Bonny 29/3/2001 – 21/01/2012

Bonny in the garden

Right now, my human companions are hurting, so I have taken it upon myself to share our sad news. Bonny, our much loved, irreplaceable family member has gone to the Rainbow Bridge.

Bonny at 3 months old

Her 'too soon' release from this earthly realm has left a huge gap in our home and we all miss her painfully. Unlike humans, with whom we choose to share our lives, our instincts are far sharper, so we of course knew Bonny had died. When our human family led us, one by one to say goodbye to Bonny, we all reacted in exactly the same way. We filed past her prone body in hushed silence, eyes averted, tails hanging low and at ease. Briefly, yet reverently, we saluted her departed spirit. We gently sniffed her earthly remains and, with quiet understanding, walked away. We knew that, from now on, we each had a new role to adopt. Most importantly, we knew that it was our God-given duty to console and comfort our grieving humans. We understand, too well, how frail and vulnerable humans become when confronted with matters of death. At times such as these, we take our companionship duties very seriously.

Me as a puppy with my playmate and sister, Bonny

When I came to live with my family as a five week old rescue pup, right before Christmas 2004, Bonny and Tessa (21/11/1997 – 5/5/2010) were here to welcome me and teach me everything they knew. Tessa became a caring, gentle mother to me, while Bonny and I became the best of playmates. In some ways, I now feel like a bit of an orphan, because I've lost my two, first, 'best friends'. I am now solely in charge of my pack and it's a big responsibility, considering I'm by far the shortest around here.

Right after Tessa died, my humans fetched pedigreed Toby to come and live with us, to help us all get over the great loss we felt at her departure. Toby was just an 8 week old pup then. I can say with pride that I valiantly stepped up to the cause, helping Bonny raise him to become the fine young Shep he is today. When our family decided to adopt a few more rescue pups soon after Toby's first birthday, Bonny was absolutely amazing. She tirelessly put up with the little ruffians and helped Toby, little more than a pup himself, and me, to accept them with love. She put Toby in his place with tender persuasion when he became aggrieved and taught him to share and to love our new brothers and sisters. In her quiet, undemanding way, Bonny was our rock. She led by setting an excellent example. If only humans could do the same.

Today, as I type this on Desiree's keyboard, there are now just the five of us to continue Bonny's remarkable legacy. What have we all learnt from her?

• Until the very end, never give up.
• Never ever complain.
• Always put on a happy face and enjoy every single moment of your life.
• Never get snappy or irritable.
• Share whatever you have, but if you really want it yourself, then quietly show that for now, you choose to hold on to it a bit longer.
• Never snatch or grab. Wait patiently at all times and your treats will come to you.
• If anything annoys you, just quietly walk away.
• When anyone has been away, even if only for a very short time, welcome them back with every ounce of yourself. Make certain they know, every single day, just how very much you love and value them.

I know Desiree loves to share pictures with you, so I have chosen a few to show you today...

Bonny at 5 months

Bonny and Tessa

Bonny did not enjoy posing for her Christmas picture in that silly hat

She was so beautiful!

Although Bonny loved swimming, she was not as eager as Toby and I to swim in the pool at home

Dams and rivers were her favourite places to cool down on a hot day

Here, she comes face to face with her first herd of cows

Enjoying a bit of a rest after some hard play in the garden

Bonny helping Desiree size up where to position the greenhouse

Bonny and Toby in our Corsa bakkie. We had to replace it with a much bigger bakkie when suddenly there were six of us. Travelling was Bonny's all-time favourite activity. She still got to enjoy one last ride on the morning of the day she passed away.  

And now, it's just us. The next few pictures were taken today...

Looking into Bonny's room from the outside landing at Toby, Milo and Coco who were trying it out for size today. I used to sleep with Bonny quite often, but since she died, I've slept in the kitchen all night with Toby and Milo. Coco and Noodle sleep in our humans' room at night.

Coco, Noodle and Milo relaxing on Bonny's bed today

Coco looks in on Toby, Milo and Noodle lying in Bonny's room

Coco and Bonny spent quite a lot of time alone together. Here's Coco, today, looking into Bonny's room from the landing outside 

Noodle only knew Bonny for a few, short months, but she misses her a lot, as we all do.

It saddens me deeply that so many humans treat their pets with such disdain. It is my fervent hope that humans will grasp the necessary understanding that we are a gift from heaven. We come into your lives for a limited amount of time, demanding nothing and loving completely. Please treat us with respect, otherwise don't get a pet. We are not disposable! Just as you are our responsibility during our lifetime, so we remain yours for the full duration of our lives.

I'm planning to help Desiree out with a couple more posts, until she feels stronger. I do hope you'll come by again, since I'm rather enjoying my role as the household's scribe.

What? You don't still expect me to be up, do you? It's past my bedtime.

Signed: Heathcliff, Alpha Male and Number 1 Dog around here.

(*with grateful thanks to Desiree's blogging friend, Alison)