From a distance you could say that we haven’t had a bad year. We lost Myrtle and Boe, two old stalwarts who had been in long term foster for years. Thank you to their families who gave them a chance, showering them with love until the dogs last breath. Losing Mr Mole was a huge blow and totally unexpected. The big four had no earmarks so we could only make a guess at their age. He had been such a favourite with all our supporters and messages of condolence flooded in from all over the world. We loved him and we miss him.
Sadly, years after Deb bundled her and her lambs into the pick up under cover of darkness in Cragg Vale , Ma the sheep bowed out at 13, almost twice the age of Dolly the clone. She outlived her offspring plus a few others that joined her over the years. It’s a wrench not to see her pottering about from the kitchen. We also said goodbye to Jessie and Ed the shires. Mac and Spencer, two old very much loved horses who Deb & Bob had owned for over 20 years. Old friends and a few less tons making the ground shudder as they rush up to say hello.
Meanwhile, waiting in the wings, we have three dogs in the house. It’s like a nursing home in Eastbourne. How the hell Uriah (11) is still with us we don’t know. Twenty months after his leg amputation he is still hopping about in the garden with Lana. He is beginning to struggle though.
Tarzan (12) is so wobbly and sleeps all day. Lana (11) looks sprightly and enjoys being house floozy and Mum to both of them.
Others giving concern are Michael (10), miraculously recovering from a stroke. James (13 at least) Langley (11), Harper (12), Bungle (Mr Moles brother) and Jack (11 ish). Hold on lads, we are not ready to let you go just yet.
More doves, courtesy of Scottish ninja buzzards. We like to think we are doing our bit for conservation.
We hate to tell you, but we are all getting on a bit too. That’s you as well dear reader! Even Tia adopters aren’t immune from it. Tia dogs are always a priority, and we thank our fantastic team for squeezing in yet another oldie whose owner has passed or can no longer cope.
As this is being written, Daisy the most beautiful grey Shire, Normans mom is very poorly. It’s going to be a bad year with all these oldies, but as always we will do right by them.
We can only do this with your support….Thank you Deb and all @ Tia…