She looked smaller than I’ve ever seen her.
Dwarfed not only by a large woollen coat and her trademark erect arran bobble hat.
Grief had literally reduced her to a child’s size
Mrs Trellis had lost her greyhound Blue.
I heard through velvet voiced Linda that she had Blue put down after a short illness and had taken a plant around in way of sympathy. The old lady was bereft and shocked and upset that some in the village had made it clear that she should have done the deed earlier.
Greyhounds look dreadful when they lose weight
She cried when she shared his last moments and was angry at the vet who came out, all emotions so normal but so unwanted.
Her usually warm little bungalow was dark and cold and felt very empty when I turned to go
Oh poor Mrs Trellis, so sad.
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DeleteOh how sad for poor Mrs Trellis. Why oh why do people feel compelled to make known their opinions on things that are simply not their business? It is bad enough when trolls leave their comments on blogs but even worse to do such a thing in person to an obviously grief stricken elderly woman. That stinks.
ReplyDeleteBecause everyone has an opinion , and most people don’t understand that the best thing to do is to say nothing at all
DeleteYou know, I have been meaning to ask: have you heard of the book 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time'? I read it and like it very much.
DeleteOh, my sincere sympathy to Mrs. Trellis and all who shared her love of Blue. Daisy, our adorable ancient Basset Hound told me by the look in her eyes at age 20 that it was time for her to go and that broke our hearts. We paid attention because it was best for Daisy.
ReplyDeletePlease hug Mrs. Trellis for me.
Hugs!
Thank u babs
DeleteSad for Mrs Trellis. Sounds as if the vet should have had more compassion.
ReplyDeleteShe was young and very inexperienced I was told
DeletePeople are always quick to judge others. I hope Mr.s Trellis recovers in time. Putting a dog down is never easy. You feel awful if it's too soon, you feel awful if it's too late. When is the right time?
ReplyDeleteYou make the best call 7 can
DeleteYou can
DeleteYep
DeleteEvery bit a family member and just as precious. And, as we age I find the mourning is harder because we are so few remaining.
ReplyDeleteWe all need to be caring x
DeleteSorry to hear Mrs Trellis has had to let her pet go! I am still feeling the loss of my cat, I had to get the vet out to have him put to sleep,only a week ago! And it still hurts so very much. You do feel guilty even although you know it was time, and didn’t want him suffering as he had bone cancer
ReplyDeleteAnd had lost so much weight! Mary D x
Hugs mary
DeleteMy condolences to Mrs Trellis. So sad. Shame on people making her feel bad. It’s a hard decision to put your dog-child down. She loved him dearly. Glad you visited her and let her release some sorrow. She needs the comfort and support of friends like you right now. Cali
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DeleteMy heart breaks for Mrs. Trellis. Glad you, Linda and hopefully others are rallying around her with comfort and emotional support in her time of loss.
ReplyDeleteShe has many friends
DeleteSending love and condolences to Mrs Trellis. I'm glad she has friends like you to counteract the idiots who are unable to sympathise and empathise with grief. xx
ReplyDeleteShe has many friends in the village …people have opinions related to their own view of life
DeleteSo sad for Mrs Trellis. Glad she has friends to look after her. Sue P xx
ReplyDeleteAnd when I left , another villager walked up the path to visit her
DeleteSo sorry for Mrs Trellis. At our age a dog is more than a mere animal or companion, it is, like Blue, a soulmate. There are some excellent dog rescues in your area, and there is also the nationwide Oldies Club, for older dogs looking for new homes. Or have a look on the nationwide dog rescue site, Dogsblog. There are also a lot of specialist greyhound rehomers. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteShe’s an old lady now I’m not sure if she could cope with another loss
DeleteLove and a hug for Mrs Trellis at this awful time. There is never a right time for these things, only a moment when you know you have to leave go. My heart breaks for her. x
ReplyDeleteShe’s been a constant in my life here , I’m glad I could support her now
DeleteThis infuriates me. What is wrong with people?? I am glad she has you and the other good people in the village to rally around and offer support.
ReplyDeleteEveryone’s a critic x
DeleteI'm not sure we ever feel we got it right. I still wonder if I was too hasty with one and a day or 2 late with another. One vet was rather cheerful and matter of fact, which upset my husband. Dear Mrs Trellis, she must be feeling lost and empty, bless her x
ReplyDeleteI tend to make my decision earlier rather than later, but I don’t judge , Blue was eating and pain free until the end
DeleteSo sad . We have greyhounds and they drop weight so quickly when unwell . My heart goes out to her xxx
ReplyDeleteMine did too, I’ve never seen her so frail
DeleteA little gem of a story
ReplyDeleteLee
My feeling is that we know our pets best.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to say a final goodbye to a much-loved dog (or cat). I am glad you and others in the village are helping Mrs. Trellis during this time. Does Mrs. Trellis have other pets that can help fill the terrible void she feels?
ReplyDeleteIm a firm believer that its better to let go earlier than later but I'm also a firm believer that the only thing to do around a bereavement is support.
ReplyDeleteMrs Trellis had Blue a long time, there will be a very large hole in her heart
Poor Mrs Trellis, it is no easy thing at all to have to make that decision. I have found that either as illness begins to reach its conclusion, or age catches up to them, our minds shy away from having to make the decision that makes loss a reality. Opinions are, by and large, a vital part of being human, cruelty, however, whether intended or not, is not. I can’t imagine that any words to imply that Mrs Trellis didn’t do the right thing at the right time, and I say that loosely, we’re well thought out or necessary. To lose a family member, a companion and in the fresh face of that grief and then face such criticism… it’s not a kindness but perpetuating her suffering.
ReplyDeleteI have felt the sting of feeling like it wasn’t quite time and have been haunted by not having made the decision early enough to prevent suffering even though the latter was under the guidance and advice of the vet and went against our own instincts. When it is time, whether it is ‘right’ or not, it doesn’t change that loss is imminent, it doesn’t change that it happens and when it does, oh that wave hits you and pulls you under for a time. Kindness costs nothing, but you can remember hurt/cruelty for a lifetime.
My condolences to Mrs Trellis and what a wonderful friend you are to her, I hope she is surrounded by kindness and gentleness/compassion going forward.
Oh no poor Mrs Trellis; such a difficult decision to have to make. My condolences on the loss of Blue.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry Mrs. Trellis is having to go through this loss, compounded by being made to feel she hadn't acted soon enough. And I'm glad you and the other villagers are giving her a shoulder to lean on. Losing a pet is so hard, especially as we get older and know we can't or won't get another furry friend.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about Mrs. Trellis having to put her sweet dog down. It hurts so much and we’d do anything to have another option but we never do. Please tell her I am so sorry and I’ve been where she is and it’s the worst place and feeling ever.. I would appreciate it if you would give her a giant hug for me.Carol in Atlanta
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for Mrs. Trellis. I'm still mourning the deaths of Franklin and Penelope and it's been quite some time since they went, so I know how she feels.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Sincerest sympathies and condolences to Mrs. Trellis. The death of a loved one (animal or human) leaves such a hole in our lives. Will keep Mrs. Trellis in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteStay safe & well, John dear.
We've lost a few around here too recently, and it's always hard to take. One particular large dog was very old, and simply sat down instead of walking. He was very grey around his muzzle, and was a gentle soul. Poor boy; I'll miss him. I feel for Mrs Trellis.
ReplyDeleteIs it not enough that the poor lady has lost a most beloved companion without being berated for not having him put to sleep earlier. Poor mrs Trellis. My heart goes out to her.
ReplyDeleteIt's heartbreaking to lose a much loved companion.
ReplyDeleteYour last sentence describes it perfectly. Thinking of Mrs Trellis. Xx
I am so sorry. All we can do sometimes is listen and simply be there for each other.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sad, gutwrenching time to make that decision and be parted forever. Brave Mrs Trellis for putting her dog first and calling a vet. It’s a decision made between you and the individual animal. Her grief is profound, I can feel it from here. Take your time Mrs Trellis. Hugs for you.
ReplyDeletePoor Mrs Trellis, so very sad. I wish people would learn some tact and be more kind. kind words mean so very much. Carole R.
ReplyDeleteWe all know this feeling. It's so hard.
ReplyDeleteIt is heart breaking, that is for sure. And I agree: the emptiness is awful. Poor Mrs. Trellis. And shame on those neighbors.
ReplyDeleteEveryone could chip in and get Mrs. Trellis a new bobble hat with a greyhound logo on it. I have seen some on Etsy. Very sorry for her loss. Good thing she has you as a friend.
ReplyDeleteSincerely, Bun
😢
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
This is so sad. Give Mrs Trellis my love, I know exactly how she's feeling at the moment. 💔xx RIP Blue 🌹
ReplyDeleteI wish I could give her a hug.
ReplyDeleteA sad death in the family.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for Mrs. Trellis. I'm glad she has people like you to support her. xo
ReplyDeleteVery sad. x
ReplyDeleteThe anonymous was me. x
ReplyDeleteThank you Al for your lovely comments x
ReplyDeleteLosing a beloved pet is just as hard as losing a human friend of family member. My good friend had a greyhound called Blue who he lost last year.
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