A sad week for Duthie Park dogs

Oh dear Gail, it has been a sad week hasn't it? First, on the train back to Aberdeen last Monday, you had the text from Yvonne saying how flat-coated retriever Jake had been put to sleep, his cancer having become too bad to treat or bear. And then yesterday morning we saw Sheila in the park and she beckoned us over to tell us that her wee schnauzer Sadie had died of a stroke two days ago.

Yes, our morning walks in the park won't be quite the same without those two 'regulars', will they Bertie?

You know Gail, I don't feel so bad about Sadie, 'cos she was very old, and had been blind through diabetes for at least a year hadn't she? So one understood that her life would soon come to an end. But poor Jakey. He was only two years my senior, and a few months ago he was still rampaging around with the energy of a pup. It seems all wrong that he's no longer with us.

(Gail pauses a moment before replying).

Bertie, you're right. Of course Sheila will miss Sadie a lot. She's not been so well herself - remember how we walked Sadie last year when Sheila was in hospital -  and she lives alone. I think Sadie gave her a reason to go out for a walk everyday and talk to all the other dog owners. But do you remember what Human Granny said when HGD died? That his life had run it's full course. So it was with Sadie. It's much harder to accept when someone close dies too young. 

Oh dear Gail, you are looking sad now. Are you thinking of your friend Kate? Let me come and sit on your lap and give you a lick.

Bertie, you are such a comfort. Oh I do hope you are blessed with a long terrier life.