Losing a friend.....

…A furry friend.

 It has been a tough few days, it has to be said.

 On Thursday 14th May, my family and I made the very tough decision to have our beloved dog put down. 

Indiana, who lived until he was 12 and a half years old, who we picked up at 8 weeks, was well and truly a family member, a part of the household.

Our sofas come complete with doggy indents, scratches and arms full of ground-in slobber. I figure, since no-one is visiting for a while, i’ll leave it there, but, I have cleaned the kitchen, which had fur (enough to make a jumper) underneath the oven, fridge, and other large appliances.The floors, which I hoovered every day, still have fur floating around on.I guess Indiana will be with us for years to come.

My beautiful boy

He was a very photogenic dog

I knew losing him would be hard, I mean, I knew, but I didn’t KNOW, if you know what I mean?

We have had and lost rabbits in the past, and yes, along with the kids, we shed a few tears. They didn’t live with us though, they lived in a hutch outside of the house, so the full on attachment wasn’t there.

A dog is so much more. Each dog is unique, in looks and personality. He was an extra child who had to be trained, told off when he was naughty, and praised when he was good.

We called Dignity Pet Crematorium to collect Indiana from the vet for us, and have him cremated. They return him to us on the following Monday, along with a mould of his paw, and fur clippings. I couldn’t praise them enough for looking after our boy.

Having his ashes returned brought some peace and calm to my family and I. We held a little ceremony last week, which was lovely.

My dog

A dog and his bone

 WOW, 2020 has brought with it unprecedented times. I think many people entered the year  feeling positive, I know my family and I did. My husband and I had booked 2 concerts; Guns ‘n’ Roses and Queen with Adam Lambert, with possibly a third; Vampire weekend.

I had opened my travel agency and it was going really well. 

My eldest rented a flat with her boyfriend, got her dream job as a baker, and was really happy. With the flat being a small one bedroom, she and boyfriend have been back with us throughout lockdown.

My youngest was studying in college, going to the gym a few times a week, and building a good social life. Now, at 17 years old, she’s stuck in the house with us.

I am still feeling positive, and grateful. Cancelling concerts and other events really has nothing on what a lot of other people have been, and are going through; losing their jobs, have been inside since lockdown began due to other medical problems, or have lost someone dear to them, that is just horrible, and I really feel for them. 

One of my close friends sadly lost her dad a month ago to Corona, he lived in Wales so she didn’t even get to see him. It just doesn’t bear thinking about.

My husband is still working. I am still working. My adult kids are still here with me and are still happy. The sun hasn’t stopped shining. I am thankful.

I’ve just been up to my travel agency at Ashridge Garden Centre to clean, scrub, disinfect and change furniture around, to allow room for social distancing when I re-open. I am very excited about this, and am hoping it can happen next month, during the next phase of the Governments shop opening guidelines.

Here’s to looking ahead to better and brighter times.

To book your next cruise, contact me here.