The Last Goodbye..

Today has been a difficult day.....I am drained. A piece of me is missing. Today we have said goodbye to beautiful Teal. The photo is one I have on my wall from her younger days...I have another nice one on my desk at work.....

I attach what I posted on facebook....it covers most things.....

Today we had to say goodbye to Teal (Lujento Senza Madonna)....Tealy Bobbit....Bag Face....Queen Teal.
She went to be x-rayed for something hand on heart we knew wasn't good. She was never brought round from the anaesthetic. The x ray revealed bone cancer in her 'wrist' joint which had started to fracture in several places and was very painful for her. She would have been 11 years old on the 22nd August. Those who knew her well would have known her dislike for Westies after years of receiving abuse for being a big dog. She met one into her way into the surgery and was more than ready to take it on. Very fitting for her final visit!

Teal was the last to be homed in her litter as she needed to go to an experienced Bernese home. At an early age she had been responsible for leading the rest of the litter on many naughty adventures. Although not mine on paper she quickly 'rehomed' herself to me, keeping me on my toes trying to keep her brain occupied.

'Know your limits' wasn't a phrase she took much notice of....from diving out of and off things as a small puppy to getting two bones lodged together in her throat, something that dogs don't usually survive. ...not many dogs have her fight and determination.

Together we took part in working carting courses and reached the advanced level. We did agility together where she exercised her vocal cords as well as her body. We did obedience, although never quite got as far as the retrieving part as she wouldn't sink to the level of putting something in her mouth, preferring to stab things with her nose instead. Together using all these skills we won the Bernese Working Day trophy one year, on which her name will reside for many years to come.

We went into the breed show ring getting to Crufts three times, not bad considering we didn't do that many and at the beginning she would rather do 'tricks/moves' whilst she was waiting. Some judges were not amused....both Teal and I had a giggle though.

That was her first love and what made life worth living...heelwork to music and freestyle. We were the usual pairing who were 'just going to the training classes and not doing competitions'. We started doing competitions when she was nearly five....better late than never. Together we made it advanced level, but I'm sure she could have done it without the hindrance of the handler, and probably quicker.

I did feel I wasn't quite doing her justice, but I believe it's about the joy of working with your dog and thoroughly enjoying the experience. Everybody has a special bond with their dogs but working them somehow gives you that something 'extra'. She was not always the easiest dog to live or work with...sense of humour needed! She was someone who learnt as much as she taught who joined me, who allowed me to participate on a long and exciting voyage of discovery and mutual understanding.

I eventually tried a bit of freestyle with her....I hadn't been that brave, partly due to her enthusiastic nature and the bruises and scrapes that came with the moves involved. I did worry about my ability to remember routines...luckily I didn't have to worry as there was no point in remembering in detail as she would always change them anyway! She loved the freestyle and I always remember her routine to 'When I Grow Old' by 'Gretchen Peters', picked as she was getting older and it might suit being a bit slower and the words suited an older dog. I didn't count on her normal verve and vigour and we got down marked for her not looking that old.

I did plan to do a retirement routine with her last year, the music was ready but she must have caught wind of that and went lame. I think she would have been thoroughly disgusted with the very idea of retirement.
She will always be with me in all the future routines I do and every time I hear one of 'her tunes' I will smile.

I loved her and I loved working her. I loved her passion for life and work. Power, presence, attitude and grace in a large hairy package.

I know she'll be dancing and prancing somewhere, old body renewed and a fresh bounce in her step.

She leaves behind Ted, Cedar, Drake and Madison Mini Beast.

She begrudgingly mothered Drake when he arrived and taught him some less desirable habits which will live on in him. Thank you Teal! She has handed her dancing shoes to Madison...they don't fit yet and the 'Mini Beast' might well outgrow them.

I know she was very special to many people.

We will all miss her, it's already much quieter here...

Dance on you Old Bag.

My Memory Library
© Sarah Blackstone

Imagine if I was given one moment,
just a single slice of my past.
I could hold it close forever,
and that moment would always last.

I'd put the moment in a safe,
within my hearts abode.
I could open it when I wanted,
and only I would know the code.

I could choose a time of laughing,
a time of happiness and fun.
I could choose a time that tried me,
through everything I've done.

I sat and thought about what moment,
would always make me smile.
One that would always push me,
to walk that extra mile.

If I'm feeling sad and low,
if I'm struggling with what to do.
I can go and open my little safe,
and watch my moment through.

There are moments I can think of,
that would lift my spirits everytime.
The moments when you picked me up,
when the road was hard to climb.

For me to only pick one moment,
to cherish, save and keep,
Is proving really difficult,
as I've gathered up a heap!

I've dug deep inside my heart,
found the safe and looked inside,
there was room for lots of moments,
in fact hundreds if I tried.

I'm building my own little library,
embedded in my heart,
for all the moments spent with you,
before you had to part.

I can open it up whenever I like,
pick a moment and watch it through,
My little library acts as a promise,
I'll never ever forget you


I Loved You Best

So this is where we part, My Friend,
And you'll run on, around the bend.
Gone from sight, but not from mind,
new pleasures there you'll surely find.

I will go on; I'll find the strength,
Life measures quality, not its length.
One long embrace before you leave,
Share one last look, before I grieve.

There are others, that much is true,
But they be they, and they aren't you.
And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,
Will remember well all you've taught.

Your place I'll hold, you will be missed,
The fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.
And as you journey to your final rest,
Take with you this...I loved you best.

-Jim Willis