PEAR TREE LOG
pear tree log: I started this blog to keep my younger son, Jonny, in touch with life in Lincolnshire, while he spent a year working in China. That year turned into five! Now he is home and training to become a physics teacher. This is simply a patchwork quilt of some of the things I enjoy - life in rural Lincolnshire, our animals, friends, architecture, books, the gardens, and things of passing interest.
R.I.P. PIPPIN (aka Pip, Pipsqueak, Molly, Le Cochon Noir, Piglet..)
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PIPPIN 1998-2011
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Oh no, so sorry you've lost your cutie-pie!
ReplyDeleteOh, sorry to hear about Pippin.
ReplyDeleteA great hound, if a little hellish to live with in the early years, I'm told. With opposable thumbs she could have ruled Europe and most of North Africa. Unless physically restrained she did whatever she fancied, when she wanted, where she felt like it and in the manner of her choosing. Only dog I've ever known to be able to plan a campaign over three to four days and then action it. Get between Pipsqueak and a meal and she'd lovingly consider the pros and cons of smothering you in your sleep. I was just a little bit fond of her.
ReplyDeletemy thoughts are with you
ReplyDeletewhen you feel up to it have a look at Kipling's poem
its kind of helpful
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THERE is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.
When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find - it's your own affair, -
But ... you've given your heart to a dog to tear.
When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!),
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone - wherever it goes - for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear!
We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent,
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve;
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long -
So why in - Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?
Knatolee, LBM, Ian, & John - Thank you for your kind words. I really do appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteWe had to have Pip put to sleep this morning. I was determined that she should achieve one of her dreams, so I fed her chocolate drops (forbidden, 'real' chocolate drops by Cadburys) before and during the procedure - she was so focused on the chocolate that I don't think she much cared about what was going on.
John - Oh wow. The power of that poem. I had managed not to cry until I read it. I am very grateful that you sent it. It is perfect. My husband, George, sends his thanks too.
Pip wasn't a particularly noisy dog (well, not in her later years) but I can't believe how quiet the house has become. She was a medium-sized dog with a huge personality which filled the place.
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So, so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteAn adorable pooch.x
Thanks Chris. She was a splendid old girl!
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteThank you Janet. Pip was a remarkable character - don't we all think that about our pets? I'll share some of her exploits one day.
ReplyDeleteJust seeing her photo makes me sad. It's so very very difficult to lose a pet. My sincere best wishes.
ReplyDeleteThe chocolate drops were a brilliant idea for easing her passage. It's so hard to lose our furry loved ones. My dogs turned nine this year and it's hard watching them slow down. Love that adorable picture of Pippin.
ReplyDeleteCro Magnon - Thank you. She's certainly left a big gap. Toby, our other old dog, is bereft. The cats don't give a damn, they've taken over her bed.
ReplyDeleteKnatolee, It was the only thing I could do to help her (as well as being there). She had always wanted real chocolate, so she was delighted to get her way. The vet was great, which helped. But my goodness is it quiet around here.
So very sorry but the chocolate was such a lovely treat.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Andy. I'm just so glad that it helped make it easier for her.
ReplyDelete