Sunday, March 22, 2009

Old long since, farewell Faithful


DSC_7698, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.
This week we said good bye to Dileas (pronounced 'Jeelus', always some uncertainty as to the correct spelling or gender usage of the name, but we understood it was gaelic for 'faithfull'). He was in his 13th year and although a platitude, he really was the most gentle, human-like of dogs, wonderful with children. And a great running and cycling companion. When I first met Anne, 'Dile' came with her, he was only a pup then. He soon played second fiddle to the new boyfriend and subsequently our three children as they emerged in turn; but he remained dependable, loving and stoic all along the way- always living up to his name. This picture was taken at Crackington Haven in January - one of his favorite places. He passed on Tuesday in a strangely serene manner on our front lawn among glorious spring sunshine, in Anne's arms. The events of this week have shaken Anne and I more than we could have predicted and we have been overwhelmed by the messages we have had from you all. I have started a special set on our Flickr photo site called Dileas and if you have any half decent pictures of him please send them to me and will add them - or leave a comment on this blog (or for flickr users tag them 'philhaygarthdileas'). I plan to scan in some cheeky puppy ones soon enough! My brother posted a great blog too - see here. It marks the passing of time, auld lang syne - old long since - and all that. Farewell Faithful.

1 comment:

Dave Haygarth said...

A gentle giant who deserved his name.