A tribute to our shining light, Rosie x

This week I have decided to write a brand new blog post, rather than a revisit from the 10 years too long blogs.

I feel the need to write about an experience I’ve had and am still living this week, following the death of our beloved family pet Rosie.

Rosie is a very significant part of our family; we sought her out after Harry’s death, as a companion for Jessica, our 5 year old daughter who had suddenly and unexpectedly lost her twin and only sibling Harry. We met her at 6 weeks and brought her home early May 2009 at 8 weeks old.

Though Jessica was unsure around dogs after an incident as a toddler when a large dog almost jumped into the pushchair, we felt certain a pet to look after and give time to would help her. It was important we found a gentle dog who could increase Jessicas confidence and act as a companion. This did come with a little bit of guilt of not giving in to Harry’s pleas at wanting a puppy, as he was the complete opposite to Jessica and had an affinity to all animals.

We had visited a few homes of breeders, knowing we were specifically looking for a staffordshire bull terrier. What some say about this breed just isn’t true. They are gentle and loyal, and are known as 'nanny dogs' to children.

As we walked into Rosie’s home we could instantly see how the breeder cared greatly about their litter of pups, and as the brood were let out of their comfortable beds, excitable and stumbling over each other, a beautiful dark brindled one attempted to catch up tentatively. We were told she was the runt and the breeders favourite! She had the ideal temperament, playful but gentle, and Jessica loved her immediately, we all did. It didn’t take us long to be sure we would like her and despite wanting to keep this one, the breeders relinquished and allowed Jessica to take her home.

I’m not sure we realised how much Rosie would help with the void we all felt in our home. Not only was she Jessica's companion but she was mine too. During the long painful days when I sat at home, unable to get back to work, she would give me a purpose while I waited for Jessica to finish school. Though gentle she was feisty too and chewed her way through table legs, chairs and walls. She was a huge support to lee, accompanying him on his daily walks to the church where Harry was buried, before being rewarded with her packet of crisps in the pub on their way home.

We always said Rosie was a mix of a human and cat. She behaved like a toddler, made strange noises like a cat and in her early years would often lay on the top of the playroom sofa, looking out of the window. She also absolutely loved the sun so you could guarantee to find her wherever it was streaming in through a window or door.

Though we were able to train her a little, she was far too excitable ( and naughty!) to stop jumping up at people. This did prove to be a problem at times but on the whole everyone adored her. Even non dog lovers and those who’d had bad experiences, grew to love her ! She was well known in our street as when younger she would manage to sneak out and visit the neighbours homes, just like a cat would. I say young but she was still doing this at 10 years old !! She also loved her food, no matter what she was fed she still came back for more! Her favourites were Haribo tangfastics ( yes, just the occasional treat) and of course any meat ! For the past few years she’s received a full on roast dinner at Christmas, and for her 100th birthday ( in human years) she had a whole rump steak!!

We said She had 9 lives ( hence the cat !) because she’s been through the mill. Born as the runt, broken a leg, been run over by a car, and attacked pretty badly by other dogs not once but twice, each time we were away which made it more agonising as we awaited news of the extent of her injuries. The first time we were on holiday, not even sure she would survive the horrific attack. This was the first time we were ever to contemplate life without her. The boys Isaac and Joseph have never been without her. Grew up as babies crawling all over her and giving her their dummy in exchange for her dog bowl. Water everywhere and metal dishes clanging around on the floor. Still she would not flinch, not for a moment would she ever be aggressive to them, or anyone else.

Upon reflection I can’t put my finger on when she became old. One minute she’s clawing at the stair carpet to break through the stair gate and then next she’s grey and not quite as able to out run the kids as she once could. In recent months she would struggle to hop up over the doorstep yet at her peak she was running 10 miles with Lee during his marathon training.

I mean, we knew she was getting old and adapted things for her like placing a pallet at the back door so the drop wasn’t as high, and giving her the twice daily medicartion she’d been on for a year or so. She loved the ham that was so delicately wrapped around the tablets but at times out would drop the tablet, and in more ham it would go! I’m sure she knew what she was doing..

Her ears would prick up at the sound of a candle being lit or a van approaching. She would sit by the front door, especially when nobody was home , waiting for who she would be greeting with a fierce tail wag and a jump. If your legs were bare, ouch!! Tap tap tap as her paws met the wooden floor, almost tripping you up on your way into the kitchen, eyes looking for a sign you were grabbing her a treat! And if you didn’t she would let you know that’s what she wanted until you caved ! Thing is I do wonder how many treats she had when we all had the same greeting!

There once was nothing Rosie wouldn’t chase, from lawnmowers, hoovers and sweeping brushes to flies, wasps and spiders! Each would end up in her mouth, yes that's right; the buzzing lawnmower had a good few bite marks in it and she's been known to pull a sting from a wasp. I've no idea how she never got stung! Just 2 weeks ago, She went absolutely mad at the sound of the electronic fly swatter, jumping around like a puppy again.

This is what makes it so hard to believe that she’s gone and we still expect the 5am wake up whines and countless opening and closing of the back door to relieve her bladder. Not to mention her trundling over as we sat with our goodies waiting for a film to start. Her nose would land in your lap as she waited eagerly for one of us to hand her one. Theres still so much to say and share but for now I’ll leave this tribute as it is, knowing that our lives are richer with having had her in them, our hearts are grateful for the happiness she gave and for the loyalty she showed us all.

All our love Rosie. Go find Harry and make sure you give him a big fat wet kiss from us all. XXX*