In Loving Memory of Junior

Monday the 13th of July, was one of the hardest days of our lives; my husband, daughter and I decided to let go of our beloved pet Junior. He had been with us for over 14 years, a great companion, guard dog, a good listener (when he felt like it) and loved gardening (he dug around the garden). He was a Staffy cross Labrador or some sort, but all I know his breed was intended for pig hunting. But Junior was raised as a home dog, though he fulfilled his role as a scary guard dog (as a few people would testify) he was actually gentle, kind and loved being around people. He loved his KFC, minced meat, pasta, roast chicken, scrambled eggs and my fried rice and towards the end he was only eating bacon, bratwurst and My Dog puppy food. People would raise their eyebrows when I told them about Junior's diet. I'm sure I wasn't doing anything wrong by him, I just wanted to go that extra mile to cook his food to make him eat his meal happily. Call me a crazy dog owner but that is how it was. I can't say that I was a perfect dog owner, as I did feel guilty when there were days or weeks when we didn't  take him for a walk. But despite being home-bound, he was always happy to see us come home. He would look through the gap in the gate as we drove in and wagged his tail with glee. A sort of unconditional love you rarely see. Why are dogs so happy all the time? But why do they live such a short life? Is that because they live long enough to show us how real love is? And that they've done their part in our lives, and it's time for us to share that love with mankind?

We will definitely miss him and won't stop loving him and will treasure his memories for the rest of our lives. He may be gone but not forgotten! Rest in peace little Junior. We'll miss you so much! 

Thank you dear friends for reading. Wishing you all a wonderful week and weekend ahead. 

And to Lesley from UK, thank you for your message. Sorry that I can't see any email address to reply to your message. Take care x

T

Taken few years ago when Junior was recovering from a skin disease.

Just another lazy day by the verandah 

And always on the lookout for something to chase away.

He used to inspect all the day"s picking.

I missed him following me around the garden.

Look at those beautiful smile. He may look tough but he was actually gentle and love being around people.

A

Very camera-shy doggie.

Puppy Love

Our dog Junior is 15 years old, and showing signs of old age. Not only has he lost his appetite but he's lost his coordination. Sad to see him very skinny and looking very weak. He only eats when we hand feed him, which none of us mind doing. For he has been a good family pet and did his job as a scary guard dog. Hubby suggested it's time to take him to the vet but my daughter and I are reluctant for we know there is only one way (SAD). My family love all animals great and small, we treat them with kindness and dignity. In return they love us unconditionally. It absolutely breaks my heart when one of them dies of illness or natural death (I know it's a cycle of life). I know some of you can relate to that. 

What happened next wasn't intentional. A Few months back, Greg started looking online for a Border Collie Puppy (not as a replacement for Junior) but he was feeling clucky😊🐶. Lucky for us, there was a litter of 5 Collie cross Kelpie pups to be adopted by the RSPCA. Four were adopted and Woolly was the only one left waiting to be adopted. As soon as we saw his picture on the net, our heart melted. Though it is a 5 hour drive to the New England area from Sydney we didn't mind, for we knew this little creature was waiting for us to meet him and take him home. 

The drive was long but pleasant, stopped a couple of times for dinner and to stretch. 

The following morning, we headed to the Old Bell Tower for breakfast. 

An old church converted into a cafe/gift store.

An eclectic collection of vintage style, antique and old wares gifts.

I opted for the big vege breakfast.

My sweet hubby deserves more than a coffee.

Then we headed to RSPCA. This is Woolly's sister.She was waiting for her adopted parents to pick her up. Woolly is the one on the bed, very shy little puppy.

And here he is....so adorable.

Already fond of each other

My daughter fell in love with him as soon as she saw him.

We stopped to revive and survive in a town called Willow Tree.

Woolly was a little car sick- first long trip for him.

Stopped at Murrundi to check out this pink house turned shop. 

Some homegrown pumpkins and apples was sold along the road.

Collection of over 4,000 salt and pepper shakers are inside that pink house.

I didn't leave empty-handed, found this pair of salt and pepper shakers puppies.

He gets along well with Junior.

Went to meet his cousins-Poppy (the Kelpie x cattle dog and Minou-the cat).

Looking very cosy at home with his squeaky toys.

So soft and cuddly.

He follows me around the garden.

Chilling inside the shed.

Woolly and Daddy. Cute together.

Don't you think he is cute?