Tess

by Nic
(Jarrow, UK)

Tess was my mum's dog. My sister got her as a pup for my mum, when she was made redundant from work. I was living over 100 miles away at that time, but quickly formed a close bond with Tess on my visits home - in fact, you would have thought she was my dog as she was so close to me (she apparently used to pine for days after I left).

Due to ill health, I had to move back in with my mum and Tess a few years ago, so can say I had the honour of spending much more time with her. Despite my pain levels increasing, she would always make me laugh, or distract me with her antics. For an elderly dog, she was still very active and playful.

Over recent years, Tess developed arthritis in both hips and back knees. She managed really well on the minimum of medication for around 3 or 4 years with this. We took her for regular vet checks, and the vets were always amazed at how well she was.

Sadly, a few weeks ago, Tess' arthritis took away the use of her back legs completely and suddenly. She had had intermittent phases of being worse, but always recovered before. This was different! We used a dog sling to support her hind quarters to assist her going to do her business, but even with that, we saw no improvement.

Although I think both my mum and I were initially in denial, the realisation came that we could not let her continue this way. She was becoming more and more distressed by the day, and was certainly not enjoying life. Just over a week ago, on the Saturday, we made the decision that we would have to have her put to sleep. She hated the vets with a passion, so we decided to pay extra to have the vets come to the house on the Monday.

We spoilt her rotten all weekend - I even slept downstairs to be close to her. She was almost 16 and a half, was a big part of the family and is missed so much, it breaks my heart! I know we made the right decision for her, and ending her suffering was the last thing we could do for her.

In honour of her, and as a permanent memorial, I created a picture using photos of her, her collar, her favourite toy, and a poem. The poem reads:

She loved a fuss, she loved to tease,
But most of all, Tess loved to please.
Mischief, madness, years of fun -
Post in mouth and watch her run!

I can't believe that you are gone
My life without you just seems wrong.
Not just a pet, not just a friend
And love so strong will never end.

The tears will stop, I'm sure, in time
And thoughts of you will make me smile.
So run free Tess, the pain is gone
Know that in my heart you will live on.

Tess - February 1998 - 30th June 2014