by Ros MacLeod
Riah was the most amazing Border Collie there ever was. My Dad is a vet and he knew her from a Pup, but I first met her when she was 2, when she came to stay while her show owner was away - and I couldn't give her back. Dad meets so many puppies and dogs, but he was touched and intrigued by this intelligent and cheeky girl. She was beside me for four and a half years until I had to let her go. She was diagnosed with lymphosarcoma in October and we lost her two weeks ago. I feel her around me and cope by pretending she is in another room or out in the paddock or in the laundry trying to steal the cat's food, because I just can't accept that my amzing girl is gone.
Because we knew our time was limited in the end, we planned how we would help her pass into the next world. Dad was going to come up her to our home and we would gather amongst close friends who have all been touched by Riah and say our goodbyes. I watched her closely every day for signs that the time was nearing, and although she slowed down, she was happy and so cuddly, and not in pain. As fate would have it, one day out of the blue she was not well. My poor darling was stretched out and her eyes were dull and I knew I couldn't let this happen to her. My dad was unavailable so I called the local vet, who we don't know at all. He offered to do a house call and came to us. My sister, husband and Jacob, our other Border gathered around Riah and I, and very gently this lovely man gave her her release from life. She had mustered energy to lovingly greet my sister when she arrived and then sat quietly with us while we wiated for the vet. She lay down and quietly died in my arms. I know my girl well and am sure that she knew and welcomed what came. I miss her dreadfully and long to meet her again. I am sure that somewhere, sometime, we will embrace and play and laugh and love like we did before. I am angry that I had to give her up so young, but am grateful for the wonderful time we had together. She is never far from my thoughts.