Thought for the Week

by Rob Fry, Yeadon

As I left the room that day, it didn’t seem right or even possible that I’d be leaving him behind, still; on the table. Some minutes previous, he’d mustered the vigour to “cock his leg” on the door frame, an act of defiance he’d religiously carried out for the last 14 years, I guess there was a message to the vet somewhere! Fred had been a constant presence through childhood and teenage years, he’d chased off would be burglars, charmed friends and neighbours and offered the very best cuddles to whoever most needed them. He was stubborn to the core, yet possessed a very discerning nature. Look alike? We even shared the same eyebrows! So, as I made my way back home that sorrow filled day, contemplations passed through my mind that we could NEVER replace Fred, and thus perhaps to honour his legacy we shouldn’t have another dog? And yet we did! Another rescued from someone else’s scrap heap. It’s true to say there was a period of adjustment, but a decade later, what another good dog and huge part of our lives we’ve had. Though we do ask ourselves how long now we can keep her? And the cycle goes on…

Look, it was NEVER my intention to write a piece entitled “get yourself a rescue dog…” rather, issue a two finger challenge to the notion that a stunted existence is more palatable than loving and losing.

It’s true to say, at times I’ve sung the song “Never Ever”, Yet by the same, I never thought that I would see the Manhattan skyline, I never thought that I’d sit in front row seat for The Who, or see ELO at Wembley stadium. I didn’t think I’d get the chance to take the wedding of a young couple on a beach in Tenerife, or celebrate a silver wedding. I never set out to be my own boss, but I’ve never been busier. Life continues to throw an assortment at us… A bolt from cupids bow, or a stab in the back… That’s life, but with breath comes hope and opportunity.

If ever there is a never, then it’s to say never say never again!

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