Our much loved silver Labrador who protected us as an unconditional friend for twelve years.
Bernie didn’t like travelling or going to the vets. Right from a pup he took an instant dislike to going into a surgery and the car.
We were his entire world and his sole mission in life was to make sure we were safe. Nothing else mattered to him (other than food, walks, terrifying the postman, barking, sunbathing, emptying the bin, eating pears and cosy fires).
Mark was a true blessing for Bernard and for us as a family. He was getting old and creaky and had started to decline both physically and mentally (Bernie not Mark!).
As an owner it’s the most difficult decision to make to essentially end your friends life. You know they are in pain. Their life isn’t what is was. But when is the right time? And is that time for them or for you?
Mark guided us through this. There was never going to be a right time. Not for us or for Bernie. Not an absolute exact 100% right time. But there could have been a wrong one by leaving it too late. I knew my dog and despite his love for us which was evident to the end I knew he wasn’t the dog he was. He still tried to be insane, high maintenance, over protective and jump up at everything! All of which we desperately miss in our lives without him. But he couldn’t. He was an old man. I hope we gave him the life he deserved. He gave us so much more than he ever knew.
Mark came to our home and allowed us time and space to say our goodbyes to our dearest boy. It is without doubt the way Bernie would have wanted it to be. On his bed, with me holding his paw, my son and Nige both at his side. And because we had time to say goodbye we spent as much time as we could prior giving him constant attention, treats, sitting on the sofa, a million cuddles, a last walk and the time to say thank you to him for being there for us. Precious final memories that were made possible by not leaving it too late.
Mark gave Bernie a sedative in front of his much loved log burning stove, on his bed and gently went to sleep. No cars. No travelling anxiety. No clinical setting. Just Bernie and us, calm, content and at peace. The place he loved, with the people he loved. Peacefully and with dignity.
It is still very raw and we are grieving terribly. But we know this was the best and kindest decision for our best and kindest friend.
Thank you Mark. Your wisdom, experience and fair guidance will never be forgotten. You gave our boy peace in a way no other person could have. You were the only vet he ever liked.
Goodbye Bernie boy. We will miss you forever. 2010 - 2022 our protector, loyal and faithful love.
