She had been with us since January 1997.
Last Monday evening she had a seizure or slight stroke. She lay on her side and her feet were in the air trembling. I picked her up gently and put her on her bed. She rested then later got up and had a drink and then ate her tea. Though she had made a complete recovery, we knew that she was probably on borrowed time.
Then yesterday she had another stroke. It was more serious this time. She ended up paralysed on one side and she could not use her right front leg. We put her in her bed and tried to make her rest. She was restless. She has been deaf and had very poor sight for many months now. But still she would come out every day and have her exercise at her own slow pace, sniffing through the undergrowth along the familiar woodland paths.Yesterday morning, before it happened she spent half an hour happily exploring our familiar garden.
Last evening she seemed to be recovering. Though limping badly she made the effort to get out of her bed and hobble about a bit. She ate and drunk.
But she did not have a good night. She was restless all night; yelping and barking in frustration in whatever world she was now inhabiting. This morning we found that, unlike last night, she could not now stand. Last night she had been able to stand and hobble. Now she wriggled a bit on the bed and then cried out in frustration. The end was now clearly in sight.
I phoned the vet and he came and the injections were quickly administered. The strong sedative sent her into a deep sleep then after ten minutes the second injection stopped her heart.
We dug a hole in the orchard and have buried her under the grass that so recently she was snuffling around.
She lies under the plum tree still wearing the faded red tartan collar she has worn for years.
Rest in Peace Gabby dog, aged 16 years, pedigree West Highland White Terrier and feisty friend. We will miss you.
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