Farewell our furry friend

"This one Mummy, let's get this one" said my son as his glasses fogged up from the slobbering kisses of a four-legged bundle of cuteness. Look Mummy he's chasing me!  His laughter rang through the air and he continued to bond with his new furry friend. As I looked on, I watched my seven year old son rumble and tumble with a golden Labrador who was all paws and kisses. The two, with their odd gait, found a friend that day. What shall we call him? I asked and Jacob, ever thoughtful, replied "Milo". I looked at his sincere little face and had to ask why? " It's my favourite drink" and with that he ran back to Milo and the rest, as they say, is history. This reject of the litter, with his big brown eyes and wagging tail, became a permanent member of our family that day. Milo joined my brood of six children and was soon chewing and cuddling way into our hearts.

Milo on his last bush bash with us

Now 12 years later, Jacob has grown up and Milo sleeps on our lounge room floor, for the last night.Tomorrow night he will go to sleep forever after the shock diagnosis of  advanced bone cancer.

Loving the beach with friends

Two days ago we took Milo to the vet to find out why he wouldn't walk on his back leg.

He has recently had issues with his hips and everyone, including the vet, presumed it was hip dysplasia (common in Labs) or arthritis. On Saturday morning we took him in hoping for some pain relief so he could move easier, instead we looked on in horror as his x-rays showed his bone had been eaten away and the cancer had spread to his lungs. With tears streaming, we listened to the vet give us our options, they were all awful, nothing could save Milo.

A gentle soul

We have brought Milo home, to spend some time with him before we say goodbye; he is heavily medicated yet his tail still wags with enthusiasm when we talk to him or pat him. Daryl has started to prepare his resting place, under a beautiful old gum tree on our farm. A grim task.

Winter nights

Faithful friend

We know it is the right thing to do, we know he is in pain, we know he will never recover, we know it is his time. But it hurts, it hurts so much. Milo is part of our family. If you have never owned a pet you will not understand, but if you have, then you will know the pain losing them brings to a home.

Milo and Mia

Every adventure is a good one when you're a dog

“A person can learn a lot from a dog, even a loopy one like ours. Milo taught us about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught us to appreciate the simple things-a walk in the bush, a run on the beach, a nap in a shaft of winter sunlight. And as he grew old and achy, he taught us about optimism in the face of adversity. Mostly, he taught us about friendship and selflessness and, above all else, unwavering loyalty.”
(Adapted from John Grogan, Marley and Me)


Rest in peace my furry friend, you have been an incredible companion.

Until next time

Natasha