Page 23 - AutumnWinterNL24

Almost a year after Rusty died we adopted a brother and sister from Spain, 9 months old, born
the month Rusty died, dubious parentage, Daisy black and small Labrador-ish Dodger bigger
liver and white Pointer-ish totally committed to each other. Lu LOVED them unconditionally,
she tolerated, she played, she chased, she cuddled up with, she washed, she treasured, she

came alive, they rejuvenated her. Last year we took in another elderly dog from Spain.
Dumped in a school playground 14 years old, few teeth, almost blind, enlarged heart and
arthritic…. Lu’s snobbery reared it’s ugly head again and she really wasn’t accepting this one, it
was a bit smelly and she let us know it was unacceptable to her as often as she could, but
eventually they slept bums touching! In October 2023 Lu showed signs she wasn’t 100% and
tests revealed she had stage 4 Kidney Disease, which was a complete surprise as she hadn’t
exhibited any symptoms until the October that led us to question her
health. Her diet was changed but at the advanced stage she was at
we substituted with fresh chicken and turkey and occasionally her
beloved spaghetti with pesto. April this year she succumbed, the
end was very quick, she was fine and running in the garden with her
babies on the Tuesday, stopped eating on the Wednesday and by
Thursday evening she didn’t want to carry on. She came and sat
with me on the sofa to watch tv, she loved to do that, but it was an
immense effort for her. She left us the next morning to run again with her beloved Rusty. They
aren’t with us long enough. P.S. she also hated helicopters! Karen Bowen

Chica
I just had to let you know that Chica, nee Josephine, my beloved
Galgo passed on Wed August 28 . She been ailing for a few
th
days, refusing to eat properly, She was due a visit to the vet on
Tues pm but after a short walk collapsed, we suspect with a stroke,
and her left side was paralysed a quick trip to the vet who put her
on a drip and ran exhaustive tests. They found a few abnormalities
but nothing to explain her weakness, she was unable to support
herself and the only option left was a MRI scan, which was, given her age of 13+ and with no
real hope of recovery a no go. On my final visit to her she tried desperately to get up to
greet me but collapsed. She went peacefully. She had given me 9+ years of love and devotion
even being by my side at my son’s funeral. The house without my couch potato is a very bleak
place. The cat also seems to be missing her. The village all knew Chica and she was loved by
all who met her. Chica was the second Galgo I rehomed the first being Bella, nee Bea, many
years ago. I cannot imagine my life without one. However, being a senior citizen I would not
contemplate taking on a younger dog but if a senior dog was available I would jump at the
chance. As you can imagine I am well aware of the problems that can be encountered with
these dogs, Chica had quite a few hang-ups to start, most of which were resolved but boy was
the effort involved worth it. So many happy and funny memories.
I would to like to thank you for giving me the opportunity of getting to
know Galgos, the best dogs the world and for all the work you do in
rehoming them. I will now end this rather long story and go and have a
coffee without those big expressive eyes asking for a biscuit or two.
With great sadness, oh how I miss her. Adele Sale

23