Wednesday 11 April 2012

Farewell to Ceri

I had it first!


It was a bitter-sweet experience this morning, when, at 0830 hours, Emily, Ceri's guide dog trainer came to the house to pick Ceri up one last time. As I type this Emily is driving Ceri to her new, permanent home where she will begin life as a fully trained and qualified Guide Dog.




With last night being Ceri's final night with us she was--deservedly--spoilt. An extra Bonio treat (can't give too many as she's watching her figure), and a full evening of lying on the sofa with my wife cuddling - both snoozing, I hasten to add! Later, much, much later, whilst I watched my usual recorded 'Big Bang Theory' episode, I let Ceri back up on the sofa for my final cuddle session. And that was where I left her to sleep the remainder of the night.

I was awoken, as usual, this morning by Ceri's big brown-eyed face by the side of my bed. And, as was her way, she had brought something from her selection of cuddly toys to parade about with whilst wagging her tail and rump enthusiastically. But sleep had deserted me, so my wife and I decided to take Ceri out for one final walk with her new best friend, Darcy. My wife cried before the walk, during the walk, and especially as we packed up Ceri's things--including two new cuddly toys--and the bed we bought on her arrival at our home, eight weeks ago.

Isn't this sunshine simply divine, darling!
We are going to miss Ceri terribly, but are extremely happy that she has a permanent home with a very deserving new owner, who by all accounts is over the moon about having Ceri. She is going to be a new lease of life for this lady and will be loved, and in turn love, unconditionally.

Ceri, some daft bugger, and our baby, Darcy.
And do big boys cry? Of course they do...

20 comments:

Amanda Heitler said...

Ceri sounds like quite a dog. It is great that she can use all that energy and lovingness as a guide dog. You so often see working dogs not working and getting frustrated and grumpy - it's such a waste. And absolutely none of that will make any difference to how much you both miss her.

Maria Zannini said...

Bless you for doing what you do. I'm not sure I have the fortitude to give up a dog I've trained. I can't even give up the ones who find me. :)

Ceri was a lucky dog, and her new owner will be forever grateful.

PS Darcy is ADORABLE!

Mark K said...

:) Yes, Darcy is a gorgeous gal, spoilt rotten by my wife, but gorgeous anyway.
We're going to have along hard think about accepting a second Guide Dog, seeing how we grew so attached to Ceri - not sure if that wrench is doable a second time?

Lydia Kang said...

The daft bugger in the picture looks kind of sad. :(
I think it's amazing that you've done this. What a gift! It would be so hard to give up a dog after bonding with it like that.

Are you going to get another dog to train soon?

Adrienne said...

That's so sweet and heartbreaking and wonderful! Ceri and Darcy are both beautiful dogs.

Elizabeth Twist said...

You and your wife did a great thing. This is a lovely story.

A-Z @ Elizabeth Twist

JoJo said...

*sniff* What a sweet story! Darcy's gonna miss her new bff.

Mark K said...

No, I don't think so. Didn't realise how much of a wrench it was going to be to let her go, but as I've said before, just selfishness on our behalf. Ceri's got a great life ahead, and that makes us very happy.

Mark K said...

Ceri and Darcy would be so pleased you said that... thank you :)

Mark K said...

Indeed she will, but at least she gets ALL the love and attention once again ;)

Sharkbytes said...

Awwwww. But you've done a wonderful thing. I'm trying to visit all the A-Z Challenge Blogs this month.

Mark K said...

Thank you, and good luck :) You're a better person than I.

Claudia Zurc said...

OMG! I wanted to cry while reading this story, Mark. I couldn't let go of my pets. I know beautiful Ceri is going to a good home for a good cause, but still, I couldn't give her up. Hmmm I guess I'm selfish that way :( I absolutely love dogs (and animals in general). BTW, Darcy is adorable. What breed is she?

Mark K said...

Darcy is a Lurcher/Parsons Jack Russell cross. She's a very gobby dog - in that picture with her and Cery tugging over a rolled up pair of woollen gloves, neither were willing to let go, but it was all in play. Normally, Darcy would let go and keep barking, whilst looking at one of us as if to say, 'She won't give it to me! Tell her!'

Spoilt? Yes. Loved? Without question. She is our 'baby'.

Jeremy Bates said...

I don't know how you do it. I love my pets and would not be the proverbial happy camper to see one go. I know it's for an excellent cause. Heck, I still remember my cat from many moons ago and miss him.

Mark K said...

Greetings, Jeremy and welcome to the hearth, I appreciate you stopping by :)

When we signed up to do this, little did we know how attached to Ceri we would become. But then, silly us for being so blind. You do it because you love dogs (and animals in general), you then love the dog (without really meaning to,of course) and bond with them, and then you have to let them go... reluctantly.
Damned if you do, damned if you don't, scenario, I suppose?

And please, don't get me started about cats, otherwise you'll have me blubbing about my best cat buddy, Tom!

Adam said...

Its always hard letting go off a dog

icedgurl said...

trekking your blog!!! very touching...

cheers!
..TREK..

Mark K said...

So very true - thanks for stopping by, Adam.

Mark K said...

Glad you enjoyed the tale. Interesting name: 'icedgurl'.