Ain’t nothing like a hound-dog..

Whenever I walk along a dog beach I think of Mum.

This must be what heaven is like for her — a beautiful long walk surrounded by happy hounds loving the simple things…

It was the 2nd question she asked when we found out she only had about 2 weeks to live…

Her first question was “I don’t know what death feels like — what does death feel like?”

I don’t know Mum, I replied….

Then we sat in silence, holding hands…

Dad was seeing the Palliative care guy out…

And then she looked up, concerned, and suddenly said “Do you think I have to choose which dog I have in Heaven? Because I couldn’t choose between them”…

It’s Heaven Mum, I replied, they’ll all be there…laughing and running — that’s why they call it heaven.

“Oh, I hope so”, she said, “’Coz I couldn’t choose… I loved them equally…”

I often wonder the trajectory of her thoughts that lead to that question…

‘… hmm…what will death feel like…? I guess I’ll get to see Mum and Dad… oh and Mum Mavros, oh and Bluey, and Pluto…oh wait — which dog…? do I have to choose…?? …..’

As I was thinking of Mum in heaven, throwing sticks for her dogs to collect, and laughing at how happy it made them, this little legend came swimming out of the water with the ball proudly in mouth, straight towards me.

“bloody little legend you are” I said, without thinking… taking this photo.

And I knew Mum would have loved that moment as much as I did; always so in awe of how easily dogs were pleased.

I feel like I knew you so well Mum, and yet I still wish I knew you better… more… for longer…

Merry Christmas Mum.. bloody little legend you are…I love you 💞