Saying “Goodbye” to Archie.

Archie, having reached his 15th birthday started to go downhill a bit.  His bowel movements became a bit uncontrolled and he couldn’t always manage overnight.  His joints became worse and he found himself sitting down unexpectedly, more often.  His owner eventually made the decision, with the vet, that it would be better to put him down.

Archie was a much loved dog and had many friends and quite a few dog walkers and his owner invited us to come and say “goodbye” to him.  I think most of us were a bit wary, but went anyway, out of respect for his owner.  We met outside a chapel (which I understand is no longer used) close to his home and was part of the psychiatric hospital.

Archie with "mummy" and some friends outside the old chapel.
Archie with “mummy” and some friends outside the old chapel.

Archie was quite interested, but it had to be admitted that he showed……..

......most interest.....
……most interest…..

……when he discovered that someone had his favourite treats!  Lots of people were…..

.....taking his photo.....
…..taking his photo…..

…..and talking to him, but he was still most interested……

......in the treats!
……in the treats!

He continued to resist having a decent photo – turning away or moving at the last minute.

The final part of the gathering was taken by the assistant pastor at our church.  He gave a little talk, saying how Archie had saved his owner’s life and also the story of how his male instincts had overcome him!  There was then a tape of a lovely version of “The Lord is my shepherd” and a prayer giving thanks for Archie’s life.  It was a lovely thing to do.  Even Archie……

.....listened like a good dog.
…..listened like a good dog.

Archie was then taken to his “grandparents” for a last night and was put down the next day.  His ashes are now in a lovely wooden box on a shelf with his photo near by.

So was I glad I went?  Yes, definitely.  Both for the lovely way we said goodbye and as encouragement to his owner, who misses him – “best friend”.

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