Thursday 24 November 2016

Goodbye Midge

In February 2003 I took receipt of a seven week old Jack Russell puppy to be named Midge. She had been bought to replace the previous Jacko that had just died and to become the new companion of my then, seven year old Beagle, Nana. This photo, taken a day or two after she'd arrived, makes her look a lot bigger than she actually was, she was tiny.


Despite Midge's tiny size, Nana was at first, petrified of her, a supremacy that Midge was quick to exploit but they eventually enjoyed countless hours of playful wrestling.

And when the big day came and a very timid Midge was introduced to the big wide and scary world of the marsh and all it's mysterious sights and smells, it was Nana that showed her round and looked after her.

And after a hard day on the marsh, learning all the things that a young dog has to learn, it would be time for a nap on my bed, protected still by Nana's comforting arm. (This was not posed, they often slept like this)

 And gradually she grew up......

and turned into the wonderful and trouble-free dog that she always was.

And five years ago, when Nana eventually died, I replaced her with little Ellie and it became Midge's turn to be the matriarch and show the latest young up-start the proper way to to things.
But a few days ago, an amazingly fit, near fourteen year old Midge, suddenly developed an aggressive cancer and we had to say goodbye to her - I'll miss her greatly, it's just Ellie and me now.

17 comments:

  1. My wishes go to you Derek on your loss. When my dad lost his beloved Springer, Sammy a few ago, the van they used to drive around in together become dormant. To this day now, the van sits at the bottom of their drive, the paw prints still on the windows and the lead draped over the passenger seat. It will forever stay here I believe.

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  3. Derek, all of us here send you our deepest sympathy. As dog lovers we know how hard the loss of a canine companion hits home. Happy thoughts of happy times though.

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  4. Thanks Marc, appreciate that, it's a special bond that many people won't understand.

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  5. Derek

    Feel your loss; been there a number of times.

    All the best
    Colin

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  6. Thanks very much Steve and Colin, I appreciate you both taking the time.

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  7. Your post and its tribute to Midge has certainly taken me back to childhood memories of three beloved beagles. I send you my very deep sympathy on this deep loss.

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  8. Smashing pics Derek and plenty of fond memories of Midge. I fully understand your grief, as they become such a part of the family.

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  9. Thanks Francis, she's left quite a footprint on my life. Nana was the only Beagle that I've had but boy, what loving and beautiful dogs they are.

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  10. So sorry to hear that Derek. What a grand life they both had, its just a cruel stroke of fate that our lovely dogs dont live long enough. You have your memories of the girls. Hopefully they'll be ragging around a great marsh in the sky together... Take care.

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  11. My heart sank when I saw the title of your post today, Derek. I am so sorry. Midge was a fine dog; I know you and Ellie will miss her. Thanks for sharing her with us.

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  12. Oh Derek, I am so sorry. I know what it is to lose a beloved dog - it has happened to me many times and it never gets any easier. My friend has just lost Millie, her beloved mongrel, who was a real character.
    I am pleased to didn't try to hang on to her over what would have been a painful time for her. The sad fact is that their lives are shorter than ours and we have to accept that when we take them into our lives.
    I hope you can look back on the years of pleasure she gave you - and the years of fun and love that you gave her.

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  13. Thanks everyone, it still doesn't seem the same place atm, only Ellie coming to the door when I come home. But Midge will join the long list of canine characters that I've been lucky enough to have shared my life with.

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  14. Derek, Just try to console yourself with the knowledge that you gave Midge a really good life. Very few dogs have the freedom to explore the marshes on a daily basis as she did and with such caring companions as you, Nana and Ellie.
    Ken

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  15. Thanks Ken, yes she had a fantastic life, just as Ellie will.

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  16. So sad for your loss Derek I don't think I ever met you without her in tow. Ellie will be a great comfort at this time. Take care.

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  17. So sorry to read about Midge, what a terrible loss.x

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