Can You Love a Dog?

Didn't think so until yesterday - then we lost our Old Mate! He'd been sick for a week or so but deteriorated quickly in the last few days. Yesterday was just a sad sad sad day when he died and I spent most of it wiping tears from my eyes.

But nothing was as bad as coming home late last night with no Mate running up to meet me as he as done every time I've come home for the last 11 years or so.

This is one one special "Little Doggie", that's usually what I said to him when he was waiting for me to open my car door. He would look up with those big brown velvet eyes, tail wagging, and I'd say "What's up Little Doggie?" and he'd trot along beside me to the back door hoping to come in by the fire!

He LOVED the beach...
And his piece of rope to drag from the ocean
He loved people and especially kids.........
(and that old piece of rope!!)
Shakin' hands....
And the kids loved him right back
We called him Mate, Matey Dog, Old Boy, Rastus, Little Doggie and just lately Old Man!
I'd trust him with a baby, he had the most gentle soul.
.. and lots of patience.....
So long Old Mate, we loved you almost as much as you loved us. xx