Sadly our beloved Percy died tragically on 17th June 2022 and we are totally overwhelmed with grief. He was such an amazing dog and we loved and treasured him so much. He had such strength of character and was the bravest dog I have ever known. He sadly went blind overnight in March 2018 just after his fifth birthday from something called SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome) but he never let this affect him, and he still ran round the garden chasing squirrels and jumped on and off the settee. He then had some seizures in the September/October of that same year which we successfully treated with CBD Oil. The following year in January 2019 he developed another autoimmune disease affecting his spine called meningeal myelitis and had to undergo an aggressive course of chemotherapy and steroids. He responded very well to this and by January 2020 he was still doing well and enjoying playing with his toys. Unfortunately due to all the C nonsense he then didn't receive as good treatment due to us not being allowed to talk the vet in person, and they prolonged it too long and by June 2020 we said no more as he had deteriorated. He picked up really well and improved once coming down to the island. Unfortunately in August 2021 he had to go back on steroids and this helped, but of course long term steroids has damaging affects and his teeth rotted (this didn't stop him eating though, but he could no longer play ball or chew bones) and he developed a heart murmur. However despite these issues he was still a very happy dog, just not so active anymore. He enjoyed his wanderings around our garden, having mastered the ramp down the steps on his own (finding his way through the use of mats). He learnt to open his mouth for his Lion's Mane drops in the morning and his CBD oil in the evening. He was the rhythm of my life, from the time I woke up, to the time he went out for his final wander around the garden before going to bed. He used to sit on my lap in the mornings while I read the bible and sleep with me in the afternoons when I needed a rest due to pain issues. He followed me throughout the house and had little beds in every room, and I would take him up to the sewing studio with me. He also enjoyed sleeping in his bed in my husband's office. He loved to climb onto the backs of our legs if we were building furniture! We feel totally and utterly bereft and inconsolable, and I am finding it so hard to cope with his loss and the manner of it.
The bravest and strongest dog with a heart full of love, he is missed so much. Our lives feel so empty without him. Percy 10th March 2013 - 17th June 2022 Philippians 4:8 describes Percy so well "...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."
So sad to read this, they are family.
ReplyDeleteThey certainly are, it is heartbreaking. Thank you for your kind words.
DeleteI am so sorry to read this. He looks such a joyous little dog and when they die it is like losing a child. Perhaps you could give a rescue dog the chance of happiness in Percy's memory?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words. He was the most wonderful dog and is greatly missed. I don't know what losing a child is like, but I would imagine it is horrendous, and to me yes this does feel like losing your child, especially one you have cared for because of his special needs. My whole day revolved around him in many ways, but he gave so much back too.
DeleteIt is so hard to lose a dear pet.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is, especially in such tragic circumstances.
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