Abigail Anderson

NOW GONE TO BE REUNITED WITH HER BEST FRIEND, ELLA (7.8.2019)

Judy told us “We had to have Abi put to sleep yesterday. She’d been becoming less mobile and had to be lifted to go outside for a wee etc.

She missed Ella a lot and really didn’t like being on her own at all. We decided that life was too difficult for her so we made an appointment at the vets. In the two days in between, we gave her lots of nice food to eat (all the things which she wasn’t allowed on her renal diet).

The house is really empty without her. We’ll miss her so much, especially as she needed such a lot of attention in her final weeks”.

A couple of weeks after losing Abi, Judy said ” We miss Abi a lot but, strangely, her loss has not been quite as affecting as Ella’s was – possibly because of their ages when they passed – Abi had a rough start, as they both did, but she certainly lived a full, long and happy life”.

For sure, Ella would have been waiting to greet Abi at Rainbow Bridge. The girls will be together now and safe in the arms of the angels.

JUDY REMEMBERS

Abi came to us after an unsuccessful first rehoming. She had spent her early years breeding on a puppy farm and was a nervous dog who had to be left in a room alone before she would eat.

Once she settled in with us, she blossomed, and liked nothing better than running around the fields and jumping in the river.

She was the most gentle dog (except when she was pretending to kill her sister Ella, our other IRR girl!).

Throughout her life, she continued to be such a friendly, loving and loyal dog. Even during her last year or so, when she suffered from dementia and then renal failure, she never seemed to be unhappy but was just content to be in our company.

We had a real treasure in Abi, and we miss her so much but we do take great comfort in remembering what a happy life she had with us.

RIP Abi (2004 – 2019)

HISTORY

Abigail (Abi) came from a Welsh farmer. In 2008, she was 4yrs old and she was an ex-breeding bitch. Typically, she was sweet and adorable but shell shocked by coming out into the big wide world. Belinda and Terry very kindly transported her from Wales to Somerset.

She was neutered and microchipped. Tina (of Tina’s Tails) gave her a professional grooming session. Whilst there, as an experienced Mum, Abi instructed Tina on how to properly look after a 14 week old puppy, bless her.

She spent a few days with Pauline in Somerset where she was given a friendly welcome by all the dogs and she learned about things like where to go to toilet from her little friend, Rhani.

The paw of friendship from the dogs and the Trust and Loss flower essences meant that she was able to move on to her ready and waiting, experienced forever home.

She is now settling in with her new labrador friends, Tess (16yrs) and George (10yrs) in Wiltshire.

UPDATE FROM ABI’S FOREVER HOME

We got home safe and sound! Abi went to sleep for some of the time, and was quite happy to get out of the car and come inside. She’s obviously not used to steps, as she didn’t seem too sure on how to tackle the one at the front door! but, when she found the back garden, she soon picked it up! She also met the cat, and after sniffing his bottom, and being rubbed up against, she realised that he wasn’t another dog and is now a bit concerned, but he loves dogs, so they’ll get used to each other.

We went for a little walk with Tess this morning, then I took Abi, and George for a hike around the fields – she loved it, and we met two (separate) men with their dogs who didn’t cause major problems! We also came across a field full of swans, which she was quite interested in, but happy to carry on walking. We met about 25 swans and two ducks so she’s certainly getting her share of safari walks!!

TWO WEEKS ON

Abi’s tag got here today, so she’s now jangling away happily!

She has now been with us for 2 weeks, and is settling in nicely. She is getting to like a bit of vigorous play with me, and isn’t scared – she had always enjoyed it with George though! Also, she doesn’t often look to see if she is doing the ‘right thing’. She very rarely needs to go off to her bed for a bit of comfort and sleeps contentedly in front of the (unlit) fireplace. Of course, the downside of her feeling confidence is that she is now trying to push the boundaries to test me! When we are in the fields, she doesn’t come back as soon as she had been doing, but at least I know she understands my commands! So I’m sure we’ll soon be back on track…