light.
This morning she was still warm as my Wife entered the living room and saw her lying there. She called me in a panic and I knew straight away what had happened. There was poo on the floor. Something we haven’t seen for 11 years. I felt for a pulse. Nothing. I shook her. Nothing. I closed her eyes and we all cried. Everyone cried. All holding on to each other.
She was so loved and loved us all back. No matter what. So many adventures. So many miles walked and balls thrown. But all I can think about is if I’d said goodnight.
Always say goodnight. Sweet dreams Gypsy.
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If there’s a heaven it’s full of dogs.
For they are far better than us.
What a lucky dog to have such loving owners. Don’t worry about the ‘good night’ it was maybe not said but in my opinion it was heard.
Just the other day I watched the video you posted of the two of you in the summer wheat field about 10 years ago. It was the first time I’d seen her, though I had heard her a few times in audio.
…And now all of a sudden she’s gone. Take care buddy.
I hope there’s a puppy heaven.
Christian, I’m so sorry for yours and your families loss, it is never easy loosing such a special friend. You will all be in my thoughts today.
Reading this made me teary xx
Oh Christian, I’m so sorry. Love to you all xo
I’m so sorry Christian. This is a beautiful piece of writing and I have nothing to make your sadness go away. Gypsy was so very lucky to be part of your family, so many other dogs have desperate lives. Gypsy was lucky to be loved. There is some comfort, of sorts. Hugs buddy.
I still occasionally mourn the loss of a dear dog, Ted, whom I grew up with. Especially seeing others grieve their dogs. We played so much. His favourite toy was a cong. I was looking forward to seeing him at Christmas one year and having a good play. He went for a routine operation on a tooth but the anaesthetic had done something to him and he never came around properly and later had to be put down. I never got to play with him again.
Is the top right of your photo collage at Pont Scethin out in the wilds near Harlech, North Wales?
It is Tim. Well spotted. We picked up Gypsy in Llanbedr. As a pup she was living under a Land Rover on a farm.
Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts and comments.
Om Mani Peme Hung
Over the last few years I’ve become initiated with the world of dogs courtesy of two canine teachers in the Lake district
Ah – I’m so sorry Christian. Heaven is full of dogs, definitely!