My precious Cass.

[jopsy]

Sorry I wasn't there for you OH
Could you do a photo montage? That might be nice in your study? Just a thought..
BIG HUGS etc..
Jo x

[oldherbaceous]

Now thats a nice idea Jopsy, i'll dig the photo's out when i'm feeling a bit braver.
I never thought it would be as hard as this.

Kind regards Old Herbaceous.

Theres no fool like an old fool.

[vicki]

OH, the fact that you are finding it so hard just proves how much you loved her - a lucky dog indeed to have had you.

My mum-in-law has done the photo thing recently and its lovely - but it took her months before she could face doing it.

Take each day as it comes.

[Elderflower]

Dear OH,
I hope that you have a lovely weekend in Norfolk. We are members of the Retired Greyhounds Trust and have adopted three of those lovely creatures up to now. We lost our second, Eddie, last year, a victim of bone cancer. Apparently ex racers often get that because of the strains and injuries of racing and training. Our third hound, Colonel, was horribly starved and beaten by his trainer but is now a glossy, handsome fellow. I haven`t any words that will give any comfort and I know it`s too soon to think of your next friend - but I`m sure that one will come along, not to replace your friend but perhaps to benefit from the love you have.
Best wishes, Elderflower.

[oldherbaceous]

Vicki and Elderflower, thank you both for your lovely thoughts. I did have a lovely time in Norfolk, thanks Elderflower, it was just the break i needed.

Kind regards Old Herbaceous.

Theres no fool like an old fool.

[Losos]

OH

Just wanted to say a few words of sympathy. It's very much delayed but it's pretty clear you are a true dog lover and God knows there's few enough people like that in the world today.

Anyway, three months have passed and I hope you'll think about another four legged friend, not to forget, but to enable another to benefit from your kind heart.

As I said in para 1 there's nowhere near enough people around to offer homes to dogs.

[oldherbaceous]

Thanks for those kind words Losos, i was looking through some photo's last weekend and found some of Cass when she was a pup, she really was a pretty little thing. It still is hard not seeing her laying in front of the open fire at his time of the year though.
It's going to be a little longer before i get another loyal friend.

[oldherbaceous]

I know you lot are going to think i'm a bit soft, but it's a year since i lost Cass.
It is a lot easier now, but i still get those odd times, this morning being one of them.
At least i remember more of the funny times know though.

[Chantal]

I don't think you're soft OH. I still cry over a cat I lost nearly 6 years ago,not to mention a dog I lost nearly 20 years ago. Now THAT's soft.

You loved her. It's that simple.

[Gilly C]

of course we don't think you silly, we have had dog/s all but the first 4 months of our marriage (35 years at Xmas) we were both brought up with them too at present we have 3 and could never imagine not having 1 , yes they are tying and we never put ours in kennels so have to rely on the kids for holiday sitting and expensive to feed but they always are there to greet you whenever , enjoy your memories of your beloved pet

[Jenny Green]

Try not to be too sad Herby. She must have had a good life with an owner who loved her very much.

[Losos]

not to mention a dog I lost nearly 20 years ago.

We lost our beloved Ria 22 years ago. I still have a tear in my eye when I pick up a screwdriver which she chewed the handle of. The manufacturer claimed the handles were 'indestructable' obviously not tested by Labradors

We have two Newfoundlands now and I couldn't imagine life without them. I went away for two weeks recently and Mrs. L said they were so subdued and obediant, never leaving her side. As soon as i got back they were lively, naughty, and carefree again.

I felt really touched when she told me that. OH I don't think you're soft at all and I admire you not rushing to get another dog. Your lifestyle might have changed and it will change again no doubt. The time to get one is when you know that you can really spend time with it. Dogs just love company.

Far too many people get a dog (Or usually a puppy) because it's 'trendy' or the 'kids want one' or they think it'll make them look 'macho' and then find it doesn't suit their lifestyle and dump it.

[Primrose]

Of course you're not being emotional OH. I still mourn a very special much loved cat who died eight years ago. There often is a very special relationship between human and animal which none of us ever completely understands, but because it's not vocal, and we're different species, it's all the more precious that we're able to relate to each other. Just hang onto the special memories.

[oldherbaceous]

Thank you, all your kind words are much appreciated as usual, i can't explain how much they help.

[RAREBREDCHICK]

Oh, Old Herbaceous, I am so sorry about your news. For some reason not been able to log onto the site, so better late than never. It is always difficult, but remember all your friends here are thinking of you.

When the time is right, contact GRWE (greyhound rescue) they do a great job re-homing retired greyhounds, abused etc, also whippets & lurchers. In memory of Cass you could give a needy dog a good home. We have a retired greyhound and she is sitting here with me now, despite being a bit bigger they are great. We are all thinking of you here.