Tess and Flash

[Shalf]

My baby girls born in Achiltibuie. We walked many roads less travelled over 15 years all over the UK. (Flash Blk/W died of Inflammatory bowel disease) ( Tess B/W died of Inflammatory Arthritis & Heart condition.)

[Nessa28]

They are beautiful . So sorry that is such a big hole to fill 💐🤗

[Shalf in reply to Nessa28]

Thank you for that Nessa, much appreciated ♥️

[Eiram50]

So sorry to hear that- what a loss. They’re lovely

[Shalf in reply to Eiram50]

Thank you Marie - very kind of you. They were my life - my only babies ♥️♥️

[Shalf]

People say and think it's best to move on, think forward - Really?? I don't. Everything I do and have done is too meaningful to just move/think/focus forward. NO! I love to reflect, not to dwell on negatives because they are also going to be part of life ahead in some way or other. But fear of the future ( to me) is like the past is forgotten! I had a fabulous life with my pups. I have upsetting thoughts that I couldn't have children but I reflect on the good doors that opened. Tomorrow - no-one can predict regardless of RA/RD or any other incurable disease or a healthy person. Look back and remember the happy times because they are guaranteed in memory - Tomorrow ( for everyone in this world) isn't! Be thankful and be happy for each day. I am a spiritual person. I am going with the flow and expertise of Rheumatologists like everyone else. But at the end of the day, my body is in control. I can only do my best to support it. Be kind to yourself ♥️ Tomorrow I am going to book a holiday in the sun because I need it X

[sylvi]

Theey looked beautiful dogs my darling i bet you miss them no end.xxx

[Shalf in reply to sylvi]

I miss them Sylvi but I am content that they had very happy adventurous lives. They had private cremations ( 6 months between) and are both in a beautiful casket by my bedside. xx

[Lomo1964]

Gorgeous fur babies you must miss them so much x

[Shalf in reply to Lomo1964]

Thank you Lomo X

[bevlin]

So sad but how lucky were you to have them in your life and you in theirs xx

[Shalf in reply to bevlin]

The three of us were very lucky! X

[Micktheclicky]

Beautiful, I had a border, collie named her Brooke, she was such a loyal friend. She died aged 14 in the Scottish Highlands.

I now have a Working Cocker dog called Beau , who is the 3rd member of our family ❤️

[Shalf in reply to Micktheclicky]

Great names! My Flash was 14 and her sister - Tess was 15. Died same year March and Sept. And my dad to cancer in December! What a year that was! X

[Micktheclicky in reply to Shalf]

My sister lived near Ullapool for a a few years , we used to visit regularly , flying to Inverness then hiring a car to make the wonderful journey over to the North Western coast .

She still can’t keep away and will be back for 3 months soon.

Sorry to hear about your awful year losing dear ones is so difficult to come to terms with . We just lost a dear friend aged only 40 to a riding accident just returning from a gentle hack, such a lovely girl ❤️

[Shalf in reply to Micktheclicky]

That's tragic, so sorry.

Yes, from Inverness by car, roll down the window, a bit Scottish Highland music, breathe in the fresh air and be swept away by the scenery! Amazing! X

[cathie]

Achiltibue is along the road from us Lochside, Loch broom. Try a trip into Ullapool and call in to Margos gelato. Kind funny people. We live in the most beautiful part of the world. I’ve never grieved so much as for a lost animal and their innocent enthusiasm for life. Xxx

[Shalf in reply to cathie]

Oh really Cathie. I know Loch Broom. I camped all over the area with my pups. Lochinvar, Drumbeg, Aultbea and even the scary Cape Wrath! I'm well travelled here and abroad but the north west of Scotland is the most beautiful part of the world. Totally agree with you. Yes, the loss of an animal is very hard. My two were like my shadow. After they passed away I still imagined them beside me. Took a long time. Will pop in next time in Ullapool xx

[cathie in reply to Shalf]

Let me know when you’re here. I spend half my time here, the rest in Edinburgh near daughter and grandson

[Shalf in reply to cathie]

Will do Cathie - Thank you X

[JEM95]

Lovely dogs - they leave such a void don’t they.

My RA started after I lost my last dog, I often think her passing was a contributory factor triggering it.

I couldn’t bear to get another dog for three long years.

I now have the most gorgeous cocker spaniel - she’s the absolute best medicine I could have - all the walking, fresh air and infectious positivity.

Send you a big heartfelt hug x

[Shalf in reply to JEM95]

Hi Jem, Thank you That thought has crossed my mind a few times too. I had my Collies from 10 weeks old. Went everywhere with me. When they were 3 years a farmer in Rye - Wales offered me 3K for Flash. We were in a pub having lunch at the time. I was horrified! He said she would be an excellent working dog something he saw on her palate. I knew that anyway because they were off good working sheepdogs. Oh he tried and tried to persuade me. I said 'NO, she's my baby, don't care if you offer 10k she's not for sale' Couldn't believe it. Poor Flash was just looking at me puzzled haha. Farmer seriously thought I would take the cash and hand her over😱

Brilliant re cocker spaniel they are hilarious and so much fun. And your right, they are brilliant medicine. I used to take my collies into care homes and it was like a tonic to the patients

Big hugs to you and your wee lass X

[JEM95 in reply to Shalf]

Thank you Shalf, for your reply.

I’ve had my Molly since 8 weeks (she’s 3 years old now). I visit a couple of people via my local good neighbour scheme - one of which is an 82 yr old man - I take Molly to visit him. She’s very gentle and loving with him, and his face lights up when he sees her. Dogs are just the best! x

[Shalf in reply to JEM95]

They definitely are! And how sweet to take Molly to visit the elderly neighbours. I imagine he really loves that. X

[Hidden]

Two more gorgeouses! I believe they are still by your side. Beautiful souls.

[Shalf in reply to Hidden]

I believe that too! Thank you - lovely reading this X

[NathanT]

Great photo ... they look very happy and content together ... a true partnership!

Border collies are truly amazing dogs, their intelligence and obedience is remarkable ... and because they are such great characters i can understand how you would miss them.

[Shalf in reply to NathanT]

Aww they were sisters from same litter, they were also best friends. They knew every word I said to them and they could tell the time! I fed them at 4pm for a long time and one day I was curious if they would notice I was late getting their food. Well, they came over to the sofa and they started pushing me and whining and wagging their tails. I said ' what is it, what's the matter?' they ran into the kitchen and pushed their bowls around with their noses especially the brown and white one what a state she was getting in haha. How they knew the time I will never know! I was only 15 minutes late after all ! Used to wonder who was the Collie sometimes! 🙄

[rosie1928]

so lovely. They are border collies arent they? I had one years ago. I have very fond memories of Bobby. x