Hi All,

Some of you may remember Woody, my old black lurcher, who I fostered nearly three years ago and who decided that this might be quite a nice place to stay and see out his retirement. It was with great sadness that I had to let old Woody go to rainbow bridge on Friday night. He came to us as an old dog of approx 10 / 11 years old and we were aware from the start that he had breathing problems. After investigation it was discovered that he had a degenerative condition affecting his airway and latterly he could only manage short walks on the level. He took a turn for the worse on Friday afternoon and was having difficulties with his breathing while at rest. The time had come to let the old man go.

Woody was the most gentle creature who could usually be found either on the couch or in front of the fire and we have wonderful memories of him. Like the times when the other dogs got titbits in the kitchen and I would have to take Woodys through to the couch for him. He usually managed to lift his head to say, Yes, that might be quite tasty-------- have you peeled it?
Or when the sun came out he would stand and huff at me asking for the duvet to be put on the patio outside so that he could lie in the sunshine.

He would share a sausage with my chicken at feeding time. Yes, really! He would take one end in his mouth and let the chicken peck at the other end. He never harmed her. In fact, often when he was sunning himself on the patio the chicken would be crouched down asleep beside him.

And one of the times he helped at a Gal can collection when a mother pushing a young disabled child in a pushchair came over and Woody slowly and calmly put his head close to the child, his tail wagging slowly from side to side. I shall never forget the smile on that childs face and the way her eyes lit up as she patted his head.

Our couch is very empty just now and we miss Woody hugely but our lives are richer for having known him and we are so glad to have shared nearly three years with him. He was true gentleman.

Julie