Okay, so a dog might only be a dog for some. Yet for others, a canine companion is an integral physical and emotional member of the family unit. That said, our beloved Poppy the border collie x left us in October 2024.

We fully understood that ‘any day now’ was coming. After all, Poppy wasn’t a pup any more — and the poor girl had endured some pretty alarming medical issues in her dotage, some unfortunately due to prescribed drugs that instigated terrible side effects. We did a little delving and … changed vets. Nonetheless, when the time comes and with all things considered, there’s no easy way to say goodbye.

That time-and-bank-balance-consuming bundle of hair, energy, searching eyes and loveliness had just about ruled our lives from the moment she stumbled into it. None of our change of lifestyle was considered under sufferance, mind, because Poppy was a joy (despite her previous owner’s, whoever they were, treatment of her). Very quickly it became just how it was meant to be. Obliged by that searching gaze to walk her twice daily through rain, hail, shine, tempest, sleet, snow or battering winds, it was as much good for my soul as it was hers.

Rare holidays? Our house / Poppy / chook sitters were thoroughly vetted to ensure that Poppy et al were as inconvenienced by our rare indulgence as possible. As a result of several of those appointments, we made some lasting friendships, and despite a veritable tome of instructions and expectations, Deb and Richard, and Karen stepped into the roles with total commitment, and treated Poppy as if she was their own.

Sadly, that’s all in the past now and we have little more than wonderful memories of those years — not to mention mountains of photo / video of that four-legged family member who always managed to be in the frame, even if she wasn’t necessarily invited.

As I write this, Poppy rests in a beautiful antique box behind my chair, next to our beloved Arnie the boxer, and Tyson the boxer before him.

Five months have passed since that day, which just happened to fall on my birthday (thanks Pops, you found a way for the occasion of your departure to never be overlooked). I inspired to compose a song for ‘Popster’, yet once it was done, it took a while before I could make it through without blubbing like a … blubbery thing. A while longer before I felt comfortable enough to share.

Life remains good here on the farm, although a Poppy-void remains.

Check out Kathy’s post on how Poppy came into our lives: https://cannonhillchronicles.com/2015/10/21/pretty-poppy/

I’ll do a proper recording one day, but for now, here’s ‘Ordinary Lives’: