A tribute to my canine companion Woodie who I miss dearly

 


Tonight we sadly had to say goodbye to our canine companion Woodie and to say we are heartbroken is an understatement. 

I'm having a rough time of it at the moment as recently my dear brother passed away too and one night as I sat on the floor crying, Woodie walked over to me and licked my face and therefore my tears away, stood near me and genuinely comforted me. Well, tonight my tears are for him too and I wish he were here to comfort us. 

I know everyone who has a dog thinks their dog is the best but Woodie actually was! I've never seen a dog with such a gentle, sweet soul as Woodie. When we decided to get a dog all those years ago we went to a greyhound rescue centre and they let us meet another greyhound first called Sunny, who was a lovely well-behaved dog but not quite the right fit. I couldn't remember the name of the dog my wife wanted to see, (as unlike me, she had looked at them online), but I knew it was a dog with a name off of Toy Story. I asked to meet Woodie and as they went to get him I was informed it was actually a "Buzz" she wanted to meet, oops! Woodie came out like a whirlwind, licking the childrens faces and his tail was going like the clappers, he adored them. We took him for a walk and he was loopy, highly excitable and a bit of an idiot, he jumped up at me and covered me in mud because he was so excited in fact.  The lady at the centre apologised and I said "he'll fit in with our family nicely" and the rest is history, he chose us.  

There are so many funny stories and memories of Woodie; him stealing pizza including the plate, our howling duets, him stinking out an entire school when he passed gas and many other incidents. However the overall memory is one of how much he loved us all, especially Reuben, (my youngest son), they were best friends, inseparable and always together. Reuben is going to hurt for a long time - we all are, but him especially.


Woodie was 12 years old, he had slowed down a lot and turned grey so we knew this day was nearing but as he still enjoyed playing with us and walking up to us all for a stroke and a hug I naively thought we'd have him here for a bit  longer. I loved him so much, such a beautiful, kind, gentle dog who will never be replaced. Another piece of my heart is broken and the void he has left will always be there. 

He lived a long happy life and made our lives so much better with his infectious charm and it really wont ever be the same. I miss being able to hug him, I miss our howling sessions, I miss seeing him face every morning and I even miss his terrible breath! 

I love and miss you Woodie, sleep well, you were always such a good boy, we'll forever remember you my dear, long-nosed canine chum, lots of love from all of your human family, you really cheered us up right until the very end and my heart will forever be broken 💔





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