Sad to say that our little fighter, Merlot Whedon Murphy aka Concassle Henryi’s Boy left us today at 12:15 pm. He was 12 years and one day old. Up until just after Christmas, he hadn’t had a day of sickness, was still running around with the young pups and jumping on the table (he loved being high up so that he could see everything). He loved snuggling with his mummy Willow, and had taken over ‘protection’ duty after we lost his daddy Henry almost 3 years ago, such duty consisting of being my shadow, leaning against my leg and keeping me in sight at all times. We tried to give him a chance with the hard decision to amputate his leg after he developed a tumour on his paw. The vet was optimistic too, but sadly the type of tumour was very aggressive and he developed secondary problems that only became apparent in the last few days. On three paws, he was as fast as on four, could handle the stairs, jump on the couch and the bed with ease and seemed fine. Looking back over the last couple of months knowing what we know now, could I have realised sooner? Maybe. He was sick once and seemed fussier with food in the last couple of weeks. But then so was Heidi for a day, Barney etc. He only refused food on Friday and we had him at the vets yesterday. His 12th Birthday. Would it have mattered if I’d thought it was something serious and taken him to the vets sooner? I’m told not. Still, I think every dog lover faced with the choice we had to make today second guesses themselves. Our wonderful vet Johann came to the house on his day off and eased Merlot’s passing while we held him and told him we loved him. I held him seconds after he was born, and I held him as he crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I hope he’s met up with his daddy Henry and other playmates and is now free of pain and scampering about. Keep the piece of my heart that you took with you safe until you can give it back to me when we meet again. Mummy loves you Merlot. ❤️🐾💔 https://www.instagram.com/p/CBdPw-XnvSW/?igshid=1rqpjyc5w4och
