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Dogs

Lika

In 2019 Helena received a huge present under the Christmas Tree from me. Actually, it was too big to even fit under the tree! It was the size of a large sack of dog food. The present was that size, because it was in fact, a large sack of dog food. We didn’t even have a dog. Not exactly what she was expecting to receive, but you know, sometimes I like to exceed people’s expectations. The message was pretty clear though, we were going to get a dog.

Helena’s 2019 Christmas present – what more could a girl/woman need?

We were on the lookout for a big dog. As Helena made clear in our suitability interview with Battersea Dogs Home, it should be One That Simon Could Wrestle With. I hadn’t really wanted them to know that I had a thing for wrestling with dogs, but I don’t think it was a red cross against our names.

On the 6th November 2020, along came Lika, not from Battersea Dogs Home, but from Romania. Not because Romania produce good wrestlers (although they do), but because they have a lot of stray dogs.

Lika was more well-travelled than most in 2020 (Romania-Hungary-Austria-Germany-The Netherlands-Belgium-France). Her substantial road trip through Europe, bringing her to the land of hope, glory and animal lovers. The Romanian couriers placed her through our front door and then left to deliver their other animals around the UK. “They must think we’re mad,” I said to Helena, as we were left with one very smelly, frightened dog.

Lika in her Den

If we were mad, we were not the only ones on our street, as our neighbour has two rescue dogs from Romania. The hope was that one day they would all meet and converse in their native tongue, reminiscing about their days back in Romania.

In the most middle-class discussion of dog food that’s ever taken place, I asked Helena “Shall we give Lika brown or white rice?” I went with brown. I needn’t have bothered with the 25mins cooking time, as in the end, Lika preferred the white stuff. This was a dog after Helena’s own heart. I even slow-cooked her chicken thighs to succulent perfection. “Will she notice they are slow-cooked?” Helena asked. Lika enjoyed her slow-cooked, seasoned chicken very much, I’m sure of it. 

Once consumed, that chicken and rice had to end up somewhere. After the first cleanup job, Lika was under strict instructions as to where she should make her deposit. X marked the spot, but Lika had other ideas about where to hide the treasure. Thankfully she didn’t hide it anywhere.

Lika pooed anywhere but there

Anyone with children or pets will be all too familiar with this. Buy your loved one an expensive present or toy and they’re probably more likely to play with the box that it came in, or something else altogether. As douting owners we bought toys, a puzzle and a tough rope to chew. And what did Lika eat? The red towel in her bed.

Mmmm towel

Now this writing may come across as rather upbeat when you read what comes next. Maybe it is one of my ways of dealing with the situation and keeping my mind busy. I’d like to think we can remember Lika in a positive way.

Very sadly, unexpectedly and quickly Lika passed away today. We hadn’t know her for long (10 days), but she did win our hearts. Thanks go to Pets 1st Vets in Egham, for being caring, compassionate and professional in their work. Less thanks go to the insurance company who don’t cover you for the first 14 days of your policy. As if losing your new best friend was not stressful enough.

With the end of one chapter comes a new beginning. Today The Dog Runner got hired for the first time, to run with Bruce. Bruce is a strong dog, with a strong name. Part labrador, part German Shepherd, part action hero. The kind of dog that could dispense of Alan Rickman out of a tower block window while barking Yippie ki yay! Though I expect that when Bruce Willis goes for a run, he pees on fewer trees and doesn’t chase as many squirrels as this Bruce does.

Bruce, you’ll need to start looking at the camera if you plan to be a movie star

Lika, you were taken too soon and we will miss you.

RIP Lika (2/5/20 – 16/11/20)

xxx