As a breeder, one of the hardest things to do is to wait for that call….a dog you have bred is dying.

You were there when they were born, watched them grow and learn… smelled their little furry bodies, laughed as they surprised themselves with a new accomplishment.

Sometimes they stay but most of the time you send them off to new homes, fingers crossed that they live happy, useful lives.

Thistle was both of those. She went to live with wonderful friends who helped to raise her when we had a houseful. When I lost her mother, she came back to me. I worked with her and got her into the show ring, and while I had some help, she was the first Beardies I finished myself. She helped me through the pain of losing her mother, and worked on trying to be Queen (it never happened).

She had a lovely litter of puppies (thanks for Maddie, Thistle) and we all continued on. But I could tell she wasn’t completely happy. It happens to some dogs, ones who have been shown and taken here and there — they don’t take to being retired to a bunch of other Beardies that well. I knew where she had to go. I put a bug in their ear and let the Universe take over. I trusted it.

Sure enough, Cathy and Bill Pollari took Thistle to live with them and her son Lovejoy and Lionel the Bouv. I knew it was a match made in Heaven. After all, they never visited me here, but always came to see Thistle [G]. So she became Queen of their castle and ruled the 2 boys lovingly. I loved getting pictures of all of them lined up in their Halloween costumes or sporting new haircuts or bandanas. Thistle was a Mama’s girl — just what she needed.

Occasionally I would see Thistle again, but she was never that thrilled to see me, always keeping an eye out for Cathy. I always told her I wasn’t making her come back [LOL].

I love that she was that close to her mom Cathy and content and happy for the last years of her life. She was 13…. longer than I had her mother, and pretty healthy till the end.

We knew it wouldn’t be long. I had a session with her and immediately knew she was leaving soon. So hard, but at least I could start preparing myself (although it never matters — it still hurts). It’s not the same as living with one who is leaving. I have done that. You treasure them each day, make the most of each moment…..

So I waited, knowing it would be soon. Going about the day, taking care of the dogs and work, etc…. Maddie would keep coming to me, wagging, putting her head in my lap. She is a lot like her mom.

Thistle left this morning, surrounded by her family. She was just too tired to go on. She used to make this cute grunting noise when I rubbed her chest……. .

Rest easy Piglet… run with your Mom and those that went before you.

Ch Tolkien Thistlewool……… greatly loved.

Val