Thank You

LM and SL check out the Puzzle Tree

I’d like to say a big Thank You to all of you who wrote such lovely messages of condolence on hearing of Mr Spaghetti Legs’ passing.

Earthstills wrote a beautiful special tribute post For Mr Spaghetti Legs.

I was very touched and comforted by these outpourings of love for an old dog.

You can read a little about Mr Spaghetti Legs’ origins here, Portrait of a dog #5 or any other stories about him by clicking on Mr Spaghetti Legs in the Wags (Tags) or Categories on my blog.

Apart from the sadness at the loss of a much loved friend, it was made harder by the fact that I had already booked Little Monkey in to the vets that day to have her teeth cleaned and a few lumps removed. So I took both dogs to the vets that morning and came home alone. The house was very, very empty; not even the solace of hugging LM as she was in hospital.

While LM was at the vets, we cleared up the heavy plastic sheeting that we had put down on the floors because of SL’s incontinence.

I went to fetch Little Monkey in the early evening, quite late because they had been very busy at the vets doing spays etc (they spay and neuter animals from rescue organisations) so LM was only operated on in the afternoon.

It was the most surreal experience to sit in the vets waiting room and have them bring out LM after her op. She was so calm to the point of being placid. She sat by me as the vet discussed the procedures and what meds I must give her and what to expect. I got a glimpse into what she might have been like with a different puppyhood, where her anxieties had been addressed and she had been encouraged to be calm and brave. So, yes, she was doped up on anaesthesia and morphine; but she was awesome!

Normally whenever I am at the vets, LM pants rapidly the whole time and her whole body trembles. She fixates on the exit and will not relax till she is outside and back in the car. It is exhausting for me to sit with her like this, as I absorb all her stressful energy.

When Little Monkey got home that evening, she walked all over the house and garden looking for her old friend, Mr Spaghetti Legs, and whimpering. It took her a long time to go to sleep that night.

I think that being drowsy from the anaesthetic, and the plastic sheeting not being there, made her more confused. The last time her old house mates died (Madam and TJ) four years ago, she didn’t react at all.

Also, it just goes to show how very much SL helped LM, gave her confidence and kept her calm.

They were a little pack, to which I had the privilege of belonging.

Mr Spaghetti Legs