Sadly as we approached the final months of the year our German Shorthaired Pointer Willow had a deterioration in her health losing the use of her back legs and ultimately reaching a point where it was the right time to say goodbye: one of the hardest decisions that I can remember making.
I put together a poem and video to remember her by and here are the words and selection of photos over the span of her near 12 year life with us:
Little did we know
What was going to be in store
When this bundle of fur we called Willow
First came through our door
Many, many hours lay ahead
Learning how to train her
Teaching her how to live her life
As one of our family members
As the years passed by,
This puppy slowly did mature
And the bond between one man and his dog
Became more steadfast and secure
A lover of water
and all things outside
Many adventures we had together
With Willow by my side (or running to and fro!)
Swimming in the sea
Or climbing a Scottish mountain
Her energy and stamina
Seemed like an endless fountain.
As the years went on
Her age began to show
Grey hairs replaced her brown ones
And her ways began to slow
Then one day things tragically changed for us
When her back legs started to give way.
And illness subsequently stole from her
What she enjoyed the most in every day.
Weeks of palative care ensued
Only causing our bond to grow that much stronger
As she needed help with everything
So that she could stay with us a little longer
But now we had to say the final goodbye
To our four legged family member
Sadly it was time to part our ways
But we are left with so much to treasure and remember
Willow,
gone but never forgotten
15 Feb 2014 - 18 Dec 2025