By Karen England, The Edgehill Herb Farmer.
With the help and encouragement of my family and friends I got Dover to be a “companion dog” (not a show or breeding purebred dog) as a three months old puppy at the lowest point in my life. He arrived via cargo plane the day after my husband’s memorial service in October 2014. My husband, David, of 25 years and my 12 years old collie dog, Windsor, that we had from a pup, passed away hours apart from each other in late September. I was a wounded soul, and Dover, the puppy, was the antidote to suddenly finding myself a widow and alone on two acres.
Dover gave me purpose. He made me feel safe. He was my constant companion. He was a very good dog.
“Dogs’ lives are too short. Their only fault, really.”
– Agnes Sligh Turnbull (author, The Wedding Bargain)
Late February early March of this year Dover started to behave strangely, hobbling, and I thought maybe he had hurt his back even though I didn’t see him get injured. Upon inspection he seemed fine but as time went on he started to get worse, not being able to stand or walk well so I tried to find a vet to visit him but because of covid-19 so many in-home services were not operating and he finally ended up in an emergency veterinary hospital without me in April. He had a battery of tests; X-rays, blood work, urine tests but all they did in the end was tell us what was not wrong with him and not what was happening to him.
“A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of.”
– Ogden Nash.
“When an 85-pound mammal licks your tears away, then tries to sit on your lap, it’s hard to feel sad.”
– Kristan Higgins (author, In Your Dreams)
“Be thou comforted, little dog, Thou too in Resurrection shall have a little golden tail.”
– Martin Luther.
He came home from the hospital on antibiotics in case it was a neurological issue due to an undetected infection but, after taking the whole medicine course he was no better. We were stumped. We tried cbd for dogs, prayer, acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, but, even though he tried valiantly to get better, he continued to decline and ultimately lost the battle this week.
“Why does watching a dog be a dog fill one with happiness?”
– Jonathan Safran Foer
“What do dogs do on their day off? Can’t lie around – that’s their job.”
– George Carlin (comedian)
“I have found that when you are deeply troubled, there are things you get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source.”
– Doris Day (actress)
Wanted it to be You, Dominique Arciero, 2019 
“Dogs have boundless enthusiasm but no sense of shame. I should have a dog as a life coach.”
– Moby.
Good dog. Rest In Peace.
Good dog, good tribute! I hope I’m brave enough to do the same thing when my next dog leaves me. I’m glad you have Devon to help you carry on. I’ve found having a second dog to focus on helps ease the passing of a first, since you can grieve together. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you! I am looking into local collie rescue, and helping with seniors and retirees from breeders now, because I agree about the second dog. It’s good for me, good for Devon & good for them.
Oh Karen, I am so sorry for your loss of such a fine canine companion. This is a beautiful tribute, you’ve created for Dover. It was joyful to watch what a fine life you provided for Dover, and the fur babies. Thanks for sharing the journey with us. Biggest virtual hugs to you, friend. Much love, Gretchen 😢🌹🦋🙏💜
Thank you Gretchen! Hugs and love back!