23 April 2006

Goodbye my dogs


Please, spare some time with Sunshine and I and visit our page of photos in loving memory of our beautiful dogs Mistisa and Black-One. We had to put them down yesterday on request of a sheep owner and the local council. The first few photos are our last moments together before Sunshine and I took them to their end. They died as they lived, friendly, good natured, unafraid.

As those who met Mistisa and Black-One would probably agree, while they were in trouble more times than once, they were very loving dogs, friendly and fun, good natured, and cherished companions to Sunshine and I.

There's no use discussing the details, the hows, and the whys.. what's done is done, nothing needed to be said, just many tears to be shed.

Thanks for looking at their pictures.

10 comments:

Jo Kay said...

Although I never met your gorgeous puppies, all the photos and videos speak volumes about how happy their lives with you were.

I've been thru the loss a beloved pet, so I know how much it hurts. I'm so sorry this has happened!

Take care, both of u!

Bronwyn hegarty said...

Mistisa and Black-One were beautiful. I am so sad we never got to have that dog romp together.

They were obviously cherished and very happy in your pack. So so sorry you had to go through this. we have been thinking about you all.

love to you both.

Leigh Blackall said...

Thanks Bron. Thanks very much. It has been really tough.. We didn't get a chance to think it through... DCC were cruel in that regard... if I could have known just how much it would affect us, how much of a loss it has been, all the options we can now see with hindsight, I would have fought tooth and nail to keep them. Especially now that we've realised so many things we could have done.. why didn't the DCC talk us through it more? Perhaps there was a misunderstanding between us and the DCC guy? Why don't they think of us - the owners of loved pets more, and not only the owners of sheep? I think that's the worst of it now, realising these things. But it all happened so fast, we were so anxious about the sheep, the fines, the future with M and B, would they have to suffer... but now, these concerns would have been worth it if it meant they could be with us now. But we have no choice but to terms with it all, learn from it. Already I feel compelled to lobby the SPCA to step in on the DCC a bit more, and at least offer paid for services to help people in a position like Sunshine and I and our loved dogs. We would have paid for SPCA kennelling while we built a DCC approved hold for our dogs, we would have used electric collar training if only we could find a retailer in Dunedin, at worst we would have put Missy down and kept Blackie, who we're sure would have changed without Missy to lead her, and being so young and playful still... but we didn't think of this at the time, we were too upset. SPCA and DCC should formulate options and services for people like us. But I think the under appreciate the sense of loss we feel...

Michael said...

Shit Leigh - this is dreadful. I loved the photos....tears indeed.....

deliab said...

I know the pain so well. My partner wrote a poem when our dog had to die some years ago. We still read it from time to time. Long may the spirits of Mistisa and Black-One enrich your lives.
Delia.

Anonymous said...

I am sad for you both and the dogs you loved so much. I know just how agonising the regrets are that come with hindsight. Go gently on yourself - it is so easy to be frightened into a someone else's decision - especially when they have authority. I think you should do as you say and see if more information and options can be made available so other dogs and their owners don't have to suffer as you guys have. That might help give you some ease - you did the best you knew how in the circumstances - it's OK....Lainie

SUSAN BURG said...

why did you have to put them down??? I don't undestand why....

Susan in Itay

Leigh Blackall said...

The local government official said we had to. A domestic animal that is out of control and a hazard to live stock is their reason.

anonomous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
anonomous said...

i dont get why they didnt give you any options, i have never actually had a dog, or any animal die in my house that i have owned. But just thinking about what you guys had to go through is horrible, in fact i cried reading this.