Saying goodbye to Pepper

[Cyberman]

I'm usually pretty good with words, but I've written this out four times and each iteration merely sounds trite and hollow. All I can say is you truly have my deepest sympathy, my friend.

I'm going to tuck this next bit away, as it contains personal reminiscenses which might be upsetting for everyone. Please don't anyone click if you don't want to read this.

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About a decade ago we lost a great dog, a Welsh Springer Spaniel called William (my Mum named him; we already had a dog named Ben and so she thought he needed a Bill sidekick). We'd had him years, he was only the second dog we ever had and he was the best natured animal I ever knew.

Towards the end, he endured a severe stroke which, although he survived, left him like a zombie. He'd just walk around completely lost, going into rooms and simply stand facing the corner as though he didn't understand what was stopping him going any further. We all knew what was to come but none of us could face it; especially my Dad, as William was his special pet - no, friend is more apt. Eventually it was as though William made up his own mind... he went into the garden and just collapsed, unable to get up. That ended up being his last day.

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