A Tough Day in The Liberties

Tuesday was a tough day for us - we had to say goodbye to our lovely big gentle Border Collie, Roly, after almost 15 years. He had a major wobble about 3 months ago so we kinda knew the end was getting close but you still don’t expect it to happen now, today.  He timed it well, though, collapsing just when Missy was coming home from school so we were all there for him at the end.  He hadn’t a great quality of life this last while and even his desire for a few pats & a bit of attention seemed to be leaving him. Most times he could be found sleeping down in our bedroom, away from where the action was.

He’ll be missed.

Here's a phone snap of my favourite shots of Missy with him - from a fair few years ago.  It hangs - along with several other prints of family and friends - in the smallest room of the house. Taken with a Yashica 35 GTN rangefinder down on Portstewart.  Missy must have been in the water - and of course that means Roly was too.  The Hound looks very regal in this shot - and looks much older than he was, but I think that's just due to his wet coat.  If you look closely, you'll spot Missy's hand on his chest, which is the reason I'm so fond of this shot - the two of them snuggled up to each other.

Missy and Roly, Portstewart.