‘I already miss those ears’

‘I already miss those ears’.

So do I.

What do you do when death comes to a friend and you know they will ache with sadness while putting on a brave and public face?

What do you do when death comes to a friend you know will be hollowed out by pain?

What do you do when death comes to a friend and you know nothing you say or do will make things better?

You love them and you understand their pain.

Today Cilla’s time came to leave this world. She has lived seven and a half love-filled years with Kathleen. Cilla knew more love than many pet dogs do in a whole lifetime. She also faced many more health challenges. This final one she couldn’t conquer but she gave it her heroic best.

The puppy farmer may have robbed Cilla of her early years, but they could not rob her of her courage. Nor the love she knew in Kathleen’s home. From the moment she entered Kathleen’s life Cilla claimed that love. She bloody well claimed it.

Today we had to make the sad decision to stop Cilla’s pain and let her be at peace.

Cilla was totally blind when rescued from a puppy farm . But nothing was going to stop her! She had a cataract operation which was a partial success and in subsequent years, one of her eyes was removed to alleviate pain. More recently she successfully had her slipped discs repaired giving her almost a whole year of happy living.

After her horrendous start in life in a puppy farm, and subsequent challenges, she had 7 1/2 years with us and she lived and loved every moment!

She was a noisy, funny and lovable little sweetheart who took most things in her stride.

You all made that possible and I can’t thank you all enough.

I already miss those ears.

Kathleen’s message to Schnauzerfest donors who supported the costs of Cilla’s back surgery in January 2023.

Rest in peace little friend, rest in peace.