The Dependable Companion in Macclesfield, Victoria | Dog trainer

The Dependable Companion

Locality: Macclesfield, Victoria

Phone: +61 490 349 245

Address: Mobile 3782 Macclesfield, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.thedependablecompanion.com.au

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24.01.2022 Henry and Enzo had an eye staring contest with my toast. The toast won. I almost feel guilty. Lucky I know I fed them breakfast even when they cant remember.

24.01.2022 Happy Lets-do-another-2-weeks-of-stage4 Monday! Laughing is good for our immune system!

23.01.2022 A rainy Saturday afternoon, perfect for snoozing. Can it get any more comfy, Henry??!!! Just to clarify ... he does have a giant-dog-aporopriate bed available.

22.01.2022 We did our rehab exercises outside this morning, enjoying the warmth of the sun. Some massage and passive range of motion to get Louies circulation going. I tried him on the physio peanut for the first time today too to help his body remember how to stand. At the moment I am doing my homemade program including what skills I have such as acupressure and Emmett therapy. I have received a few recommendations for rehab centers that sound wonderful and might work with them further along. For now, considering everything, this is good enough.

22.01.2022 Say hello to Elsa - my new fur granddaughter! I cant wait to meet her in person. She has a fondness for the borage plant in her backyard. The difference in her coat colour between the first photo (taken yesterday) and the other two photos (taken today) makes me grateful that none of my current dogs are white! May she live long and happily.

22.01.2022 Elsa has a feline brother, Ollie. Knowing how vindictive cats can get we didnt want him to feel left out and sent along a bandana for him too. Hes a bit of a reluctant model. Whether to "dress up" our pets is a do or dont in your opinion, it offers an opportunity to gain your animals cooperation. Why is that important? Think bandages, casts, etc. If you practice with your animal to tolerate such additions you might be able to do without the annoying cone around their neck if injured or sick as they are more likely to leave their bandaged area alone. And that is a huge bonus.

21.01.2022 What a day!!! On the morning walk with Henry and Enzo we came across two unknown dogs. We went home quickly and then I went out again to catch them. They were friendly and happy to be put on lead. I couldnt see a tag with their phone number but they had their council tags on. Thanks to FB their human was found within 10 minutes. Then we burned the first of several huge piles of wood debris from the recent storm. Such a lovely spring day for it. I didnt want to leave Lou...ie behind in the house and had a brilliant (if I might say so myself ) idea how to get him through the super swampy area - see photo. At about 4 pm I was ready to get everyone back inside when I couldnt see Henry whom I had just spotted a minute earlier, I always keep everyone within sight. He didnt come when I called either. To keep a long story short ... walking the property line, a post on local FB page, a drive around in the car and trying to stop myself from imaging horrible outcomes ... an hour later, just in time for dinner, Henry returned. I heard his slobbery way of drinking from the bucket through the open window. Filthy and looking guilty. He stood absolutely still when I hosed him off, not a squirm - a measure of knowing how much he knew he had made a mistake! I am glad hes back safe and sound. I just wish people would stop asking me where he had been ... if I knew I wouldnt have been looking for him!

21.01.2022 Love has no age, no limit; and no death. (John Galsworthy) In appreciation of all golden oldies. Louie is as full of love as ever even though his sight and hearing are fading. Watching him I am sure his inner life is becoming richer as the outer life grows dimmer.

21.01.2022 Beautiful day at my home office, writing on my book about animal hospice care, inspired by Louie's dying journey. 10 weeks ago already, I burried his body. He enjoyed snoozing in this exact spot, then the cherry tree still was in full blossom. 21579 words already written, with more to come. Thank you for this legacy, Louie. It gentles everything. And thank you Henry, Enzo, Lenny and Marvel for your presence throughout the entire process.

21.01.2022 I am not this hair, I am not this skin, I am the soul that lives within. Rumi... Allowing Louies pace as hes leaving life on earth feels soothing and peaceful. Until I stub my toe on or stumble over a rock or root in my mind. Then thoughts rush in ... an impatient and wary "How much longer?" ... that reminds me of my childhood, "Are we there yet?", feeling tired and hungry and bored. Then shocked judgement, "How can you even think that?!" And I find myself in darker places too. What do the others think? Does anyone think I am cruel? Selfish? But ... no. Maybe they do. But I know this is right. When I am still, I know all of this is exactly the way it needs to be. This is Louies gift to me, and my gift to Louie. Its like watching a leaf fall from a high up branch of a magnificent oak. Fluttering, swirling, dancing its way down, only to be picked up and gently raised by an invisible current for a few moments and then continues to descend, unhurried but not lingering either. Such grace.

21.01.2022 Ive been posting lots about a dogs end of life, lets start the week with the beginning of it. One very common problem people have with their dog is getting them into the car. You wouldnt believe how many dog parents lift their fully-grown Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd and other big breeds into their car. Simply because they dont know how to get their 30+ kg fur baby to do it on their own. Then there are the problems of a dogs behaviour during the ca...r ride - barking, whining, restlessness to name just a few. Lastly, as soon as the car door opens the dog jumps out. Or, if they are restraint they struggle to get out and dont hold still to be released. Thats not only a nuisance but can be right out dangerous. What to do? Include these skills in what you teach your puppy. Of course, initially many dogs are too little and uncoordinated and need lifting. But as they grow you show them how to get in and out of the car safely. If you want to use a ramp, you teach how to walk up and down it. There are different methods to teach this. Practice daily. Take short rides up and down your street. Get your dog familiar and comfortable with all aspects of car rides. Life will be so much easier and your back will thank you for it too. Heres my beautiful fur granddaughter, Swiss Shepherd Elsa, showing how its done. Great job!

20.01.2022 Instead of photos I've got a daycare video for a change. Watch Obi, Winnie, Alfie and Lu Lu - the teenagers - and Marvel, Henry, Ruby and Zeke running, wrestling, splashing and doing other important dog business. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/-CAgQWlcPwk

19.01.2022 Besides the usual daycare fun, Yoshi, Rosa, Mika, Daisy, Marvel and Henry also got to socialize with next door's herd today.

18.01.2022 Louie has been enjoying coming along for walks. Catching scents in the air is stimulating enough that he needs a toilet break every time we are out. That means lifting him off the wagon and laying him in the grass and then lifting him back onto his ride. One of my many daily upper body workouts. At home, toileting means being carried outside onto a trampoline bed. Louie prefers that much over using his bellyband. A bellyband is a nappy for a male dog. I have a sense it...s more dignifying for him to not pee in it. The night before yesterday he got so upset that I didnt take him outside (it was raining and cold) he held onto his full bladder for a long time. So, last night to make him happy and my life easier I did carry him outside twice. I hope hell be able to go without toileting overnight again at some point. Ive been giving Louie acupressure treatments that he responds to beautifully. Most remarkably, his elbows have more movement and are less stiff. I am feeling rather tired but am enjoying the sunny breaks.

18.01.2022 Last night 4 weeks ago Louie experienced a vestibular syndrome episode and a stroke. The first 10 days were very touch and go but he has shown daily signs of recovery since. I think the video below will melt your heart as it did mine. So far, Louie hasnt been interested in pursuing what used to be his favourite pastime - chewing. Whenever I offered him the opportunity in the past 4 weeks he would at most give a sniff or a lick and then turn his head away. Chewing is impo...rtant for a dogs health. Read this very informative article about the health benefits to a dog (beyond cleaning their teeth). https://pawstoheal.com.au/chewing-things-over/ The other day I had Louie in his wagon while I threw sticks for Lenny and offered one to him and to my pleasant surprise he started chewing it. Yay! And since we seemed to be on a roll I decided to practice tricks with Henry, Louie watching. Ok, now just watch the video and tear up or smile or both. And excuse my loud voice as I was so excited! https://youtu.be/yRX04mTIo_A

17.01.2022 "You cant buy love, but you can rescue it." I love that saying. Here are some pics I received yesterday from ex-foster dog Hazel whos been with her new family including fur brother Ace for over a year now.

17.01.2022 A few weeks back Sadie and her humans learned The Trust Technique from me to assist with Sadies fear aggressive behaviour towards other dogs after having been attacked by a dog on one of their walks. They have been practicing consistently and it was time to see where they were at. Heres what Sadies human messaged me. "Sadie is doing really well. She barked when she first saw Taffy. But we just sat quietly and I used the Trust Technique until she relaxed. It only took abo...ut 5 minutes. Then we let them off for a walk and they happily wandered around. Sadie was still a little unsure when Taffy came too close but sooooooooooo much better. Taffy is very calm and doesnt invade other dogs space so I hoped it would be a good trial to see how Sadie would be with another dog. And it all went smoothly." Hurray! Well done. Keep up the good work.

17.01.2022 Allergies. Such a complex topic. It came up in a conversation recently and I decided to share my experience of helping Enzo heal his allergies in my latest blog article. I touch on skin care products, diet, the influence of stress and the connection between vaccines and allergies. Happy reading and please share it! https://www.thedependablecompanion.com.au//canine-well-be/

16.01.2022 Happy birthday, Enzo! Aloof to the world with eyes only for me ... thats Fiorenzo (Enzo) in a nutshell. Ball obsessed and a foodie. Loves heat (lies on concrete even when temperature is 40 degrees if you let him). Dysfunctional alarm system ... detects inside intruders such as me carrying the laundry basket down the hallway and imaginary outside trespassers. Occassionally gets it right. Excited about learning tricks. Easily suspicious of lots of things. Likes his life predictable. Immense capacity to adjust to adverse circumstances (such as a ruptured cruciate ligament). Much loved by Marvel and I.

15.01.2022 "A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything."... There is much wisdom in this Irish proverb. I do my best to have at least one good laugh a day, the long sleep department has been a bit more tricky. Though, how long is a piece of string? Since Louies lymphoma diagnosis I have felt more tearful than the weeks before. Hes spending most of his time inwardly oriented and there has been further neurological decline. Having him outside with us in the last couple of sunny days felt precious. Even though hes still here I sense the beginning of a Louie-sized hole. And ever present is this awe and wonder about life. The coming into and leaving the body and the mysterious forces directing it. The unknown of the dying process. One exhale will be his last. But how many breaths until then? Its as if I am sinking deeper into an ocean of stillness. Looking up I can see the stormy waters of pandemic craziness. But below ... everything is more quiet and still. And its spacious. The vastness is enormous, unrestricted. And all is well.

15.01.2022 Every morning after breakfast Louie used to go for a walk with me. He so enjoyed all the scents and wombat poo whenever he found some. I noticed how much he seems to enjoy the time outside I have given him since his stroke and I wanted to see if there was a way for him to come on walks again. Yesterday morning I asked at my local FB notice board if anyone would lend me a 4-wheel trolley. The responses were heartwarming. I received several offers and beyond that sweet get-be...tter messages and some helpful info from people who have experienced similar circumstances with their dog. So, Louie has been doing some test driving. Read the test results in the comments of the photos. All the options are a bit squishy for him because his body - especially his legs - is not as coordinated as it used to be and there is not much flexibility of position options. But Louie loves it! He was quite poopticated after doing two test drives yesterday. At about 4:30 am this morning he started to practice getting up on his elbows. It must have been taxing as he was panting quite a bit. I watched him for a while and then joined to assist him. His left front leg does move again, however, its not listening too well to his brain yet. So I helped him out a bit. He persisted for about an hour! Being able to hold his head up for longer and longer periods. Then he was quite tired and fell asleep. I had to wake him up for breakfast (unheard of!!! ). At noon he took another test drive, holding his head up the whole 30 minutes!!! What a huge accomplishment. Hes been fast asleep since. Well play around with our different wheels options figuring out which one works the best. How wonderful to be part of such a caring community.

13.01.2022 Last Wednesday night my life was suddenly turned upside down. Louie either had an IGVS episode or a stroke. IGVS stands for Idiopathic Geriatric Vestibular Syndrome. Its an inner ear disease that affects balance. I found him very distressed on his bed, unable to coordinate his body. There was pee, poop and vomit. We took him to the closest vet offering after hours service. He received an anti-vomiting injection and I declined leaving him there overnight in their unstaffed, u...Continue reading

12.01.2022 Did you know that science has looked into the popular belief that humans and their dogs (and other pets) look alike? Sadahiko Nakajim, a Japanese psychologist who has done research on dog-human resemblance found evidence to support that notion. New research has also shown that wo/man and their best friend share personality traits too. In my experience as dog trainer I have often observed this phenomenon. And I dont think its far-fetched at all. As people become more awa...re of the true nature of dogs it makes perfect sense. By "true nature" I mean a deeper understanding. Not one that reduces a dog to a being with "the intelligence of a 2-year old". So, what do you all think? My resemblance to Henry and Enzo is cunning, isnt it?! Thanks Smooch Pooch Wear for making this awesome mask for me!

12.01.2022 3 years ago I bought this doggy shirt and everyone had to try it on for a photo shoot. Day-o! Day-o! Daylight come and me wanna go home

11.01.2022 Ex-foster Harvey is such a snuggle bear. Things are going well in his new home. And - as frequently is the case with rescue dogs - there are also some challenges. I want to take a moment to talk about this. Adopting a rescue dog - but equally true when getting a puppy - within a few days/weeks/months comes the moment when you feel shocked or stunned about a behaviour in your dog. You never thought this would happen. You doubt the wisdom of your decision to add a new fur fa...mily member. And yikes, now you are stuck! A line just got crossed. You wonder where to go from here and feel out of your depth. Maybe you even feel a little scared. When I adopted Louie he would destroy one of MY (never my husbands) things every time I left him home alone. That was really stressful for me. And the solutions I could think of didnt feel like good choices. I felt frustrated. And I dreaded going out. A simple solution was found - leaving Louie outside when I went out - that suited us both. When we adopted dog number 2 - Lenny - everything was rosey. The dogs loved each other. Until one day there was a huge kerfuffle between the two, right next to me they went at each other. As it turned out it was a lot of noise and spittle and no-one was hurt. But I was rattled, adrenaline pumping, tears streaming down my face. What the f%#$ should I do now?!! When I fostered Henry his extreme separation anxiety and the impact of it on my life (my freedom was incredibly curbed) caused me all kind of emotional upheaval. It also put a strain on my marriage. I hope you are getting the picture here. Feeling overwhelmed by your dogs behaviour happens! What next? Take deep breaths. Calm down your upset. Youve got this. You are extremely likely not the first person encountering that problem with a dog. You are not alone. Get help. Be discerning about who you choose. Make sure the strategies they offer make sense to you (when explained) and are in line with your values. Above all, be patient. Commit to your strategies and be persistent. Stay calm. And make sure you appreciate all the things you love about your dog. Getting to know a dog and building a relationship takes time - weeks, months or years. Living with a dog is a journey of self-discovery, sometimes rocky but generally so very rewarding. So, yes, adopting a dog feels fabulous. Not every moment of it though. But looking back, definitely. And what has you pulling out your hair now might be funny as time passes. A good story to tell and laugh about.

11.01.2022 Louie update - day 25 Since last weekend Louie has more movement and flexibility in his forelegs. They used to be stiff as two broom handles and now ... look at the first pic!... now is able to flip himself over from the right to the left. can eat unassisted, without needing me to prop up his body or steady his head. has been working on regaining more control of his left side such as coming up on his elbows. is a tiny bit more coordinated every time we work on standing (with the physio ball). Ive been getting better quality of sleep. Louies communication about toileting, wanting a drink, wanting a cuddle or wanting to be flipped over onto his other side is clear and easy for me to "hear" now. I wonder what changes will happen this coming week.

09.01.2022 As dog parents we aim to please, dont we? Henry has a Henry-sized bed. However, he seems to believe hes the size and weight of a lapdog and loves squeezing himself into Marvels bed - which is a repurposed tyre trough. I just made him his own. Because whats one more dog bed taking up floor space?! It looks like a muffin top, dont you think?

08.01.2022 Louie update. I noticed Louie being really low energy over the weekend. As he had been doing so well we had booked an appointment with a rehab specialist this week. Instead, Louie and I took the looong drive to our homeopathic vet on Monday to have him checked out. It was discovered that Louie has lymphoma. For those of you who dont know, its cancer of the lymphatic system. ... The word cancer strikes fear into many peoples hearts and war-like language is used to speak about it. Cancer is the enemy that has to be battled. Slash, poison and burn aka surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The care I will be providing for Louie includes homeopathy, nutrition and supplements. This is to address his whole body and strengthen/support his immune system. I fill his days with as much love and joy as I can. Things that bring him comfort and pleasure are cuddles, acupressure, gently being brushed, ear and paw massages with an essential oils blend a generous soul made specifically for Louie, naps in the sunshine and my presence. I have said this before but it continues to be true - I mostly feel calm and peaceful. There is this unexpected beauty suffusing the entire experience, and deep gratitude. I am thankful I didnt euthanize Louie a month ago when things were so bleak but instead started to learn about palliative and hospice care for animals. As bad as the sleep deprivation is at times I honestly would not want to have missed this time. Always leaving the door open for a miracle to happen, at the same time I am not hoping or praying for one. Embracing things as they are - without needing to change them but not feeling victimized either - has always been super challenging for me. The best instructions on how to do so I have come across are in Eckhart Tolles book The power of now. Even if hearing about Louie having cancer makes you want to click the like button ... would you consider choosing instead? Wed much rather receive you love than your sadness. Thank you.

08.01.2022 Sunday morning bear hug to you all! The power is back on. Hallelujah!

07.01.2022 Happy rainy Saturday everyone! This is way too joyous a video not to share. May it put a smile on your face while you whistle or hum along. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157170983516816&id=552921815

07.01.2022 Louies cobra phase has passed and hes now Stevie Wonder. His nervous system circuitry is still scrambled a bit making it hard for him to hold his head still - though he actually does remarkably well in this video! I couldnt help it, its endearing. I am not laughing at but with him. I wont win a grammy award with my performance but maybe Ill win your heart and perhaps a smile. PS: I changed one word in the last line as I like it better that way! "Love" instead of "need".

07.01.2022 Louie update. Over the weekend Louie showed me that for right now hes still got some life left in him. He started to be really interested in eating again and weve found a way to do without the syringe. My husband has nick-named him Cobra. When attempting to get up on his elbows Louie rears up, nose pointing straight to the ceiling ... a perfect cobra impersonation. ... One of the more challenging parts of caring for Louie is his toileting. He cant get up at all so does it lying down. That has been a bit emotionally distressing for him. Ive tried different things to make it as least messy as possible. Today weve started taking him outside, supporting him to stand up and relieve himself. Thats less messy + smelly and more dignifying for Louie but really hard on our backs. The cold weather is chilling his body rapidly and when he comes back inside I wrap him up in extra blankets and cover his paws with heating packs to help him warm up again. I am getting longer periods of sleep (3 or 4 hours sometimes) now. The response to my last post was heartwarming, hospice care for pets is something more and more people are interested in. I have a blog article about it in the works, amongst other things sharing helpful resources I have come across. This afternoon was the first time I let the others directly interact with Louie again. Lenny has been very jealous of all the attention Louie has been getting in the past 2 weeks and Henry is so incredulous about the extra meals Louie is being fed. They all gave him a good sniff and then went about doing their own things. Business as usual. Louie was happy watching them. "Happiness is the highest form of health." (Dalai Lama) Louie certainly has mastered that.

06.01.2022 Look how much my fur granddaughter has grown! Today she received a little something from us in the mail. Doesnt she model like a pro?!!! Looking for an outfit for that special puppy in your life? We Smooch Pooch Wear.

06.01.2022 "The highest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude." (Thornton Wilder) Last October Great Danes Ruby and Zeke were to just spend the weekend with us while their human had minor surgery. When her body was cut open on the operating table it revealed that it was filled with cancer. Stage 4. A little over a week ago Tina died peacefully. She wasnt just a client, she had become a friend. ... I met Tina and the then 8 months old Ruby three years ago. Ruby was a very excited, very big dog in the hands of someone who had severe physical challenges due to a terrible car accident a few years earlier. Part of me was doubtful how the two of them would work things out. Tina did an incredible job with Ruby. Patience, persistence, kindness and occassionally putting her foot down this Great Dane puppy became calm, incredibly well socialized and a great ambassador for her breed. I am sad that I wont see Tina again (not in the form I am used to anyways) but my heart is filled with gratitude for the memories I keep. Two beautiful trips to the beach for each dogs first time there among my favourite. What about Ruby and Zeke now? When Tina learned of her cancer she started considering the future of her beloved dogs and a wonderful solution presented itself. Theyll be living with someone they really got to know these past 6 months. Zeke has already bonded with his new papa. Ruby feels the loss of the human that has been her world since she was a puppy. Time will help her grief and shell be able to move on. And I have a little piece of Tina always by my side - Henry. She considered him as a companion for Ruby but had the wisdom to realize that even though she was completely in love with him that she was in over her head. I was overseas on holiday when she took him in. I remember her excitement as he was such a sweetheart ... until all the other parts came out. Then a phone call (still overseas) discussing options. Most of you know the rest of Henrys story from foster dog costing me years of my life to beloved wonderful new family member. Thank you, Tina. My life is richer for having known and shared a little bit of life with you. May you help Ruby find peace.

04.01.2022 This is how Louie and I spent most of last night. The so-called death rattle played on his breath, rasping and gurgling. Not scary since I found out from my vet yesterday that its just a normal part of dying. He will not suffocate nor is it disturbing him. This morning it has gone a bit quieter again. He still wants little drinks and some food when he emerges from the depth within where he spends most of his time - journeying, I assume. Looking for some comfort I googled ...poems about dying and death. Oh dear, one more dreadful than the other! They were soley focusing on pain, loss, grief. Which makes sense to a certain degree. But what about everything else? What about beyond it? Or, not even "beyond it" but right in the middle of it? Luckily, I can always count on Rumi helping me make sense in a deeply satisfying way. He wrote, "This place is a dream. Only a sleeper considers it real. Then death comes like dawn, and you wake up laughing at what you thought was your grief."

04.01.2022 First the fires, then the pandemic ... Enzo wasnt able to swim for a while and his condition decreased rapidly. With our vets note (confirming that this is necessary rehab) hes been back twice a week for a few weeks now and things are improving - hes regaining muscles and overall is much happier! At Woof Swim Team Enzos got only eyes for his special pool toy - Bluey the Octopus.

03.01.2022 Weve got an amazing jungle gym courtesy of the crazy storm last night. Just in time for the reopening of daycare soon! 24+ hours without electricity (current guess is it will be back on tomorrow noon) I am grateful for the little things such as having warmth from the sun during the day which we mostly spent outside (warmer than in the house) and that this massive tree just gently brushed the house with its fingertips instead of smashing it into two! Lots to clean up! I hope you and your dogs are well.

03.01.2022 Put your hands together for the awesome news of today! After an extended trial period Harvey and his new human have settled well into living together and they have taken the next step. Congratulations! May your life together be a love and fun filled adventure.

02.01.2022 Last night my husband and I both dreamed that Louie was walking again. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this will be so in the waking world as well soon. Until then we keep on giving impulses to his body daily so it may remember. In the video are a few of the activities we do every day to cultivate his somatic intelligence. The first is a game for growing proprioception - the internal righting and orienting system. ... Then there is a short sequence from an acupressure session - look closely to catch his bodys response. Some of the twitches are subtle, others more pronounced revealing the healing happening. The video finishes with Louie enjoying a ride in his royal carriage. https://youtu.be/9YIYQYqCnDU

02.01.2022 This journey with Louie towards the end of his life is bringing many blessings. One is peoples response, sharing with me their experiences of accompanying a loved one - both animal and human - during this special time. Thank you. Another is peoples interest in it all, wanting to be part of it and open to hearing ways it can be done. There is very little information available on-line about what I call true animal hospice care and I would like to add to it (as I am learning ...and experiencing it) so that people considering this choice for themselves and their animals might feel supported and encouraged. So, here is the beginning of my sharing on this vast topic from my personal lense. https://www.thedependablecompanion.com.au//animal-hospice/ If my article speaks to you, please share it. Its a topic pet parents need to hear more about.

02.01.2022 Five more sleeps until our annual Santa Paws parade starts! Starting on December 1, every day until Christmas a different Santa Paws will put a smile on your face, make you laugh out loud or go "awww". We've been busy like elves with photo shoots. This is a little taster of Marvel's ... though these are all cute, you'll see the best one some time in December. The agony of just picking one is the hardest part of this fun tradition!!! So, watch this space for The Dependable Companion's third annual Santa Paw's Parade.

01.01.2022 Its Tongue Twister Thursday! If a dog chews shoes, whose shoes does he choose?...

01.01.2022 Louie took his last breath yesterday evening. He died at 9:15 on 15/9. It was peaceful and there was a sense of fulfillment and deep content. I spent most of the night sitting with him. Today I dug his grave. It took me 5 hours. I read that some people say that digging a grave for their dog was really difficult (emotionally). It felt contemplative to me. As I dug the clay my mind recapped the past 7 weeks of giving hospice care to my beautiful boy. What I struggled with w...as putting him into the grave, and even worse was filling the grave. I watched an interview with Zenith Virago yesterday. Shes a so-called death walker, someone who is there for the dying and their loved ones. She said that she never says, "I am sorry for your loss." Instead she asks, "How was that experience for you?" People can feel all kinds of things about the dead. So, how is this experience for me? Missing Louies body, there is sadness. And there is a deep sense of awe at the whole process. I read that sometimes people and animals wait to die until theyre alone. Even though I kept an eye on him I also made sure Louie had time by himself in case he preferred that. But Louie died just as he lived, close to me. I was lying on the floor with him because he just had been a bit agitated again, one hand gently on his head and the other holding his paw, looking at him and he was looking back at me. He started retching, not in a dramatic way. And then he exhaled for the last time. Thank you. I am a better person for having had you by my side. Your love and devotion to me are a gift I will treasure always. Vale Louie.