I was devastated to say a final farewell to my beautiful "Tundra".  I held her head in my lap as the light in her blue eyes went out forever and she went to find her mum, grandma and friends at Rainbow Bridge.

 

She was a very brave and stoic girl.  Despite having a massive tumour on her liver, that was discovered when she underwent an emergency caesarian with what had been planned to be her last litter before a long and happy retirement, she covered it well and didn't show that anything was wrong.  She fought on for 6 months, enjoying her time teaching her daughter "Grace" to swim.  She also taught her manners and the rules of the house but also loved playing with her right to the very end.

 

Sadly, despite her courage, things changed and she was obviously suffering from the effects of the cancer - which was by now the size of a football. She was still very brave and tried to hide her pain, but I could see it and so could other members of the pack who were becoming very distressed and worried about her.  There was a very touching moment on her last evening when her daughter "Grace" quietly laid down next to her - comforting her mum.

 

Apart from digging the most enormous dens in the garden - a trait she has passed on to her daughter "Rune" - she has never put a foot wrong. Even when she got muddy digging in the garden she would go into the dog pool to clean herself up before coming indoors! She's always been very well mannered and reliable.

 

She has been an amazing mum, providing sons and daughters that have brought joy to so many. She was such a good mum and preferred to raise her pups with as little help from me as possible.  "Tundra" leaves a lasting legacy that will be continued through her daughters "Rune", "Dream" and "Grace" and future generations.

 

It's never easy saying goodbye but it was something I had six months to prepare for - although I dreaded the day. She's left a big whole in my life and I really miss her bulky body knocking me off balance as she pushed passed me - and the wet patch on my lap where she always came to wipe her face after having a drink. I moaned at the time but would do anything to have her back to do it all again.

 

"Tundra", you are free from pain now and are with your family - Run Free my special blue-eyed girl xxxx

 

"Tundra" - Sansorrella Tundra Spirit 19.10.10 - 04.05.19