30/07/2024
I have had the enormous privilege of sharing my life over the past 11 years, with an exceptional and wonderful dog. I hope you will indulge me as I tell you just a little about him.
Arthur came into my life from dubious origins, a tiny but feisty, cheerful and confident Westie. He grew up to be the most faithful and loving companion I could ever imagine. Affectionate, obedient (except when rabbits were nearby!) and keen to please, stubborn on occasion but never unloving, At any time at home I could guarantee that if I turned around he would be there, either asleep at my heels or staring up at me.
From the age of 2 years it became clear that Arthur had a significant neurological problem with his spine, which led to his back legs starting to fail. He bore three massive surgeries over 6 years with his usual stoicism and, each time, recovered enough to carry on with walks and play. Fortunately, the condition itself didn’t cause him any pain. He endured a roller coaster of limited mobility and renewed movement, never giving up and determined to make the most of his life.
He worked as a therapy dog for 6 years, visiting dementia patients and others rehabilitating from surgery. His jolly face and demeanour, keenness to please and wriggling antics on the patients’ beds, had them all smiling and looking forwards to his visits.
Arthur also helped me in my work, as a stooge dog. His job was to remain a gentle and steady influence on frightened and reactive dogs who might panic at the sight of a small white terrier. He stood calmly looking away when they dared to approach him for a sniff of his rear end and would happily trot alongside them with me as they relaxed into new feelings of friendship and safety.
Over time, despite regular hydrotherapy, his mobility reduced to the point when I bought him a set of rear wheels to help him. In typical Arthur fashion, he scorned them for many months, preferring to propel himself along with his front legs. Eventually though, he went up to them and pushed his head into the harness. He only realised that he could then run again when a squirrel dared across his path and, without thinking, he shot off after it. The look of delight on his face was priceless!
In recent months his heart has started to fail him and he couldn’t shake the belief that there were always flies buzzing around his head in the evenings. We made the decision last week to let him go where he will never need to worry again and to join his beloved Cookie where he can fly and chase rabbits to his heart’s content. You have taught me so much Arthur, and I will miss you always.
