by Steve Tanham
She’s completely blind with cateracts which cannot be operated on: she’s too old to survive the recovery period.
Her name is Rosie: a thirteen year old black Labrador.
She’s not our dog. Her ‘mum and dad’ are currently in Australia, enjoying a six-week sojourn. We’ve been good friends for a long time. Bernie and Rosie’s mum, Siobhan, grew up together in Heysham, Morecambe’s twin resort. They’ve been best friends for most of their lives. It’s not likely to change….
We’re looking after Rosie while they’re away.
“It’s a big ask,” said Paul, her beloved dad as they got in the car and left for their adventure,. “Thank you!”
We’ve done it before; as they have for us. They come up to stay in our house while we go off on our own trips.. They have a mini-holiday in Kendal and look after our dog and cat.
But we’ve never before looked after Rosie for so long. It’s a challenge, but like any major undertaking, you develop a method of coping.
Siobhan told us that Rosie is at the end of her life, and they’re reconciled to her passing any month now. We’d prefer it not to be on our watch, but everyone is aware that it could be.
She’s a gentle and affectionate soul. Her physical and spiritual warmth are pervasive as she scans the room, locating us with sound and whatever’s left of her memory.
Two weeks in … four to go!
©Stephen Tanham 2024
All photos taken and processed on an iPhone 12 ProMax.
Stephen Tanham is a writer-photographer and mystical teacher. He is the founding Director of the Silent Eye, which offers an exciting journey of the soul guided by lessons, inner experience and outer companionship.
Contact: stevetemeq@gmail.com.
There are two blog streams:
(mystically-oriented writing)
and
(general interest, poetry, humour and travel)
Sun in Gemini 
Bless her. How kind of you to look after her and I’m sure she is happy being with Tess. We left our 18 year old cat with a friend when we went to Hawaii a few years ago. Cookie passed away while we were gone, sadly. Our friend felt awful, even though she knew there was a chance of this happening. We had left instructions and had said our goodbyes just in case before we left. You just never know. Rosie looks like she is just going to be fine. xo
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Thanks, Darlene. Poignant moments. At least you were prepared and had said your goodbyes. It’s the quality of life that counts ❤️
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My eyes filled with tears for Rosie, although she seems happy enough… XXX
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Ah, bless, Jaye. She is. And currently on a short break in Anglesey; one of her favourite set of beaches ❤️
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Aww, I also hope it’s not on your watch, but at least it would be with familiarity and not strangers.
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It would, Di. We’re all prepared. But I suspect her owners will return to find her hale and heart … and well walked! X
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Bless.
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Rosie sounds like she is very much loved and cared for…I hope her demise is not on your watch, Steve(it happened to us once) not expected(a snake)bite but we felt awful all the same…Your scenario os totally different xx
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Thanks, Carol. She’s thoroughly enjoying her holiday on Anglesey, at the moment. Fingers crossed xx
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Dogs are a gift from God , or Gaia and Nature 💜💜💜
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Thanks, Willow. They are lovely companions ❤️
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