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| The Loss of A Pet For most people reading these pages, a house is not a home without at least one dog providing unconditional love and companionship. Dogs however have one major design fault - they don't live as long as we do. Thus, when the inevitable comes the loss is often too much to bear. However, after a period of grieving lasting from weeks to sometimes years we give our hearts to another pet and do it all over again, a clear indication of the pure pleasure we derive from sharing our life with an animal. Grief is the price we pay for love and is usually well worthwhile.
Some people are so disillusioned with human relationships that they invest all their love on their pet, and experience a whole range of emotions and emptiness when that pet is taken from them. It is important to know that this is a normal reaction and that it is necessary to go through a period of mourning and not to 'put on a brave face' which can be harmful and cause illness. Adopting another pet is not a sign of disloyalty, but merely a tribute to the love shared with the departed one. A pet cannot be replaced but there is nothing wrong with filling the tremendous void that exists, and it is important to remember that each is an individual in its own right and is equally deserving of our love and care.
Sometimes it is not easy discussing your grief with a member of the family who may be dismissive, or merely trying to disguise their own grief. If you need to talk to someone less familiar please feel free to ring us on 0844 879 4260. We understand all too well how you are feeling and are quite used to tears at the other end of the phone. |
GEMMA and BELLA
"Those who are familiar with Westies will know and identify with anyone who has accompanied them in their final moments. My two gorgeous girls have both died within seven months of each other, Gemma (16) back in March this year and Bella (13) just this week, on the 7th October.
"The gap they leave is indescribable. This in itself, is indicative of the wonderful companionship and love they have given me over so many years. Being a single man, they have been there for me through thick and thin, ever dependable, always ready to bring me down to earth, getting me out and about, helping me to enjoy life and so much more. With their characteristic Westie nature they have remained the loyalest of mates I could ever have wished for and given me so much happiness and a sense almost of being a Team!
"I thank God for them and trust that, whatever lies for them beyond this life, they never lose whatever it was that made them give so much to a mere human being like me! God bless them.” Tim (Girling) - Leicester 
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Remy - 7.9.95 - 15.2.10
I went to Wood Green Animal Shelter several times for a cat and came home with you, my baby, and I have never regretted one moment of the 2½ years we spent together. The large hole that you have left I fear I will never fill. You were loved by all, especially the local school children that, on their way to school, each morning, would stop to say hello and pat you, which you loved.
Rest In Peace Our Baby From Mummy xxx & Gheorghie xxx 
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BRANDY
We went to the Animal Rescue Shelter looking to adopt a dog that needed a good home. That day you chose us, and we had you for 12 happy years until you were suddenly taken from us.
Always in our thoughts and hearts. Hope you have found Coco at Rainbow Bridge.
Sweet dreams Kegs until we are together again.
All our love, Mummy and Daddy xxxxx
Hamish, Emma and Bonnie
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Myndy 'Just a dog'
We had Myndy from a puppy of 10 weeks old; she was a soft ball of white fluff that fitted nicely in the palm of my hand. Definitely a people's dog, I remember the park grounds man who was taken aback when this little white dog started jumping up at the side of his transit van, whilst he was peacefully eating his breakfast. She was irresistible to any dog lover when she was like this. Having lost his own dog recently he made a big fuss of her, it was beautiful to see, a touching moment that seemed to console him as he warmed to her.
I have a lot of memories of that park, the people and their dogs. It's funny but I always got to know the dogs names before that of their owners and some I only ever got to know the names of the dogs. Roy had a 'Westie' called Holly they had a special relationship, totally besotted with each other and Holly wasn't on her own. Every time Myndy clapped eyes on Roy she would run over to him and flip herself on her back, I often joked 'I bet all the girls do that'; it was really upsetting some years later to hear of Holly's death.
Peggy was an elderly lady that lived on her own in a bungalow in the grounds of the park. One fine spring day Myndy and me were walking the perimeter, enjoying the warmth and Myndy noticed Peggy on the other side, she happened to be cleaning her windows. Myndy bolted taking no notice of my calls what so ever, I was anxious as to what she might do, some people don't like dogs do they. What I saw next was embarrassing but funny, Peggy delighted at the attention from Myndy bent down to stroke her putting her leather on the floor as she did and to our surprise Myndy snatched the leather and ran off. This was the start of her petty life of crime, leathers, hats, gloves, watches, pens, socks, knickers, most found unharmed and intact at the back of the settee or under the bed. Peggy later went on to adopt a beautiful ex-breeding Westie called Shona.
The latter years filled me with dread, just looking at her age over time. This was nothing though to the final days she had caged and lifeless attached to a drip. I stress here the people who tended her especially Paul, Nicky and Amy all showed great compassion, care and professionalism. And although I know we had to try, it was not the bright and joyful Myndy that lay before me but the still and dying heart wrenching sight of her slipping away. Both Carolyn and myself held her sobbing as we took the decision to have her euthanased and she died peacefully free of pain in our arms. This will haunt me forever, our beloved Myndy that made our lives richer, our hearts fuller and made us complete, gone forever. I am often told, mostly by people who have never owned a dog, it's 'just a dog'. However I was fortunate enough to have been a part of her life and will treasure our memories of those big black soulful eyes, she will be missed dearly.
Her undemanding and forgiving nature, the great comfort her presence gave us and how reassuring it was just to hear her soft breathing during deep sleep, all of these made Myndy. Most people who have never felt the unconditional and honest love given by a dog will scoff or merely not understand these words. But for those of us who have, our only wish is that it could have lasted for longer.
On 20th October 2009, the day after her 14th birthday, we finally had to let her go. In memory of a much loved friend. - Carolyn and Steve
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MISTY
Died 27th April 2010, age not known
A whippet/labrador cross, you were found by a rescue home wandering the streets of Cardiff, where you had been abandoned, and where you became an independent, self-sufficient survivor – and you never lost this spirit.
You were such a sweet-natured girl, you always looked out for your “brother” Rufus the rough collie, who you were rehomed with to a loving couple called Rab and Janet. Rufus being such a highly-strung and fretful type, you always re-assured him whenever Rab and Janet had to go shopping or on holiday. You touched the hearts of all your neighbours with your laid back charm and playful outlook.
Sadly, in the last few years, you had a constant struggle with skin problems, culminating in a negative prognosis within the last couple of months. Beset by tumours, you were today at last given the merciful release which all humans owe their pets. Sweet dreams, we will miss you immensely. Lee, Jan, and Jock the Westie, also Rab, Janet and
Rufus the rough collie. Crunchie the family cat.
Neighbours John and Gloria too.
X X X X X X X X 
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MOSS - 2000 - 2nd. April 2009
Loved always, showed much affection and love all of the time. Had him since an 8-week old puppy. Always in our hearts.
Lots of Love Scott Linda Paul Lee xxxxxxx 
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Mickey 30/4/02 - 16/11/09
Our Little Mickey Muncher, you were so very sweet.
You gave us joy and happiness, you made our lives complete.
Your cheeky face would make us smile; your cuddles would cheer us up,
You had so much bounce and energy, back from when you were a pup.
Some things you did were very funny, and some were rather daft,
You lit the room with character, you always made us laugh.
No one could have anticipated, what was yet to come,
That you'd be taken ill like that, while still so very young.
In your final days of pain, you knew there was something so wrong,
But you put on a brave face as always and still you remained so strong.
We couldn't let you suffer that way, but we need you just to know,
That we are so sorry for the day, when we had to let you go.
We miss your unconditional love; we are finding it hard to part,
One thing is for sure without a doubt, you'll forever be in our hearts.
Now our best friend is no longer here, our lives are just not the same,
We can only take comfort in hoping one day that we'll be together again.
In loving memory of our forever friend and little angel, Mickey
Rest in Peace. XXXXX The Richardsons (Reading) |
Daisy
Daisy came to us 20 months ago when we felt our first rescued Westie Wallace needed a special friend. From the first night she came home with us she was such a huge part of our family. She was loved by everyone, and touched our hearts with her attitude to life, she enjoyed everything despite needing daily medication.
Sadly Daisy fought a short, but very brave battle and we lost our precious little girl far too soon. We are so grateful that we had the chance to have a share in her life, however short that may have been and we will miss her terribly. You will never ever be forgotten
All our love, Mum xxx Dad xxx Alice xxx Luke xxx and Wally xxx
Daisy lost her very brave battle on 28th June, 2010. 
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