The Elder Statesman

Timmie’s last day

2012-08-20T21:05:00.000+01:00

This is one of the last pictures I got to take of The Elder Statesman. I had been looking at him every day for over a year wondering when age was finally going to catch up with him.

Over the last year he had gotten progressively more frail and forgetful, often stopping in his tracks because he had no idea of where he was going. He barked at nothing, walked up to walls and waited for somebody to remind him to turn around. When he started to go down, it was very quick. On the Friday he pottered along for a little walk and got all perky when a new female dog passed by, doing the dog equivalent of straightening himself up and adjusting his tie.

On the Saturday he was clearly ailing and by the Sunday, when this picture was taken, he was unable to move around without help, and was really unsettled – he just seemed unable to get comfortable. Because it was a nice day, I carried him out into the garden and let him lie in the sun on his bed, which he seemed to appreciate.

I sat up all night with him and early this morning brought him to the vet’s office and stayed with him until he was gone. I don’t think he even realised where he was.

Tim was the most beautiful dog anybody could have had. Every day with him was a joy. RIP my wonderful friend.

Taking care of Tim

2012-08-10T01:58:00.000+01:00

In Tim’s last days, Chloe, Izzy and Duby seemed to want to stay close to him all the time.

When Chloe moved into Baskerville Manor, she formed an immediate bond with Tim, and hated to be parted from him. They behaved like an old married couple.

Izzy clung to Tim when she moved in too. On the first Halloween she spent with us, she would only be comforted through the fireworks by huddling up beside him. Both girls seemed to work together to ensure he was not alone for a moment. Even cheeky little Duby behaved like a perfect gentleman around him in the days running up to his death.

Hey..

2012-07-14T15:37:00.000+01:00

Look at me, do I not have the loveliest smile in the universe? Am I not the sweetest old man in you ever saw? Haven’t I kept my looks well?

I do? I am? I have?

Well then, you are permitted to provide lunch and cuddles, in that order.

Privileges of age–a good snooze

2012-06-16T20:59:00.000+01:00

As I am The Elder Statesman, I am entitled to the best comforts in Baskerville Manor.

Hence I have appropriated all available dog beds to snooze on in the sunshine from the window.

Minding the cubs

2012-05-27T10:50:00.000+01:00

Damon Foxecub is dangerously close to that Wii thing. It’s making very strange noises.

Better make sure he doesn’t get any closer in case it bites him.

Happy Easter

2012-04-07T12:48:00.000+01:00

So, the Foxecubs are here for an Easter sleepover so I’m on entertainment duty.

Here I am making sure the toys are properly scattered on the floor and at the same time modelling my blue bunny ears.

I think I look rather fetching.

Wild Thing

2012-03-18T09:52:00.000+00:00

I really enjoy exploring the outer reaches of the Baskerville Manor estate, particularly the wildlife reserve at the end of the garden.

Here I am channelling my inner wolf. (Actually, I was engaging in my most favourite activity – a nice spot of random barking at nothing in particular).

The family excavation site

2012-03-11T11:59:00.000+00:00

This pit has been worked on by three generations of Baskerville Dogs. I’m proud to say that during my tenure, I have increased it to approximately 5 feet wide (the picture shows the leftmost side, the rest of it is under the Mock Orange tree).

I’ve spent many happy afternoons rummaging round and making adjustments to the width and depth. It’s a great shady spot to curl up in on a hot day when the tree is in leaf. It’s also really useful for disappearing into at night time and barking randomly. For some reason, that seems to annoy Yours Truly, Confused, I have no idea why.

The original and the best

2012-02-22T23:30:00.000+00:00

I am the longest-serving canine member of Baskerville Manor . I arrived here when I was twelve weeks old and I’ve been the heart of the household ever since.

I’m dignified, intellectual and handsome. I’m very happy to allow humans the honour of worshipping me, and if they are really lucky, I will accept offerings of biscuits and other delicacies.

My favourite things to do are:

Barking randomly
Snoozing
Looking all sweet and innocuous
Behaving like Father Jack