Pippa

We were blessed to be given Pippa and her sister Rocki in 1992, two adorable pups, sisters from the same litter, 3 months old and full of naughtiness and fun that has filled every day of the last 11 years. Two quite different characters, one (Pippa) without a care in the world, the other (Rocki who remains) the world's biggest worrier, she worried all the time about Pippa. She used to let us know when Pippa was feeling bad.

New Year's day 2000 Pippa was attacked at our local park by another dog. It sensed her fear and would not take its teeth from her back, we fought with it trying to free her. She was taken to our vet Chris and was stitched and nursed. Two weeks later the shock of the attack brought on her Diabetes. Things became complicated and Pancreatitis took hold. Time and time again her Pancreatitis struck her down, our wonderful vet Chris came out all hours. She was fantastic, so dedicated to helping poor Pippa who would not had given us the years she did without the support care and guidance from Chris Mugele. She taught me all about Diabetes. We worked so closely with Pippa, I even managed to get Chris into home blood testing as Pippa was a poor patient and would only eat for her 'mum'.

Pippa and her Rocki still played until Pippa's last days, Rocki still the worrier with all her grey fur now. Pippa did not look her age apart from her cloudy eyes. She was still full of bounce on good days but the good days became less and less, with me feeding her by hand. She was weak and vulnerable, she was uncomfortable, she could not settle, relax, the strain showing on her as well as us. I stayed up all night with her to try and comfort her, she kept nuzzling me as she must have felt alone, pawing at me asking for what? I think now she was asking for relief, she had had enough. I just pray what I felt was right. It was the hardest decision of my life. I stayed with her so she wasn't alone and hugged her tight as she passed. I didn't want her to go but she wouldn't have to suffer anymore. She has left a big hole in our lives. Rocki wanders around looking for her. I feel I am missing her terribly as I, like we all do, dedicate hours of the day managing their Diabetes--strange but I miss that. It is a special bond I cannot explain. I have no children yet but when I do I will tell them of Pippa and how special she was and what wonderful times we had together. Now I must channel my care into Rocki as I know she misses her as I do. We all do. I became her eyes but she saw me in her heart and she will remain in my heart forever.

My dear "Angel Pippa"
Much love, licks and hugs
Mummy, Daddy and Rocki. xxx

12/02