Today has been an extraordinary day. I have never written or delivered a ceremony for an animal before. I would not normally do so, not because I am anti pet ceremonies. I am an animal lover and I fully appreciate the joy of owning an animal.
Mabel was a border collie cross, she came into the life of her owner as an adult dog and they shared everything for some 15 years.
Mabel's owner is a lady in her 60's who has been on her own since her parents died when she was in her middle age. The lady is alone, she has additional needs; mainly anxiety but also profound loneliness and some autistic tendencies.
Mabel was her rock, when things got bad she would press her body against the lady's leg and look up at her with that wonderful smile that collie dogs are so good at giving. Mabel knew if she was the subject of the conversation; she would thump her tail on the floor and squirm with pleasure, joining in with all that was being discussed.
For the last 15 years Mabel and her owner have shared everything. The daily walk, cups of tea, the television and I am pretty sure Mabel's diet was largely the same her mistress.
When Mabel was put down last week, the vet who has looked after her called me and asked if I could say a few words when she took her last walk.
I feel that, in my role as a Doula, it is incumbent on me to help people in their grief and if that is to help a lady say goodbye to a dog who has been her faithful companion, then I am happy to do so.
The sun has shone for Mabel today - we have not had much sunshine lately and the woods are wet but the countryside is starting to show signs of Spring. There are snowdrops and a few daffodils peppering the ground. The pheasants are strutting their stuff, safe in the knowledge that it is the end of the season and they are safe from guns.
I took my dog with me today, he knew Mabel and he has that uncanny sixth sense that animals have; he stood quietly at my side as we said goodbye to Mabel and tucked her up amongst the ransomes in a quiet part of the wood where she walked so many times.
I feel for her owner. There is a part of her routine missing now and the warmth and comfort that was Mabel will no longer be thumping her tail on the floor. I do not know whether she will replace Mabel, can one replace a faithful friend? I do know that Mabel made a huge difference to a lady who is dignified and proud and who is, now, very much alone.
Mabel was a border collie cross, she came into the life of her owner as an adult dog and they shared everything for some 15 years.
Mabel's owner is a lady in her 60's who has been on her own since her parents died when she was in her middle age. The lady is alone, she has additional needs; mainly anxiety but also profound loneliness and some autistic tendencies.
Mabel was her rock, when things got bad she would press her body against the lady's leg and look up at her with that wonderful smile that collie dogs are so good at giving. Mabel knew if she was the subject of the conversation; she would thump her tail on the floor and squirm with pleasure, joining in with all that was being discussed.
For the last 15 years Mabel and her owner have shared everything. The daily walk, cups of tea, the television and I am pretty sure Mabel's diet was largely the same her mistress.
When Mabel was put down last week, the vet who has looked after her called me and asked if I could say a few words when she took her last walk.
I feel that, in my role as a Doula, it is incumbent on me to help people in their grief and if that is to help a lady say goodbye to a dog who has been her faithful companion, then I am happy to do so.
The sun has shone for Mabel today - we have not had much sunshine lately and the woods are wet but the countryside is starting to show signs of Spring. There are snowdrops and a few daffodils peppering the ground. The pheasants are strutting their stuff, safe in the knowledge that it is the end of the season and they are safe from guns.
I took my dog with me today, he knew Mabel and he has that uncanny sixth sense that animals have; he stood quietly at my side as we said goodbye to Mabel and tucked her up amongst the ransomes in a quiet part of the wood where she walked so many times.I feel for her owner. There is a part of her routine missing now and the warmth and comfort that was Mabel will no longer be thumping her tail on the floor. I do not know whether she will replace Mabel, can one replace a faithful friend? I do know that Mabel made a huge difference to a lady who is dignified and proud and who is, now, very much alone.
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