Today is not a good news day...

With Sue back in the UK, it meant that she would get to see all her family members, including our dog, Tara, who was enjoying the life of luxury being pampered by Sue's Mum at her house. Tara could want for nothing, especially when it came to enjoying the left-overs of a traditional Sunday roast complete with a splash of gravy over some mashed potato remains. A walk meant "Snowy" - Sue's Dad, taking her up the woods for a nicely paced walk, then wandering back home to sprawl out in front of the sofa with little care in the world, and dream of chasing cats.

Tara was beginning to show her age. 11 years is a long time in Cavalier King Charels spaniel terms. Normally, the average age is around 8-9 years. We decided early on, that a life in Korea would have been too much for her, and the thought of her being cooped up in an apartment was not the life for any dog, regardless of how mobile they were. A big back garden with grass and plenty of dickie birds to chase round would be much more fun, along with a loving couple who would look after her in her golden years.

Sue arrived back in the UK to find Tara was starting to lose her fur a bit on her back. I suggested taking her to the vets to see if she maybe had a skin condition, that could be easily sorted with some medicated shampoo etc. The vets took bloods etc to find the cause, but over the weekend, she started going downhill fast. She had some sort of fit, and lolled around for a bit before recovering. The resulting call to the vets on Monday told us the worst. She had some disease of the blood, started to have kidney failure, had wobbly teeth, and was bit unsteady on her paws. The inevitable decision had to be made, and it was made with all the right reasons - even the vet agreed it would be the best thing. Any treatment would lead to other complications, and would not have been in the best interests for Tara.

Sue stayed with Tara until the end, making sure her last moments were with someone who loved her, and was sure the love was returned. She went very peacefully, and is no doubt enjoying running amock in doggy heaven chasing as many dickie birds and barking at the waves by the seaside to her hearts content.

I wish I was there for Sue, and to have been able to hold her hand when she gave Tara a peaceful end Alex was there - thanks kiddo. Thanks also to Joyce and Wlf (Snowy) for looking after her for us - she loved you too.

We'll miss you Tara (Bark Bark, Woof Grrr - good girl!)