Vale Seamus the DogThe morning of Tuesday July 23, 2024, started out like any other morning. I got out of bed and went downstairs to be met enthusiastically by Seamus. His breakfast I prepared while he watched eagerly and then outside, he went to eat and have his morning constitutional. I watched through the window to see how he was walking as he wandered down behind the pool onto the lawn and then disappeared into a big pine tree. This was his usual morning routine. I always watched how he was walking as he was getting arthritic in his back legs and during the previous 12 months he had slowed down considerably. After some time, he was back lying on our patio and as it was a cold morning we brought him inside. After some time, we heard a thump on the floorboards and came to investigate. He was lying at the end of the kitchen bench and appeared to be unable to get up. After lifting him and watching him his back right leg seemed to be hanging and unable to weight bear. I phoned the vet, and they said bring him around.

We have always used Church Street Vet who have looked after all our animals well and this day was no different. Anthea came out to the car and examined him, and it was decided to x-ray his leg. The x-ray showed that he had somehow dislocated his right hip. After some discussion it was decided to put him under anaesthetic and manipulate his hip back into place. Anthea assured us that he should be ready to go home that afternoon but anaesthetic on a 12-and-a-half-year-old dog was a risk.

Peter and I waited with him and patted him as he was placed under the anaesthetic. Seamus was calm throughout that whole process as were we. Around lunchtime Anthea phoned me and said that he came through the anaesthetic well however when she rolled him over to do another Xray his hip would dislocate again. This she had tried 3 times. Peter and I immediately went back to the vet.

We were given several options including different surgeries that would incapacitate him for many weeks with no guarantee of success or to let him go.

 We chose to let him go.

So, while he was still under the anaesthetic we had to say goodbye to our wonderful boy. It was absolutely heart wrenching for both Peter and I to hold him as he went on his next journey.

It still is.

Why I give this account now is because until now I have been unable to talk about it without getting too emotional.

Over the last 3 months so many people have asked after him or heard what had happened and I must walk away with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes, often while looking after families who are experiencing their own grief.

Seamus was such an integral part of our lives and our business, coming to work every day, often cuddling up to people when their need was greatest.

Peter and I would like to thank Anthea, Heather and James at Church St Vet. for their professionalism and compassion shown to us not just recently but over many years. Also, our staff, friends, clients and all who visited, sent flowers, chocolates, messages and cards upon learning of Seamus’ death.

Once again thank you to you all.

John & Peter