We had a wonderful Springer who was pts at home ( beautifully done)on a Thursday aged nearly 13.
My daughter came to visit and we talked about getting another dog as I had previously said I didn’t want to be without one. She told me that I was too old for a Springer puppy so I said maybe a cockapoo as a friend had one.
She looked online and found a litter of puppies, I was not thinking of acting so soon but she said I should text. I dialled the number intending to cut the call off and text but it was answered on the first ring. There was only one puppy left so I said could I come and see her. She was in Essex, I live in Taplow.
The seller asked where I live and then told me that he was going to Marlow for the weekend and he could bring her round. I said I’d want to see her mother, he told me she was coming to.
So, the very next day, he was on the doorstep with a little puppy. For some reason , I immediately said “Fudge”. Her mother came in and weed on the kitchen floor and I thought good, Fudge will have the smell to reassure her- as you can see, I’d already made up my mind.
Please don’t think that I didn’t love Ralph, nor miss him. Fudge is so different and I’m so glad I got her.
It really helped with the acute grief, I only had s few hours without a dog.
Long story short, there’s a friend waiting for you, Cabbage can’t be replaced of course.
I thought people might judge me for getting a dog so soon but that would br their problem, not mine.
Thank you for this - I’ve not had to face this yet. (We have two rescues) but it’s beautifully expressed. Cabbage was such a regular ‘fix’ of mine and, like countless others, I shared and retweeted in November for her to be found. By letting her go you have done the hardest thing borne out of deep love. Cwsg yn dawel Cabbage fach. Cofion gorau i chi gyd
Thanks for your daily photos and for writing this. Grief is the price we pay for love, whether it be for a fellow human or a beloved dog or cat. The health doesn't just come from daily exercise, it comes from the pleasure of companionship, the fine responsibilities we take on for their well-being, and their great loyalty. Farewell Cabbage.
Cabbage is a brilliant name for a dog. My first dog was a Border Collie - absolutely amazing creatures. They own you rather than the other way around :D They are a blessing and it is great to hear that you have a new dog. Each dog teaches us different things and I hear Sophie is already on the case. Stay well. And I am glad I found your blog today.
Poor Cabbage - she sounds adorable. what a beautifully written tribute to her, she was clearly the best health tech ever.
It will be eleven years this year since my first cat, Muji, died - I still miss her and some of her habits - especially when I change the bed and she's not there to help with the duvet & stretching the sheet out.
We also lost our collie cross on 20 December 2021 Xmas obviously wasn’t quite the same and the new year too ! Millie was in her 14th year and your description of Cabbage,her beautiful life was a mirror image of Millie’s so full of life and compete unconditional love always happy to see you no matter what Walks don’t seem the same but hopefully when the weather picks up who knows ? All the best Harry .
My husband was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease at 67. His symptoms were shuffling of feet, slurred speech, low volume speech, degradation of handwriting, horrible driving skills, and his right arm is held at 45 degree angle. He was placed on Sinemet for 7 months and then Sifrol and rotigotine were introduced which replaced the Sinemet but he had to stop due to side effects. We tried every shot available but nothing was working. There has been little if any progress in finding a reliable treatment, I quit my meds due to side effects. Our care provider introduced us to Kycuyu Health Clinic Parkinson’s herbal treatment. The treatment is a miracle. My husband has recovered significantly! Visit kycuyuhealthclinic. co m
Beautiful tribute to Cabbage. I send you my sympathy at this very sad time. I lost my old dog Dingo in 2010. She was a wonderful girl and like you, got me out every day. It took me nearly 8 years to find Cisco (both rescues) and he is laying here beside me now. My best friend. I felt I couldn't ever replace Dingo but Cisco has filled the void with his beautiful little soul. Dogs are amazing creatures.
Such a sad, beautiful tribute. I have a 12 year old rescue Collie called Tess, who has been nothing short of a delight. As she gets older l think, every day, how horrible it would be without her. After reading Cabbage’s story l must enjoy every furry precious moment. Mandy x
I have never owned a dog, work commitments meant that I felt it would be unfair to have one. However, when I used to "dog-sit" a relatives pet I always found it very therapeutic, (the dog may have had a different view). I also know how much pleasure they bring to people so feel sorry for your loss. As always a lovely piece of writing by Rory.
We know just how you feel, lost our three legged rescue just over a year ago, still miss him to bits. The last remaining dog, is 16…going on 17, he is a Greek Rescue Dog, a bit deaf but still fit and alert. But we know his days are numbered, and we will be heartbroken again…Cabbage had a great life…lucky dog…
Goodbye Cabbage - and chin-up Rory. You gave Cabbage a great life (and an excellent name) and the dear old thing evidently repaid you and the family in so many ways. Time to find another canine companion?
Having had 7 dogs - a multi-dog household at times - I know the feelings you’ve described so well. The final farewell is heart-rending and some can’t face the prospect of going through it all again with future dogs. But, as you explain, their contribution to our lives is vast and hard to overestimate. There have been many occasions when I have marvelled at a view or a serene moment on a walk and reminded myself that, but for my companion, I’d not have experienced that joy. The health benefits you have shown can’t be overestimated either.
Thank you for sharing your journey with Cabbage and I hope the knowledge that she, too, benefitted greatly from your relationship will give you solace. I’m sure she loved her best life with you all 🐾
We had a wonderful Springer who was pts at home ( beautifully done)on a Thursday aged nearly 13.
My daughter came to visit and we talked about getting another dog as I had previously said I didn’t want to be without one. She told me that I was too old for a Springer puppy so I said maybe a cockapoo as a friend had one.
She looked online and found a litter of puppies, I was not thinking of acting so soon but she said I should text. I dialled the number intending to cut the call off and text but it was answered on the first ring. There was only one puppy left so I said could I come and see her. She was in Essex, I live in Taplow.
The seller asked where I live and then told me that he was going to Marlow for the weekend and he could bring her round. I said I’d want to see her mother, he told me she was coming to.
So, the very next day, he was on the doorstep with a little puppy. For some reason , I immediately said “Fudge”. Her mother came in and weed on the kitchen floor and I thought good, Fudge will have the smell to reassure her- as you can see, I’d already made up my mind.
Please don’t think that I didn’t love Ralph, nor miss him. Fudge is so different and I’m so glad I got her.
It really helped with the acute grief, I only had s few hours without a dog.
Long story short, there’s a friend waiting for you, Cabbage can’t be replaced of course.
I thought people might judge me for getting a dog so soon but that would br their problem, not mine.
Thank you for this - I’ve not had to face this yet. (We have two rescues) but it’s beautifully expressed. Cabbage was such a regular ‘fix’ of mine and, like countless others, I shared and retweeted in November for her to be found. By letting her go you have done the hardest thing borne out of deep love. Cwsg yn dawel Cabbage fach. Cofion gorau i chi gyd
Thanks for your daily photos and for writing this. Grief is the price we pay for love, whether it be for a fellow human or a beloved dog or cat. The health doesn't just come from daily exercise, it comes from the pleasure of companionship, the fine responsibilities we take on for their well-being, and their great loyalty. Farewell Cabbage.
Cabbage is a brilliant name for a dog. My first dog was a Border Collie - absolutely amazing creatures. They own you rather than the other way around :D They are a blessing and it is great to hear that you have a new dog. Each dog teaches us different things and I hear Sophie is already on the case. Stay well. And I am glad I found your blog today.
Poor Cabbage - she sounds adorable. what a beautifully written tribute to her, she was clearly the best health tech ever.
It will be eleven years this year since my first cat, Muji, died - I still miss her and some of her habits - especially when I change the bed and she's not there to help with the duvet & stretching the sheet out.
We also lost our collie cross on 20 December 2021 Xmas obviously wasn’t quite the same and the new year too ! Millie was in her 14th year and your description of Cabbage,her beautiful life was a mirror image of Millie’s so full of life and compete unconditional love always happy to see you no matter what Walks don’t seem the same but hopefully when the weather picks up who knows ? All the best Harry .
My husband was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease at 67. His symptoms were shuffling of feet, slurred speech, low volume speech, degradation of handwriting, horrible driving skills, and his right arm is held at 45 degree angle. He was placed on Sinemet for 7 months and then Sifrol and rotigotine were introduced which replaced the Sinemet but he had to stop due to side effects. We tried every shot available but nothing was working. There has been little if any progress in finding a reliable treatment, I quit my meds due to side effects. Our care provider introduced us to Kycuyu Health Clinic Parkinson’s herbal treatment. The treatment is a miracle. My husband has recovered significantly! Visit kycuyuhealthclinic. co m
Beautiful tribute to Cabbage. I send you my sympathy at this very sad time. I lost my old dog Dingo in 2010. She was a wonderful girl and like you, got me out every day. It took me nearly 8 years to find Cisco (both rescues) and he is laying here beside me now. My best friend. I felt I couldn't ever replace Dingo but Cisco has filled the void with his beautiful little soul. Dogs are amazing creatures.
Such a sad, beautiful tribute. I have a 12 year old rescue Collie called Tess, who has been nothing short of a delight. As she gets older l think, every day, how horrible it would be without her. After reading Cabbage’s story l must enjoy every furry precious moment. Mandy x
Beautiful tribute Rory, and a very moving piece of writing too. I have a dog and so I can relate. Sending my condolences and best wishes. Graham
I have never owned a dog, work commitments meant that I felt it would be unfair to have one. However, when I used to "dog-sit" a relatives pet I always found it very therapeutic, (the dog may have had a different view). I also know how much pleasure they bring to people so feel sorry for your loss. As always a lovely piece of writing by Rory.
We know just how you feel, lost our three legged rescue just over a year ago, still miss him to bits. The last remaining dog, is 16…going on 17, he is a Greek Rescue Dog, a bit deaf but still fit and alert. But we know his days are numbered, and we will be heartbroken again…Cabbage had a great life…lucky dog…
Goodbye Cabbage - and chin-up Rory. You gave Cabbage a great life (and an excellent name) and the dear old thing evidently repaid you and the family in so many ways. Time to find another canine companion?
Thank you for sharing Cabbage with us, Rory, it's been a privilege to know her
Will miss the daily photo of Cabbage, such a wonderful companion. thankyou for sharing her with us all.
Having had 7 dogs - a multi-dog household at times - I know the feelings you’ve described so well. The final farewell is heart-rending and some can’t face the prospect of going through it all again with future dogs. But, as you explain, their contribution to our lives is vast and hard to overestimate. There have been many occasions when I have marvelled at a view or a serene moment on a walk and reminded myself that, but for my companion, I’d not have experienced that joy. The health benefits you have shown can’t be overestimated either.
Thank you for sharing your journey with Cabbage and I hope the knowledge that she, too, benefitted greatly from your relationship will give you solace. I’m sure she loved her best life with you all 🐾