Rainbow Bridge / Listening Ear Bereavement Service

4.10p.m. Monday, 13th April, 2015 we lost HARVEY … although a total “pain in the bum” with his odd, peculiar, naughty, laughable, loveable behaviour since we rescued him seven years ago, I cannot put into words how much we all miss him, firstly at the caravan in Lincolnshire (where we had him put to sleep) and just getting used to him not being there, we came home and it was the same again … no Harvey blocking the doorways, trying to bite your ankles if you passed him too close, barking and trying to kill the Hoover and standing in the garden barking at any noise, both imaginary and real. He would lick his “bits” then come and expect a kiss !! come right up to your face, burp and then look at you as much as to say, “well, that feels better”. In his later years he suffered with wind, caused somewhat by the tablets he was on, being able to clear a room in 10 seconds with his “silent but deadly” wind eruptions !!!

He had never been a well dog from the day we took him in when he was two, being partially sighted with creaky joints, but the last year had really taken its toll on him and he was struggling, even with the help of the tablets he was on for end stage arthritis, the constant infections in his eye and the ulcer that appeared on his leg which just did not seem to respond to treatment until the vet tried Manuka Honey !!

He cost us a fortune, ruled the house and caravan with his behaviour, lived by his rules …. “in my own time, when I’m ready”, ignored all commands unless they suited him …. one of the best dogs and one of the worst dogs we have ever owned, wrapped up in a beautiful, handsome blue merle. RIP Harvey-Bugger xx definitely a one off xx

He will be coming home on Friday, 8th May, when we go back to the caravan to collect his ashes to rest in peace with our other Roughs – Reggie, Daisy-May, Beth, Oliver and Gemma – where he belongs, at home.
Re-united with Jazz (see above)
Annette and Paul Rebmann xx

DOG IN A BOX …
Our dog in a box is home to stay,
no more games, no more play.
The deeds been done, the ashes saved
in a light oak box, duly engraved.
HARVEY – 8/8/2005 – 13/4/2015. RIP xx

Annette Rebmann – 11/5/2015

You came into our lives after years of hardship.
You bore the scars of battles we know nothing about.
You were grubby and smelly, in quite a state.
Lived in a shed and endured neglect.

Despite all your past what every you endured,
you were a perfect gent, calm and so loving.
You made it so easy to fall in love with you.
When you left too soon you took a chunk of our hearts.

Bowmore, you are so missed you went too soon.
All I can say is, until we meet again, we miss you.

Rest in peace sweet boy . xxxx

Mary and Steve xx

Sadly we have lost both DUSTY AND JUDE within a few months of each other. Dusty passed away in September, 2015 and Jude was helped over the Rainbow Bridge early into 2016.
As a tribute to the girls, can I just say we welcomed both Jude and Dusty into our lives at a time when we were sad, they too were sad and needed a home. They were 10 years old and I am sure they had never had any bad experiences, but had lost the stability and security they had always known. They were just so easy to love and a joy to be around.
Collie Rescue have been brilliant covering their needs from the vets. If they had not done this we would have been unsure about taking older dogs on, so thank you Rescue and all those who have and do fund raise … the girls would have been lost without all your support.
REST IN PEACE, BEAUTIFUL ANGELS xx

Mary and Steve xx

29 May 2002 – 15 November 2016.
We first met Kara on 5th April 2013 and she moved in on the 8th. We were warned she could be difficult to feed and was given to barking a lot. But she needed a home and she got on with Claude, and nothing else really mattered. Both those warnings were massive understatements. And she seemed to go from one medical emergency to another. She was supposed to be spayed, but days after arrival she came into season. The effect on Claude was indescribable, but in due course it was resolved. She developed a large cyst on her side which worried the vet so much it was removed the next day. Cancer had been suspected, and she had a huge scar and bald patch. She developed an ulcer in her eye which wasn’t easy to treat. During the treatment blood tests revealed kidney disease, and she needed medication for the rest of her life. Then she got a serious stomach infection and was hospitalised for several days. In hospital she wouldn’t eat so Bonnie and I spent a Sunday morning at the vet in her little room, trying to coax her. And so on. But never once did she complain. She underwent everything in her usual way, as gentle and friendly as always. I never saw her even curl her lip. Sometimes pills had to be given the hard way, but she was always immediately ready for a fuss and cuddle. For the last year or so her kidney problem made her feel yukky at the thought of food. But she was always underweight and in any case needed food with her medication. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve seen Kara curled up in her favourite spot by the sideboard, with Bonnie lying on the floor beside her, offering tasty morsels one at a time on the end of her fingers. Or she’d lie on my lap, where she felt safe, and I’d soothe her and eventually offer a small piece of food in the same way. It was time consuming but almost invariably once she’d got going she’d clear her bowl. And after every meal she was eager for her dental chew. We’re quite proud of her getting up to her recommended weight in that period!

Kara was the most agile dog we’ve ever seen. She was such a graceful mover, and when she ran, which was often, she flowed. It was a delight to watch her chasing her ball. She loved to play ball – but on her rules. She’d chase it, she’d stand next to it and bark, but that was her limit. We tried to teach her to bring it back, but it was a waste of time.

Kara was nervous of other dogs. Not always. I’ve seen her approach a strange dog and rub noses. But more often she’d decide this was a dog she didn’t want to meet, and head back to the car. Similarly we might be in the park having a stroll and she’d dig her toes in. Not another step. Only back to the car. So we tended to take Jazz and Kara to the park in separate cars so she could be brought home early if necessary. The fun was when one or other was in the park first and then the other arrived. They’d run to meet each other, barking at the tops of their voices. Once they met, that was it. I don’t suppose I saw them play together as many as 6 times in 3 years. What they would do was chase intruders in the garden together. To be frank I don’t really believe she knew what she was doing. Jazz ran off barking furiously and Kara went after him because it seemed the right thing to do.
But despite that nervousness Kara was warm and hospitable to little Grace the Jack Russell when she came to stay. There are photos of Kara and Grace asleep together on the sofa, necks crossed, totally chilled out. She never did that with Jazz.

Towards the end Kara was also afflicted with Canine Cognitive Disease. She’d wander out onto the patio and stand there plainly not at all sure what she was doing. The trick was in her love of her ball. I would go onto the lawn and hold it up and even at her age she’d spot it and come racing towards me. Then the sensation of grass under her feet seemed to jog her memory, and she’d relieve herself and go back indoors. She could be standing in the conservatory gazing vacantly out into the garden. I’d hold up her ball halfway down the lawn and it was as if she was transformed and she’d clear the patio in a single leap, barking excitedly for her ball.

Kara was so gentle, so affectionate. She was especially fond of Bonnie and would watch for her to come home through the lights at the side of the front door. I felt it was rather like having a sick and much loved child in the house once her kidney problem meant she needed so much care. It was incredibly fulfilling that she felt safe on my lap and could relax there. But Bonnie was always her favourite. No matter, we both loved her greatly, cared for her to the best of our ability, and miss her so much. She’s been an enormous part of our lives since day 1.

We owe a big debt of gratitude to Collie Rescue, and to John Bowie, the Senior Partner at Swanspool Veterinary Clinic in Wellingborough. His care for Kara has been beyond all expectations.

Ollie and Bonnie Killingback xx

It is with much sadness that we have to inform you that Tia had to be put to sleep just before Christmas.
Mid-summer last year she began having urine incontinence problems. Different medications were tried to try and alleviate this problem, but without much success and her thirst had also increased causing excessive incontinence.
Blood profiles were also done and they proved inconclusive as well. The vet suspected that there was probably a more serious underlying problem with her bladder or kidneys. One morning she was so ill with a lot of blood present, so the difficult, but kindest decision to have her put to sleep was made.
Tia had a long and happy life with her foster ‘Mum’, Julie, and litter sister, Shadey since they were both rescued about 9 years ago, and is greatly missed by both of them.

Passed away 9th January, 2018.

Although we are still struggling, and missing our pal hugely since we said goodbye on the 9th January – it was time to go.

Since Dudley came into our lives, and as any dog lover knows, they become the most amazing companions, form unbreakable bonds with you, and just make life that little bit more amazing. Dudley was no different!
Whether he was napping, out walking, or stepping over friends at home who were over for a get together – he was always chilled out and had a happy zest for life.

So many people often said: ‘Ahhh Lassie! You don’t see these dogs much anymore’ when out walking with him. He always turned heads!

Grateful to have been involved with everyone at Collie Rescue for the last 15 years, who we know work tirelessly to save and re-home these beautiful majestic dogs, who are friendly, loyal, sensitive, and affectionate – and make the most amazing companions in life!

You are very much missed, always loved and will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Dudley, our faithful friend xx

Steve and Ben xx