My first flatcoat, Dayna was my companion for 13 1/2 years - I lost her in November 1998 and still it seems like yesterday. She had such a gentle nature but definitely thought herself above everyone else - canine and human.

The following poem was written in memory of another beloved flatcoat who left his owner much too soon.

The Chestnut Tree

The velvet head grew heavy,
As his life ebbed away:
The brown eyes dimmed, his body stilled,
A light went out today.

He’s underneath the chestnut tree,
The branches bare and stark
gleam in the moonlit frosty night,
But Quince is in the dark.

He’s laid to rest, his days are gone
To silence, peace from pain:
But oh, sweet dog, what I would give
To have you back again.

When it’s morning, we will bring
Some snowdrops for your grave:
We’ll thank you, even though you’re gone,
For all the love you gave.

When summer comes, and candles light
The canopy above:
In that cool earth, and soft green shade,
You’ll live on in our love.

Christine Vincent

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Tegan was always happiest when wet!

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Another of life's great characters Tegan was bouncing and barking until the day she died. No one could believe my lively, happy dog had terminal cancer.

I just want to add Tegan's poem (I wrote it just after she died)

LARKSDOWN EVENING STAR (TEGAN)

We'll never hear your bark again
when visitors come to call
Or see your madly wagging tail
You could drive us up the wall

The last wild dash is stilled now
No more balls to chase
No more dummies from the sea
No more need to race

We'll never feel your licking tongue
you loved to wash our ears
We can't watch your bright, bright eyes
The time has come for tears

The house is silent now our Tigs
No more your laughing face
But you will lead them a merry dance
In another place

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Our first dog, Gemma was a real character, very strong willed. Often i had to call clive home from work because she had run off and he would drive to the council estate where was frequently found, only recognisable by her bottom - her head was in a dustbin! Once she was returned home by two school children who said she had joined them for lunch.

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gemma on a trip to the seaside - scanned from an old photo, approx1989

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