Bert.

Mans best friend is a dog, or so the saying goes and for good reason. They give you their unconditional love. They are always glad to see you. They are a good listener and thy never answer you back.

Bert was a good friend and part of the family, but he was getting older faster than us. He had a big heart but his back end was giving him trouble.

I had been thinking since before Christmas about Berts future, has his time come, but he always made a miraculous recovery and the thought was shelved again to be visited later.

However when we came back from Rome, it was evident that he was in trouble, and the decision I had been playing out in my head so many times finally had to be made.

The time to say goodbye to our loyal friend had finally come.

The kids got their chance to say good bye as did many others, and judging by their reaction, Bert had really found a place in so many people's hearts.

We made the necessary arrangements and last Monday night Lorraine and I borrowed Jonathan's van and took him to the vets. I had dreaded this time for so long and yet I knew it was right. I think it is important how we look after our old and I was adamant that the time had to be right for bert.

Bert passed away in my arms and his pains were gone.

Ironically later that night, his wee mate Sandy from next door was knocked down by a car. The two of them had been buddies for over 10 years.

This week as I have arrived home from work, there has been, no welcome bark, no tail wagging.
No Bert or Sandy

Just the feeling that someone special special was no longer there. I hate that feeling, it's happened to many times now.