Del, It's One Year Since You Left For The Bridge

[Bevd]

The 11th March will never be the same again. In the past, it was just the day before my birthday but now it's the day that Del went to The Bridge. I'm sure you chose that date as an extra way of making sure I never forget. As if I could.

 

You came to us on 21st January 2002 as a ten year old ex-racer who had lived in less than ideal conditions for many years. You and about 6 others were taken from a house when the elderly man died and all of you went to a rescue organisation. Each of the other dogs got placed in homes but no-one chose you because you were 'old'. Jeez. Old. They obviously never met you, did they?

 

I heard about you and heard that you were struggling with your time in kennels. The lady in charge of looking after you had to sit on the floor of your kennel and tempt you to eat tasty morsels from her hand. You spent your days laying at the back of your kennel feeling sad.

 

We arranged to bring you home as a long term foster dog - although long term wasn't exactly the words the vet used when he examined you. You had something funny going on in your chest and there were no 'air movement' noises to be heard with the vets stethescope. He said that in a month, we'd notice a difference in you. He gave you a month Del.

 

We brought you home and spent a week or so teaching you that the cats were not to be snacked on. You soon learned that the cats were your friends and they were often found to be your sleeping companions after that. I tried very hard not to fall in love with you because you were only going to be with us for a month and I didn't want to be devastated when the time came for you to leave.

 

One month later, we took you back to see the vet. Indeed, there was a big change in you and indeed we had noticed it. We didn't say anything to the vet. We wanted to see if he noticed the change too. He listened to your chest - and then he listened some more - and some more. And then he looked up at me and said "his chest sounds normal". Then he listened again and it finally dawned on him that you my boy, were not planning on going anywhere for some time.

 

We brought you back home and shortly after that, something hit me, late one evening, like the proverbial ton of bricks.

 

I loved you.

 

I remember the moment and I remember typing a post on Greytalk saying "I love him!!".

 

There was not one single day when you didn't make us laugh with your antics.

 

Early on, you'd steal tea towels from the work top. I'd put the towel back on the work top and you'd watch me. I'd turn away and you'd nip back and drag it off again. You were pleased with that trick. http://www.siteboxx.com/videos/deltowel.mpg

 

One day I was on the phone to a friend and you were playing with a soft toy on the settee. You dropped your toy over the edge of the settee and leaned over the pick it up, but you misjudged things and rolled off, turning a complete circle on your way down.

http://www.siteboxx.com/videos/deltoy.mpg

 

On Wallaces third birthday, you were too impatient to wait for the candles to be blown out on his cake, so you helped yourself to the whole top of the cake, complete with burning candles.

http://www.siteboxx.com/videos/delthief.m1v

 

On the 10th of September 2002 you celebrated your 11th birthday. It was a day we never thought we'd see. I'm not sure who enjoyed it more, you or me.

 

Then on 21sy January 2003, you celebrated your 1st Gotcha Day. Another milestone accomplished.

 

You used to let me know when it was time for your dinner. You'd get up and do 'cheeky barking'. If anyone can see this video clip, although there is no sound, you can see the look of sheer mischeif in that pointy face http://www.siteboxx.com/videos/delbarking.wmv

 

And then on 11th March 2003, you let me know that you were needed elsewhere. There was very little warning but there was no doubt when that day came that you were ready to go.

 

Phoning to make the arrangements was the hardest thing I've ever had to do.

 

After the vets, when it was all done and you were sleeping a peaceful eternal sleep, we got back in the car and the radio was on. You thought it was terribly amusing to have a song playing called "Don't you forget about me". It nearly killed us off at the time but now we can look back with a smile.

 

I know you're not very far away at all and I know (as does your Daddy and those who know us well) that you're still working your magic from way up high. I know you're just this side of heaven - and I know we'll be together again.

 

Until then.....

 

Del Doyle, 10th September 1991 - 11th March 2003

 

[Guest Kate]

Bev - I'm in total floods, whatta boy

 

I'm sure Del is smiling down at you brimming with love and looking forward to the day you're together again.

 

Huge hugs from me and Muzz

xxx

[patricia]

OMG Bev...I can't stop crying. What a beautiful walk down memory lane with Del...I remember every detail of all these stories. Del...you are so loved!

[Guest canagreyts]

Hugs

[Guest KyGrey]

What a wonderful tribute.

[ShanakilMagic]

There is not a day I don't think of Del. That 'hoodie' he 'sent' if my favourite in my wardrobe.

[Guest MaximusMom]

 

edited to add: I just showed the video clips to my children and they just think he's the sweetest pup! The "rolling" off the couch clip sent them into peels of laughter... I didn't know you Del, but thank you for warming my hearts and those of my kids! What a very precious pup you must have been.

Edited March 11, 2004 by MaximusMom

[robinw]

[Guest trevdog]

Watch over your family sweet Del. You are loved.

[Guest BrockGusDad]

Wonderful tribute!!!

 

Please be well.....

[LadyBailey]

What a beautiful tribute to an amazing friend. It's wonderful that you can look back on these videos. Thank you for sharing.

[Guest Greytmom]

[SarahsBlackPack]

What a sweet tribute to Del! I'm in tears as well! hug to you and your family!

[Guest Greymom]

I am in tears at work. What a wonderful tribute to a special dog. You will meet again.

[iluvgreys]

Cryin' here too. Bev, I remember all your stories about Del's charms and silly antics too. Your tribute to him was so heart touching. I'm glad you know he's close by, watching over you.

[Guest KaseysMom]

Oh Bev . . .

 

Oh Del . . .

[Guest Becki]

:

 

That was beautiful, Bev

[Guest IndysDad]

What a wonderful tribute to a dear friend and companion..

[Guest 8_Greyt_Greys]

very beautiful tribute. i have tears flowing like crazy.

[Guest Angie626]

It was so nice to see all of those clips again! Very beautiful Bev....

 

[Guest lisa73]

Sleep tight big lad Always loved, missed and never ever forgotten!

[greyhoundlov]

I was so touched to see the clips again. He was so special.

[silverfish]

Sweet Del. He was so lucky to end up with you, Bev! His last year must have made up for an awful lot of sadness in his life - it certainly seems as if he made the most of it .

 

I'm sure he and Susan must be waiting in the same part of the Rainbow Bridge meadows. I hope they're having fun!

 

[laurie]

What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful friend. Del lives on.

[Jennifer]