We very recently lost our lovely whippet Ziggy. He was only seven and it was very unexpected. It has been a horrible shock. As anyone who has lost a pet will know, the hole they leave in your lives is huge and it takes a while to get used to it. We miss the pitter-patter of his paws on the floor, the "thud" of him jumping off the bed upstairs when he heard a packet open, the way he always appeared whenever the coffee machine started up, eyeing the treat cupboard hopefully. We miss letting him out for a bedtime wee, standing outside, staring at the moon while waiting for him. We miss the way he would jump into our bed once he heard the alarm go off, knowing it was morning and "allowed", burying himself under the covers. We even miss the way he was hazardously underfoot during all food preparation, or how he'd sneak off his bed towards the end of a meal, hopefully resting his head on your thigh for a bit of leftover sausage. Bella always used to leave a little of the meat on her plate "for Ziggy". The sound of knives and forks being placed in the middle of a plate was his sign to start skulking under the table. We miss the routine of walking him, whether it was a short "pavement" walk locally or a longer stride through the countryside. The way, off the lead, he would linger behind sniffing then race on ahead of us. In short, we miss everything about having him in our lives. We were so lucky to share our home with him for so long: he brought us together as a family and made life better in so many ways.
We have wonderful memories of him (and so many photos!) and have planned a few things to make us feel better. We are going to buy a silver birch tree and plant it where he always used to dig at the fence and bark at the neighbour's dog. We will print photos and display them around the house. We are walking his favourite walks and missing him but enjoying the walking. We still have his lead hanging on the hook by the front door. The house still feels horribly empty and quiet but being busy helps, as always.
Ziggy, you were the best dog.
How sad. Sending my best wishes.
ReplyDeleteHope you feel comforted knowing you gave him a good life.
ReplyDeleteRemeber in the coming weeks and months all that love you gave and received from Ziggy and just maybe you can give a loving home to another sweet pet.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shock! It seems just yesterday that he arrived in your blog, with gorgeous photos of puppy Ziggy with the children. I am so very sorry to hear this news, and send condolences to you all. I am sure he will long be remembered by anyone who reads your blog.
ReplyDeleteA lovely tribute to Ziggy. They love us for all of their life, and we remember them for the rest of ours.
ReplyDeleteThat is so sad for you all. My thoughts are with with you, it is so hard to lose a pet, especially suddenly. He looked a lovely boy. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, Gillian. Sending lots of love. Xx
ReplyDeleteI so so feel your pain. Ziggy was indeed a beautiful dog.We lost our dog, "Stan the Man" two years ago, very suddenly like you. We left with him to visit family one morning and had to return without him as he just died while there. Returning home to find my son had left a part of his meal for him as a treat was upsetting. But I know you will, like us, come to think of him as a special gift in your life which you couldn't keep forever.
ReplyDeleteso sorry for your loss, its a terrible thing losing a pet. xx
ReplyDeleteSo sorry, Gillian. I loved seeing photos of Ziggy…..such a sweet dog. ((((((Hugs)))))) and love to all of you.
ReplyDeleteSo so sorry for your loss. What a terrible shock.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful photos & memories of a much loved family member.
Arohanui/much love from Aotearoa-New Zealand xx
Noooo...I'm so sad to hear this. I always enjoy the pix of him on your blog. This happened way too soon. My heart breaks for your family. We also just lost our girl, Sophie, about a month ago after 14 years. I posted about it on my blog if you'd care to read about it. Everytime I re-read, it tears just flow. www.artisun@blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry for the loss of Ziggy, who obviously was so much part of your family. I hope you can take some comfort from the thought that you gave him a lovely life and that he was so loved Sending love to you and your husband and children
ReplyDeleteDogs are family. I've lost one dog suddenly, and one from old age - the first was shock it had happened, the second shock (and disbelief) we were strong enough to make *that* decision. It is never easy, but it does get better, I promise. Thank you so much for sharing Ziggy with us. xx
ReplyDeleteSuch sad news. That last goodbye is so very hard. Love the plan to plant a tree in his memory. (Might have to copy you as we recently said farewell to our beloved Boo.)
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