14th November 2011

There are no words to describe him. Acquired as an appendage, a partner, a friend for Jemima, so one might describe him as insignificant – an extra on the main stage. But that would belittle his role and his impact on my life. So I find myself returning home after a series of emergency phone calls, after he sat down on his walk and refused to get up, knowing that I might not make it back to say goodbye. There is a clarity of purpose in the moment of decision to end the life of a friend, knowing the suffering he may endure, knowing how he managed to survive before and perhaps could again but believing that this time he won’t. He couldn’t possibly. He’s suffered so much, yet from each misery returned good as new, stomping the kitchen, his funny little legs, his overlong body and large ears, chest puffed out. “What is he?” asked countless times by the curious – “a Labrador” always my reply. To call him anything else would damage his spirit, besides – I have his pedigree certificate.

What will I say? What can I say?

Wait for me at the bridge – Jemima will meet you there and wait with you. You are always close to my heart. I hope you felt love and comfort in your life – as I did with you around me. Until we meet again my boy.