A quick trip to the vets for blood tests. We've inwardly known for a day or two but didn't want to acknowledge the severity of the change. The results, when they are phoned through, show liver and kidney readings off the scale. Urea levels through the roof. How many times have we heard similar words ? " Weeks ?" asks 'The Font' . ' Days if she's lucky ' comes the vets reply. No pain but constant and growing discomfort and confusion. A large tumour on the liver. Inoperable and rampant.
Our decision is whether her journey starts today or tomorrow. We'll aim for tomorrow so that there's a dinner of roast salmon ahead. From somewhere she summons up the energy for a walk on the beach. The waves catch her by surprise. She makes it to the safety of the dry sand and is then carried to the back of the car and home. We wonder if the coast has ever looked so beautiful.
Down by the library they're getting ready for next weeks graduation ceremonies. There's a poem written on the window by the entrance porch which is just right for a morning like this .
65 comments:
Oh dear! Thank you for preparing us. My heart goes out to you and the Font today and in the days to come. So much love to you and Sophie.
How can a dog I've never even met 1/4 the way around the world break my heart so? I'm so sorry.
So sorry to hear your news. I wondered when you commented on her slowing down this morning. Poor Sophie.
Thousands of miles away, I feel that awful pain in my heart, when a friend takes her last steps. I remain glad that she got to experience cooler weather. morning romps on the beach, and sausages. /Fay
Oh Sophie, you are in a lot of hearts. Thanks Angus for preparing us.
Such sad news. Heartfelt thoughts for Sophie, Angus and the Font.
Beyond sad this day has arrived. As much as we knew it would, we're never fully ready in our hearts.
So sorry to read this report. I have been reading since Sophie and Bob first came home. My heart goes out to you all. She has had quite the life. Thank you for sharing her.
She has you both to do all the worrying for her. We all share your burden.
This has brought tears to my eyes, I'm so very sorry to hear such devastating news.
My thoughts are with you.
It never gets easier and I am so sorry. I come here first every day and now share Sophie's adventures with my husband most mornings. Hugs from both of us to you all. Wilf and Digby came into our lives many years ago when we had two Labs and thru the years lost them; next were two Wheaten Terriers; now one and a new pup. Hearts always break and for us new lives help bring healing and knowing you provided daily love, adventures, and happiness help also.
Thank you. No pup was ever loved more than our darling Sophie. Sending our love. XXX
Hearts all over the world are breaking with this news. Wishing you, your lovely Font, and dear Sophie peace and comfort.
Sadness for a life well lived, and enjoyed. Take care of yourselves,
The news about Sophie is sudden and devastating. She has had the best possible life but it is still cruel she will not have a few more years in Scotland. My heart goes out to you both. What a big, loud and joyous diva presence Sophie has played in your lives. We have all been richly rewarded in the reading and viewing of her daily small rituals and grand personality performances. Thank you for sharing her so generously with all of us. This is a sad day indeed.
This is very, sad news to hear. Maybe Sofie misses those sweet morning kisses from Bob? My thoughts and prayers are going out to you and the Font. Always remember the special moments you shared together.
Love,
Mom and Abby from Ohio
So sorry to hear this. The ultimate sadness and it never gets any easier.
Thank you, Angus, for letting me sample the delights of life through Sophie's eyes, ears and nose. Her joyful enthusiasm during her morning walks brightened many a cold morning for me here in Canada.
I am so sorry..sending love to you all. This little blog is something I look forward to each day. You touch a lot of lives.💔
Ah, Sophie. That diva has captured my heart, and her joyful journey through life has been the first news I've sought each morning. My heart crumpled weeks ago when you intimated that she was slowing down. Know that you and the Font are enfolded in love as you share her last moments. I am sad that your new adventure in your new home has begun in loss. But her life will end with the same words whispered in her ear that she has heard each day, "Good girl, Sophie. We love you." And that peace has allowed her to yodel and howl and snooze and romp through life. It will allow her to begin her final journey with that same trust. Grace abounds.
Leslie Piper
Grace abounds indeed. People all over the world will grieve your loss, including my family here in Connecticut, USA. We are a 2-dog family, and have lost our share of beloved animals. Angus, I hope you and the Font can find comfort in the knowledge that you returned the unconditional love and trust Sophie had in you with the same. Praying for comfort and strength for all.
Ellen
Hari Om
Oh Angus and "Font", nothing I can say will erase the heartache except, perhaps, to know her adoring fans are feeling it with you. 💔 YAM xx
Add two more broken hearts to those around the world today. Darling Sophie has been pure joy as was dearest Bob. Some of the color has gone out of the world this morning with this news. May God bless you and The Font and my sweet Sophie. Hasn't it been the best life ever? With love from Robert and Stephanie.
We're so sorry to hear this sad news about Sophie. Our paws are crossed that she has a peaceful journey across the Bridge where she will be reunited with her beloved Bob.
We read your blog first every morning and were so shocked today. We've shared all Bob & Sophie's adventures for so many years. Your descriptions of their happiness with life have been a joy. So glad that Sophie got to enjoy some paddling in the sea.
Wendy & Tom (Wales)
Heartbreaking news. I am so so sorry. My prayers are with you all.
🙏🏻 So unprepared for this message. I have been through this so many times with you and your special fur babies. I will 🙏🏻. 🐾🐾💕
Oh, my heart's prayers go out to Miss Sophie, you and the Font. She will always be a joy to this reader...
A heartache suddenly spread around the world for your darling girl. She's given you and the Font so much love and joy and you've so generously shared it with us. Blessings Angus. Like Wilf and Digby and Bob, Sophie will always be with us.
Devastating. Sophie has had such a wonderful life and following her, Bob and their predecessors adventures has been a mandatory daily read. Thank you for telling us. Will be thinking of you Angus, as you and the Font say goodbye to a most special companion. She brightened many days in France, Scotland and all over the world.
Ah Sophie. I shall miss your wonderfully expressive face each morning at breakfast.
So very very sad and shocked to hear this Angus. I read the blog faithfully every morning- it is just how my day begins. I am reminded of your final eloquent words when Wilfee left us and I am wondering where the time has gone? How is it we’re back here again so soon? Bub and Sophie had beautiful lives - no room for tears. Love and peace to you, Sophie and The Font. ��
Liz in Oregon
I have never commented before although I have followed the blog for years. As a fellow dog owner, I am crying for a dog that I have never met. Our dogs will always leave their pawprints on our hearts.
We can only echo everything that has been said in comments above and shall grieve in our own little way the loss of the daily dose of Sophie and all the gentle joys that has contributed to our lives. xxx F and Mr T
My husband died in December, rather suddenly. A few weeks later Otto stopped eating. All the tests were run, and nothing unusual was found. Still, he wouldn't eat. I fed him chicken by hand. And many other delicacies. I pleaded with him, "not now, buddy; give me till June. I can't handle losing you both right now." In March, for no identifiable reason, he rallied. He ate, he walked, he rolled on his back for belly rubs. It was a miracle. On May 20 I ha a memorial for my husband. On the 22nd Otto couldn't walk, didn't want to eat, and the kindest of vets came and helped him to the Bridge. A dog of honor. He will greet Sophie. Both pain-free and beautiful. I hope you and the Font can make this Sophie's Best Day Ever! With love.
Heartbreaking news. Sophie touches the hearts of so many who now suffer with you. She will always be larger than life and loved. Thank you for sharing her with us!
Angus, even though you warned us a bit ago the news is like a blow to the heart, I have followed your blog for years, I look forward to it and read daily. I shall miss your eloquent accounts of your mornings with your beloved companion. We shall grieve with you. Please take comfort in the fact that you have given Sophie a wonderful life.
My sincere sympathy to you and your family. There is never a good time to say good-bye to a beloved dog, cat, or other pet.
I've so enjoyed the years of lovely posts about your daily meandering hither and thither with your dogs and then just Sophie. I'm glad she isn't suffering. Tears here.
Big hugs!
My heart goes out to you both. She's been such a great dog, your most recent photos of her are so striking. Dogs simply do not live long enough. Please keep writing, we all have fallen in love with Scotland and the wee cottage.
Angus, when you mentioned several weeks ago about her appetite being off, I wondered if there were other subtle changes that come when their appetite is off. But I am sorry to hear this news. You know as well as I do, that the vets are not always right about there only "being days or not weeks," and so I'm hoping that there will be many days of grace to enjoy and savor with your family Diva. ❤️
Just catching up here. I'm so, so very sorry.
Gail.
Awww, Sophie girl, such a pleasure to read about you every morning, you have grown my heart larger! Such a splendid life with your splendid humans!
I love you, good girl.
Rottrover, I'm very sad to read of your recent losses. Wishing you strength, courage and happy memories to bless your days.
I read your words with tears rolling down my cheeks. I so look forward to reading about dear Sophie every day. Thoughts, prayers, many hugs to you and dear Sophie. Another hole in our hearts for a beautiful and innocent soul.
All of us who have loved and lost a dog (or cat) will feel your distress. Cherish the happy memories and know, as you surely do, that you have given Sophie the best possible life.
I never comment but look forward to Sophie’s adventures every day. She cheers my mornings. I got chills when I read your news. Godspeed dear Sophie. You’ve brought such joy to us all.
I don't know you. I've never met Sophie. Scotland and Sweden are unknown places. Yet here I sit at my computer with tears streaming down my face and my coworkers looking at me as if I'm a mad thing. Go gently into the night sweet sweet girl.
If you can wait and watch I agree with what is written above. Vets have been wrong before in a lot of things. Of course you know Sophie better than anyone.
I have been owned by two pons, my first boy Rupiec had an inoperable liver tumour too. Something made me read your blog tonight. I am devastated to read such sad news that Sophie is so ill. I have followed your blog from your first days in France with two pons from Scotland. There are no words.
I had always said that I wasn't a "dog person." Your Bob and Sophie changed that. I am in tears....
Angus, I am so so sorry.
I am so sorry to learn about Sophie's health concerns. I so enjoy reading your blog every evening in New Zealand. Kia kaha (stay strong) in the knowledge that many people are thinking of you and the Font at this time. Your writing somehow touch a lot of peoples hearts.
What a terrible time for you!
Angus and Madame The "font", know that there are tears tonight in Toronto for you, Sophie, and the price we pay for love.
Rottrover, I wish you strength and peace for what is a labour of patience.
You may find in time that the music of the universe goes on, even with a major melodic line missing.
Oh dear Sophie. My heart hurts for the Font and Angus. Hugs ❤️
50 some comments must tell you how much enjoyment your blog has brought to so many around the world me included it has been a high light of my mornings, I can only hope Sophie would sense this and go knowing what a delight she and yourselves have brought to the world, thank you is not enough.
Hart felt sympathies to Angus and the Font as Liz above says Kia kaha.
Bob S in NZ
I am so very sorry to hear this devastating news. My heart and thoughts are with you and The Font.
Safe journey Sophie.
I am so sorry to hear this. As others have said, we cry for Sophie, for although we never met her, we saw her adventures every day through your eyes. I will miss her greatly.
So many tears for the three of you. Thank you for many years of happiness reading about your lives with Sophie, Bob, Wilf and Digby. You’ve taught me so much about being a good dog owner, too. Sophie is in good hands now with you and the Font and you will guide her to the end with kindness and love. Your readers feel the same about you as well — many arms reach out to embrace you all.
We hope you will continue to post.
Like all those who have commented, I too feel so sad even though I've never met Sophie or her devoted parents. Thinking of you all at this sad time.
So very sad but what a wonderful and full life you have given Sophie. She will be very much missed by so many.
I read your post with a heavy heart. There’s no stopping the rhythm of life. Extra hugs this morning for Sophie for all her companionship and attitude over the years. X
Oh NO! There is never a good time, but there is the 'right time' to help her on her way. I'm weeping as I write. She had so much fun with Bob, and then became her own person without him, and had new adventures in her transfer to Scotland. You and The Font will support each other and we will all remember her with such affection, even though we've never met her. Love and thanks Sophie, for letting us share your adventures. Thinking of you all.
I go away for a few days and look what happens... Along with all your followers, I am so very sorry to read this news. May the next days be filled with the things you and Sophie love to see and do. Our thoughts are with you and the Font at this sad and difficult time.
Oh, Angus. x
Oh Sophie-Pon.
x
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