General Chat

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.

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.

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.

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 this news. Give your Dad a cuddle from me. Jenny. xx

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

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

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

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

Margaret - have emailed you. x

Hi Margaret So sorry - thinking about you all (especially your father) - there is nothing worse than losing a much loved pet. Love Brenda from High Lane.

hiya magaret.ahhhhhhhhh thats so sad .i realy feel for your dad.god bless him x

Margaret. That's very sad and I'm so sorry for your Dad. Sue

So sorry to hear about Misty - your dad must be lost without her. I know you say that he feels too old to have another dog but would he perhaps consider a small, companion breed that wouldn't need long hikes ? If he has a garden this would probably be enough for a little dog. Or you could see if there's anyone local who might enjoy taking the dog for a short walk every so often. Good homes and good owners are not easy to find - I'm sure your dad has a lot to offer in this respect !

I am so sorry to hear about your dads best mate,we lost one of our a while ago & i still miss him so much as we had him from a very small pup. I think it is a good idea to get your dad another pal as animals are the best therapy I couldn't think what it would be like not to have any around. Everytime we lose one of ours my husband says no more but within a week he changes his mind. (((((((((((BIG HUGS)))))))))) for your dad & you. Cilla.

Hello, I am thinking of you and your dad at this sad time. The same thing happened to my dads little dog in November, she was 15 and had been by dads constant companion for 13 years, just her and him and they were devoted to each other. I too had to take her on the day and it broke my heart when he heald her at home and said his good-byes to her before I had to take her form him, we knew the night before after the vet rang with the blood results there was nothing that could be done. Well, we got my dad a new little friend almost straight away and he chose her name Amy and he loves her dearly. She is a toy black poodle just like his beloved Jade was. Amy can never replace Jade but its a new little friend for him to love and stroke. He is 85, all of my freinds and family, apart from 2, thought it was the right decision for us to get him a new friend, and it was. It helped with the grieving. Amy is adorable and loves licking my dads ears and sitting next to him on the settee. Everyone is different, but in our case it was the right decision. My thoughts are with you all. Jayne

So sorry for your Dad, Margaret. xx

My heart goes out to you and especially your Dad x Its so sad when this happens, but at least Misty is no longer suffering. With regards a replacement ... I would leave it a few weeks a see how Dad copes and then decide. With sympathy Dancer x

I am very, very sorry. Joy

Thinking of you and your Dad in his sadness.