Losing my lovely dog Ellie

I recently had to have my 13-year-old Bedlington cross dog put to sleep. She had kidney failure and went downhill very quickly. I was so grateful that I was able to be with her to the end.
Ellie and I had been together since she was 10 weeks old. At the age of 10 weeks, she had already suffered trauma at the hands of her breeder. He had accidentally dropped the kennel lid on her head! She suffered no long-term physical damage from this but her association with men and especially men in dark clothing, stuck with her as a negative experience, for many years of her life.
Because of this early trauma I didn’t have a sound, confident pup to work with and so we had many challenges along the way.
The day I picked Ellie up and brought her home she was covered in fleas, had a belly full of worms and poo stuck to her fur. I should have walked away, but I’m so glad I didn’t.

As a Bedlington x Patterdale Ellie was due to be sold as a working dog but the person who wanted her couldn’t afford to transport her across the Pennines. His loss, my gain!

Even though it is very early days since Ellie passed away, I am coming to terms with life without her. I still look for her behind me, still have her leads and harnesses hung up, her dish is still in the pantry and I know her fur is still lurking under the furniture!

But better than all that, I have so many wonderful photographs, videos, training videos and rosettes – all because of Ellie! She was my reason to get into dog training in a serious way and I will be forever grateful for that push into a career that I absolutely love!
So make some memories, to treasure, learn from your experiences and remember all the great times you have with your dog.

Ellie
A scruffy little pup
Full of fleas and worms and more
A gash across her head
Caused by the kennel door??!!!

I took her home with me
Kept her safe and warm that night
I had to build her trust
To calm her fear and fright

And so it all began
This new chapter in my life
To help this frightened pup
Learn to live without the strife!

I thought I knew so much
About dogs and all their needs
How to do the best for them
But I didn’t know this breed!

Ellie was a Beddie
Crossed with a Patterdale
Bred as a working dog
To be keen and never fail

This dog she taught me much
When at times I had no clue
Of how to help her work
Or teach her tasks to do

Over time we got it right
Through working side by side
She made me laugh and cry
Most times she was my guide

Her crazy mop of hair
I never could slick down
Her lovely silly grin
To wipe away my frowns

She’ll always have a place
A space in my own heart
I owe dear Ell so much
We didn’t want to part 💔

I miss you Ellie Maybe
And Bo, yes she does too
And when we’re on the paddock
We will always think you. ❤️🐾🐾 🌈