General Chat

Margaret - have emailed you. x

Margaret, so sorry for your Dad. Lots of love, M.

So sorry to hear about your Dads dog. Thinking of him and your family, you will have to give lots of support. Love Linda x

Sorry to read this Margaret, how sad, take care there

Margaret I'm so sorry to read your message,please give my thoughts to your poor dad and tell him we are thinking him. god bless Jan

So sorry to hear this news. Give your Dad a cuddle from me. Jenny. xx

Thank you everyone for your lovely thoughts and wishes. Ive spoken to dad this evening and he is feeling a little better now. To be honest it wouldnt be a good idea for him to have another pet, his health really dosnt allow for it. I know he is only 73 but he has suffered from ill health for a while now, and he is gradually getting worse. He cant bend down anymore so cleaning a litter tray would be beyond him. Its such a shame as he has so much to give to a pet, but it wouldnt be fair on him or on whatever he chose. A budgie would be out of the question as he has cryptoginic fibrosing avliolitis, in other words his lungs are shot and he has problems with his breathing. Also due to his heart complaint he has difficulty in walking, he use's sticks or a little trolly thing. He has just bought himself one of those moterized scooters, but the second day he had it, he drove it through the garage door. The garage is now sealed up with scooter inside it, so he cant used the flaming thing until the door is fixed. But that is another story. Bless him.

So sorry to hear about your dad's little dog - somewhere a few weeks ago were some lovely poems about losing pets- maybe someone can nudge them for you. Would a little hamster be any good for your dad to talk to and stroke, they only live for a couple of years and if he didn't get on with that, it would probably be easy to find it another home. Or even a rabbit or guinea pig. If the hutches were up high enough so he didn't have to bend maybe he could manage. It would give him a reason to get up in the morning. Wish him luck.

Margaret - I completely understand your dad's situation and, all things considered, another pet is probably not such a good idea. Would it be worth your getting in touch with the P.A.T. (Pets as Therapy)scheme ? I know they have volunteers who visit residential homes etc but it's possible that they might also do home visits to folk such as your dad. It would be a nice way for him to meet with friendly, well-behaved dogs (and their owners!) without having the responsibility of care. Just a thought.

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do. Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear. When it is cold and wet, please take me inside... for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land... for you are my god... and I am your devoted worshiper. Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger. And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.