Farewell to Rusty Pup Shandy

Our beautiful RP Shandy passed away last night at ten o'clock.

She had aged a lot this summer

and recently had struggled to climb the stairs at bedtime.

On Sunday evening she started up but stopped a quarter way up on the landing.

Handy Hubby comforted her and prevented her going any further.

She lay down and looked up at the stairs as if to say

"but I'm supposed to be up there".

Handy Hubby stroked her and assured her everything was alright

but eventually she stretched out her legs

and peacefully passed away.

Eleven years ago on Halloween

Shandy(r) and Kayla took their first steps into this big wide world.

They did everything together.

Exploring the woods together

Playing in the snow together

and learning how to share (or not).

When it was time to come in, "it was time to come in ...  please"

Shandy(r) and Kayla did love the snow.

They had each other's backs

Where one went the other was not far behind.

Shandy was a people dog

She would rather spend time with folks than with dogs.

The one human she worshipped most was Handy Hubby....

....mostly because he was prepared to spend hours

making tennis balls sail through the air for her to catch,

while Kayla was just watching.

Shandy never asked for much....

....but if no-one was prepared to hit balls

she was known to sulk!

All of us....

 ....loved our walks

 Shandy (with tongue hanging out) could still jump

into the car until this summer,

when she joined Kayla in having to be lifted in.

Our last walk was on Friday

when she was delighted to see the beaver.

Shandy, my precious,

you filled our lives with fun and laughter and love.

We were so lucky to have you.

Kayla(r) is wondering where you are.

God bless.