Monday, September 9, 2013

Treasured

For Thematic Photogaphic this week, I decided to post some of the dogs who have lived with my family since my children were young.

The first dog we ever got was Jason (he of the golden fleece) - a lovely Golden Labrador who lived with us for 12 years until he died of old age at 14. Sadly I don't have any digital pics of him.


Then came Murray, the Best Dog Ever. 
He was an SPCA dog, Labrador and (probably) German Shepherd cross.


He had the most wonderful nature - affectionate and gentle, loyalty personified (canified?). 
At the age of 7 he developed stomach cancer and in spite 
of an operation to remove the tumour, had to be put to sleep. 
This photo of him about a week before he died can still make me cry:



Next was Darcy - a pedigreed Golden Labrador.


He was a nice dog but was only with us for three years; 
he hurt both front knees as a pup jumping off a cliff and developed really painful 
arthritis in them over the next couple of years. 
He, too, had to be put to sleep.


We had got Manu as a companion for Darcy when everyone was working long hours and we 
were worried about him being lonely:


 

For about 6 months we had 3 dogs, as we looked after Neo for some friends:


These days, it's just Manu who keeps us company; we live on a much smaller property now,
 and there's no room for a big dog:



 He is our faithful and true friend, always smiling. 
And like all of our animals, greatly treasured.

 

 Go here for more treasures.


“You can say any fool thing to a dog and the dog will just give you this look that says, 'My GOSH, you're RIGHT! I NEVER would've thought of that!”
~ Dave Barry

17 comments:

  1. They wind their paws deep into our heart strings don't they - and take a piece of us with them when they go.
    Gorgeous photos - love epitomised.

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    1. What a lovely way of expressing it, EC.
      Thank you :)

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  2. I love Labs, then again, I love all 4 legged dogs...

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    1. Good to know - although manu was kind-of 3 legged for a while there, when he ripped off his nail...

      :)

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  3. Nice pics, Alexia, and it's great to see Manu again.

    (I've also been planning a dog picture-fest for this theme....even before I saw yours, honest!)
    ~

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    1. I believe you - and I look forward to your dog gallery :)

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  4. Oh shucks, your treasure is one that lives within me heart and soul as well. Through thick and thin, life and death I wouldn't trade one second of it! Lovely pictures Alexia!

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    1. Me neither - I can't imagine life without a dog around!
      Thanks Karen.

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  5. Really lovely shots, Alexia. I teared up a little looking through them. Pets are so wonderful and they bring us such joy. Great take on the theme!

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    1. Thank you Jess - yes, they bring both joy and pain - but I wouldn't be without them!

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  6. Oh, those are such lovely dogs! Don't we get attached to them - and then they go :(

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    1. Thank you Gilly - they are so wonderful while we've got them, though!

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  7. Oh, will I be in trouble if my daughter sees your post. She will want to know why i ignored her two yellow and one chocolate Labrador and the Golden Retriever that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge and the three dogs that are waiting for me to play ball with them even although the temperature has been in the 90s today.

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    1. I think you could defend yourself pretty well, Bob - you have posted quite a few shots of her lovely dogs over recent times. Always room for more, though!

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  8. I can't imagine life without a dog. Ours, Frasier, is battling diabetes, yet remains the same sweet boy he's been since the day we rescued him from an abusive home. We are blessed to have them in our lives, and I'm blessed to be surrounded by friends who feel the same way.

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