On Computer so a few before Bed

Charlie and his new Dad Tom coming home yesterday... His head looks much bigger than it is.... thank goodness

[NewKaren 13 MONTHS WINNER]

Beautiful xxx....

[glolin LONG TERM WINNER]

What a handsome boy 😍😍😍

[Hidden]

Oh I didn't know you had got a black lab. They are mine and my family's favourite dogs. I just keep going aaaaah when looking at him. He is absolutely gorgeous and I want him.

I am also feeling very sad coz my sister had a black lab/collie cross who was beautiful. She looked just like a small lab but had the collie nature including barking, ball obsession, and trying to round us up sometimes. She was sharp as a whip and was very entertaining having me in stiches often. She was the happiest most affectionate dog you could ever meet and she loved everyone.

She died suddenly 13 weeks ago today and both my sister and I were heartbroken. I took her out every day for all her life and I loved the very bones of her. She loved to go on the beach in the summer and swim after the ball and I have been thinking of her today.

I wish you all very many happy years with Charlie. xx

[Briarwood Administrator Ducky in reply to Hidden]

Sorry to hear about your sister's dog lilaclil, I know how hard it is to lose a pet. We love them so much and it sounds as though you both gave her a wonderful life. You have lovely memories of the happy times you spent together. Take care xx

[Hidden in reply to Briarwood]

Thank you Briarwood that is very kind of you. x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Morning Lilaclil, Lovely words for your sister's sad loss.. We said goodnight to Freddie our black lab on January 6th this year... We knew he was probably not going to make another year... But he got a lump in his back leg that grew to the size of a large toy ball in 2 days... Along with a few other issues. His time came way too soon... For us... And our hearts were broken... Tell your sister I am sorry and feel her pain...

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Aw so sorry to hear this Sheila. It's so sad isn't it.

I can't believe the number of pet owners who said to her and me 'Are you going to get another one'? I would never say that to anyone would you? As though any beloved pet is replaceable, and so soon afterwards as well.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Yes...we got that a lot...but I took it as a pet loving person... Freddie will never be replaced... We shared many memories with him... Especially when he became a jet setter... Moving with us from the UK to the USA...living on a houseboat with us for 4 years... Then coming back to the UK... Nope, never replaced... But also know he would want us to open our love to another dog... Just as we did when we got Freddie

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Yes I agree they can never be replaced. I have lost cats but always waited a while before I got a new one. I just can't believe a pet owner would say a couple of weeks afterwards are you getting a new one. It takes time to grieve and to heal before you can even think about that. Well it does me anyway.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Indeed... We are still grieving in some ways... It has been 7 months... Some might say it was too soon... But as a retired couple... Not having your daily routines to live by can be a real hardship... And unhealthy as you find yourselves turning into couch potato's...

Everyone has to do what is right for them depending on circumstances... Tom has not been without a dog in the house for 28 years... Myself, it has been 39 years... Kinda like smoking, except the love you have for a pet is a realistic unconditional loving addiction.

Smoking is a physical and mental addiction that stinks and is unhealthy... Not to mention a path to an earlier grave.

When the time is right, you or your sister will bring some more unconditional love into your homes

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Yes I agree. My sister couldn't face another dog after her last one died for 18 months. Milly found us by chance.

My last cat was 17 when he went. After a couple of months a friend said her cat had just had kittens and did I want one. It was a bit soon but I thought in another 8 weeks it would be ok. Fortuntaly my current cat is polar opposite to my other one in every way. I couldn't live without a cat as I have had them for 37 years and my family had since I was a child.

[Catmad10 LONG TERM WINNER]

He is such a beauty. His expression says it all - put me down and let me run amok.

[Briarwood Administrator Ducky]

Aw he's so cute😍 Welcome home Charlie😊