A sad ending to 2014

Life at the sanctuary is like a rollercoaster, one day it’s fantastic and happy (like Sapphire and Leo) the next it can be filled with sorrow.   This is such a day.   Little Billy, who came in to us several months ago, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep last night.   He was on fine form yesterday, he’d enjoyed Christmas, loved the food and his teddy bear present.  Billy was a good eater and had chicken for his tea which was his favourite meal.  He was fussy and affectionate as usual, he had a short potter around the yard (he said it was too cold for a walk!) and then a cuddle, a treat and it was time for bed.

Little Billy’s health had improved amazingly since he’d been brought in.  This elderly Jack Russell, had Lupus, which is a horrid disease leading to skin inflammation and depression.   We put him on an organic natural diet and he thrived from the start.  His eyes, which had been red raw, healed up and he became more energetic.  Within weeks his quality of life improved dramatically.   He was as good as gold, always smiling and the sweetest little chap possible.   A personality plus dog, he was a pleasure to care for, always good tempered even when we were putting cream (aloe vera suited him) on his sore places.  His face was always smiling, he was cheerful and pleased to see everyone.

Yesterday he had a cuddle and went to bed as usual.  We wrapped him up in his duvet knowing that if he got up to have a drink he would get himself snuggled down again.  Mostly, all you could see of Little Billy was his nose, the rest of him was underneath the blankets!

But this morning he didn’t get up as usual.  He looked comfortable though and fast asleep but it was too late and he had already passed on from this life to the next  ……. to Dog’s Heaven perhaps?   Or the Canine Valhalla where he’ll be health and happy roaming through the fields and woods and looking forward to another life.   Are dogs born again?   We believe so, the spirit is enduring – we’ve met dogs and other animals who have convinced us that their spirit has been here before.   Perhaps we’ll meet up with Little Billy again, either in this life or the next.

Billy was an exceptionally lovable and very special character – sleep on little friend, we’ll miss you so much.   R.I.P.