“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring–it was peace.”
― Milan Kundera
Today we’ve said goodbye to an old friend. More than a friend really, a member of the close family. Star, known in more recent years as ‘Girl Dog’ (since Buddy became Boy Dog!) is now finally at peace after a few weeks of poor health. She won herself a two year extension on life anyway after kidney failure and we’ve been incredibly lucky to have had her for thirteen years of her fifteen year old life.
It’s strange to look back now and remember who she was when she first arrived. A dog that would bolt out the front door at the earliest opportunity causing the next door neighbour to spend ages chasing her around the village. She went from the escapee, to the loyal. In the last decade she would amble outside onto the front lawn and sit patiently for hours in the sunshine – not even attempting a run.
Star was the first meadow dog too, the meadow first became her home and she loved to launch herself into the lake there and paddle around for hours. In recent months she hasn’t been able to go, but it will forever be hers and Buddy’s.
She was a best friend and a pet all rolled into one. Dogs don’t judge, they don’t get mad when you don’t feel like talking, the don’t pester (unless it’s for treats!) and they don’t get angry when you’re rushing and run out of time for a cuddle. Star was, and always will be, my best friend and so precious to the family as she’s been there through some incredibly tough times. She was my photographic inspiration, and many more pets got photographed because of her beautiful face!
She’s left behind shoes that need to be filled by the fast learning and fast growing Buddy. He’s had a couple of years of her wisdom, the latter part of which he has spent looking after her, finding her when she gets lost because her sight was going, and generally protecting her. Luckily he’s mature, wise, knowledgeable and very sensible…… we’ll be okay.
Kathryn Dawson Photography 
R.I.P. Dear Star. Today you became the brightest of all stars. Thank you for sharing your life with us, we enjoyed every minute of caring for you, when you came to stay. You are a hard act to follow, but we think you showed Buddy how to become a grown up. Your family we so lucky to have you as their loyal friend.
Goodnight, God Bless
A.Pat & U.Ged xxxx
<3 She did a beautiful job of being the most perfect doggy in the world :) x
So sorry to hear about Star – I know how difficult that can be… These are beautiful photos and a lovely tribute to her. Good thing Buddy had time to learn from her and can hopefully give you extra cuddles when you miss her. Loved these photos :)
Thank you for your lovely words :)
So sorry about Star leaving, but she was aptly named because now when you look into the night sky, you’ll see her shimmer there. Give Buddy a face-fluff for me. Be well. It takes time. When our Golden Retriever, Jingles, passed we had to leave town for 10 days. Just couldn’t stand to be around here.
That’s very true :) gave Buddy a double face fluff! <3
What a beautiful tribute. May you be comforted in your grief.
:)
Not the blog to read at work. Miss her so much but thankfully she is free of struggle, pain and confusion. I have to skip these photos and look at them quickly at the moment….. will enjoy them properly very soon. Thank you Kt for this tribute and for supporting her in her final minutes.
xxxxxxxx
So sad…I know the feeling…Last picture is really cute, with the melon in her mouth. RIP I hope she is there where all the lovely animals are, in a very good place and a better world..they worth it!