For the very first time in weeks now, Albert followed us on our last walk of the day.
It’s been a nice day all told, ( I will tell you about the Pond Audit tomorrow) and I wanted to get home ready for The Archers so a little early I led the dogs down the lane for a mooch.
It was Dorothy that stopped, lifting her head to stare up back at the cottage corner , and around the corner came Albert. He was slow, very slow, and noticeably thinner than he was, his characteristic limp also much evident, but down the lane he came, silently rubbing heads with each dog in turn as he slowly lapped us.
He’s not long for this Earth, I know
But seeing him gamely following us tonight, and his weary return home five minutes later than us, gave me a proud lump in my throat
Lovely post John, wet cheeks here.
ReplyDeleteWipe your nose x
Delete❤
ReplyDeleteX
DeleteDear Albert, I wonder if you know how many people love you, even though they've never met you. xx
ReplyDeleteHe hasn’t a clue
DeleteNor is he bothered lol
I love Albert too x x
ReplyDeleteHe has his own following
DeleteGive him a cuddle from me please.
ReplyDeleteHe’s not a cuddler Joan , I will pat his head once
DeleteAlbert so wants to stay with you all x
ReplyDeleteFrom a year old , he has always accompanied us on our evening walks …he loves being a follower
DeleteIt's the saddest time when our beloved pets leave us, treasure little Albert in the time he has left.
ReplyDeleteAs long as he’s eating and not in pain . I will know the time I need to intervene
DeleteI completely agree with your words in response to Anne, John. I just wish the same could apply to humans. Jackie in Georgia USA
DeleteYes pet owners KNOW when it’s time
DeleteWell done Albert x
ReplyDelete❤️🌈
DeleteMy aged dog is doing the same and I have the same emotions. It is just a matter of time now.
ReplyDeleteI have always mourned old animals , but will all of them that are in a state ready to go, I’ve always accepted their loss with a degree of real acceptance
DeleteOh, the dearness of our loved ones as we know they are approaching the end is almost too much to bear.
ReplyDeleteI’m actually ok about it
DeleteHe’s done very well from his shakes start
Cuddles for Albert ❤️ Lynda
ReplyDeleteHe’s hidden underneath the spare bed tonight after a plateful of crab meat
DeleteAnd a tear to my eye. John, it's the tiny details that you write about that bring me right to your home and heart.
ReplyDeleteI did feel it was my own “ lassie come home moment
DeleteLovely x
ReplyDeleteXx nice to hear from you
DeleteI read you most days and love your blog. X
DeleteThank u so much xx
DeleteAw bless him. He is still trying. Lovely photoxx
ReplyDeleteOh sweet Albert, you've twanged my heartstrings yet again..very very sad to watch our fur babies in their twilight. Knowing there is nothing left we can do we just do our best and hope for a peaceful ending. Hugs to you and hugs to Albert please, a little hug from a faraway friend.
ReplyDeleteJo in Auckland
I think he looked rather valiant today
DeleteYou've given Albert (and the others) a safe home, letting him be himself, keeping him well fed and warm. He's rounded off your family perfectly and you cannot have done a thing to make his life better. Be gentle with yourself, John. May Albert drift away in his own good time.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs.
I know, and I’m ok about it Babs
DeleteIt’s his time
What a sweet family of pets you have, John! xx
ReplyDeleteGarnishing sympathy ? Shame on you
ReplyDeleteOh do fuck off
DeleteWhat a sour puss you are, nameless scribe. Are you ashamed of who you are, because of all the hateful things you say?
DeleteAnonymous you are a mean and nasty spirited person.
DeleteThey are but they return and return , I never understand why
DeleteMy breath & heart caught for a beat when I saw the title of this post. So good to hear Albert joined you & the dogs for the evening walk! When Albert allows, please give him a head rub/scratch.
ReplyDeleteI gave him some crab meat as a treat and he head butted me
Delete😊😸
DeleteHead buts = a grand thank you from Albert!
DeleteThat’s his level of attraction
DeleteThey can melt a cold, cold heart. You paint a sweet picture.
ReplyDeleteTime for him to go
DeleteAnd it sounds like he's getting ready. You always have a piece of my heart.
DeleteIt's his role in your life, and they do love to have a role that only they can fulfill.
ReplyDeleteNicely put and oh so correct it was his one job at home and he did it well
DeleteIt is so tough to say goodbye. Albert is a beautiful cat and your and the dogs lives will be lesser without him. Good for him for taking the walk.
ReplyDeleteHe’s been walking that last walk for fourteen years
Deleteoh bless Alberts feline heart! May he enjoy to the fullest each and every walk he has left with his family!
ReplyDeleteSusan M
Thanks susan
DeleteThis was a heroic walk for Albert. Sweet dreams Albert. We never know entirely what tomorrow brings.
ReplyDeleteWe don’t but it won’t be long
DeleteAdd me to the list of those with a lump in their throat and sweaty eyeballs.
ReplyDeleteLol , he would be pleased x
DeleteMoments like this are all the more appreciated as the goodbye draws nearer.
ReplyDeleteYes…it’s funny , Albert is not a cuddle cat, he hates me making a fuss …the only housemate he has truly liked was winnie who he adored
DeleteGood old Albert -- always such a trooper!
ReplyDeleteOh lord I’m hear again
DeleteHe's had a good life John, you have done right by him his entire time with you and the head butts prove it. His game effort on your walk broke my damn heart.
ReplyDeleteYes , like Winnie, I will be sad when he goes but not distraught .
DeleteHe's a gutsy little fella, always has been. You're right to be proud
ReplyDeleteAs you know he’s feisty
DeleteThe vet has to wear industrial strength gloves
Oh, dear old Albert! I like when cats come on walks. I hope he can still enjoy a few more! - Jenn
ReplyDeleteA few I hope
DeleteAlbert just wanted to be with his family. I'm sure he enjoyed the crab, that was a big hug from his Dad. Sweet boy! Jen
ReplyDeleteHe loved the crab. And slept on my bed alongside mary
DeleteLovely picture from the garden. He found his tribe on his earthly travel.
ReplyDeleteHe’s a simple soul
DeletePlease a pat for Albert from us. What a good boy.
ReplyDeleteI miss seeing him with Winnie
DeleteHe adored her more than any human or dog
Dear Albert, we've all got lumps in our throats now, and I'm quite moist around the eyes. Bless him. He's lived a good life, hasn't he.
ReplyDeleteA dog filled one for sure….
DeleteI think Albert has a fighter's spirit until the end.
ReplyDeleteNot sure why Anon. That was me MarisAna
DeleteHe doesn’t know he’s old
DeleteI don't comment often (still a bit shy) but as the devoted Mum of a massive house panther, I've loved Albert from afar for many years. Such a beautiful picture at the beginning of your post! Love that you all got a head rub. Dear Albert <3 Sending you a hug John x Sharon
ReplyDeleteWelcome dear Sharon xxx
DeleteOh, our dearest OLD Albert, taking over all our own lives too. We send him heaps and heaps of love.
ReplyDeleteI know u love him raymondo
DeleteWhat a trooper Albert is. Lovely to hear of him joining you on your walk.
ReplyDeleteHe’s walked with the dogs every night since he was out of kittenhoid
DeleteI have a cat, Grace in a similar place in her life as Albert, every morning I check her basket, just to see if she is still with us, enjoy every moment, they are precious.
ReplyDeleteHe’s the backdrop to my world
DeleteLovely Albert. Give him a gentle head bump from me. x
ReplyDeleteHe does that , nothing more cuddly
DeleteSweetly told. Love to Albert. x
ReplyDeleteThank u
DeleteIt's hard on the heart to see old friends failing.
ReplyDelete