This is all for you, Mum.
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Because your early-onset dementia sadly prevents you from ever seeing this website, or basking in our reflected happiness. And I know that you would want to be part of it all, if you could. You would be so very proud! Sky is everything you always believed a dog should be. She licks my tears dry.
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This is all for you, Mum, because this is who we are. We're the sort of people who send cards to and from the dog. We feed the animals before ourselves. We choose silly behaviour, character and a kind face over show-ring perfection. Every time. We always take the dog's side and we always ask nicely. If a dog is disgruntled, disobedient or downright sad, we want to know the reason why.
This is who you are.
I love you with all of my heart and miss you every day. I shall always treasure the many dog-walks and talks we shared. Not even the breathtaking Manx hills and glens could silence our chatter. Most of all I miss your warmth and laughter. Thank you for showing me the joy of dogs, especially scruffy ones!
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Your daughter
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Jo
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Mum at her happiest
With her beloved Grandson, Son and Daughter; and Dogs
Chibbanagh, Isle of Man | 2015
Jo (kneeling) with Albert
Our beloved Bearded Collie
Copperfields, Royston | January 1988
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Sky gave birth under the same kitchen table exactly 30 years later. Mum took the photo
Mum's maternal Aunt Doris age 100
With Sky | December 2016
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Doris died on Mum's birthday in January 2018. A real livewire and dog-lover, she rode her Triumph T3 to the Isle of Man TT and met Guthrie
Mum with Albert
Aira Force, Glenridding, Lake District
With the sun on your face | c.1990
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For Billy
Mum's half-brother; and RAF pilot
We wish we had known you
Per ardua ad astra
Alice
For Grandma
For everything. For your abundant love
For Mr Loveday's Little Outing; and Yehudi Menuhin's Swan Lake, Part 2
You bore the pain of loss and betrayal with such grace
You were loved. And we miss you so very much
The more people
I meet
The more I like
my DOG
