Monday, 22 February 2010

A good innings.....

Well I ran into a neighbour today, who often walks his rather slow black labrador at about the same time as I used to take dear Hamish out. Through tears (embarrassing in the newsagents) I told him about how I lost Hamish last week. With kindness in his eyes and voice, this taciturn Scot said "och well, he had a good innings didn't he?"

I don't know if this expression is used in non-cricket playing cultures; it is common to the point of cliche here, but none the worse for that. 

Hamish did have a good innings, and I am so thankful. 

Readers of this blog, I have been overwhelmed by your messages of condolence and support, and by all those beautiful poems and thoughts that you have offered as comfort. I apologize to those of you I have not found time to thank personally - I have so appreciated every single kind comment. 

As for blogging, I have enjoyed it so much that I shall find a way to continue, as I begin to adjust to life without Hamish. It will be a new blog, and I'll post a link here when I decide exactly the format (probably in a few weeks). I shall of course also continue to follow my all favourite dog blogs - life would be dull without them now. 

One day too, but not immediately, there will be a new dog in my house, I am sure. 

Goodbye for now,
Gail. 

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37 comments:

  1. houndstooth22 February 2010 at 16:06

    We wish you well as you start the new blog, and as you one day find a new companion to share your life with. I know how difficult that can be! We're thinking of you!

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  2. Stella22 February 2010 at 16:08

    Kind words, Gail, and I thank you for them. Will you leave Hamish's blog up for a while? Quite a few people never got to know him and would enjoy reading some of the pieces, I am sure of that.

    Those with dogs getting old could learn a bit too. One of the hardest things I had to learn was caring for a geriatric dog.

    Those of us who enjoy writing for our dogs and creating their persona, love other writers who have been successful at it too.

    So, no Goodbye, won't accept that.
    How about So Long for now.

    Cheers,

    Jo and Stella

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  3. Scooter22 February 2010 at 16:09

    Gail
    we look forward to seeing your new blog and I am so glad that you will continue blogging.

    We all will be looking forward to getting the new dog in the house when it is the right time and our paws will be wide open to him/her.

    Prayers are with you as you adjust and continue on without Hamish.

    Love
    Diana and Jazzi

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  4. Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings22 February 2010 at 16:13

    Gail,

    We are so happy to hear from you and to know that someday in the future you will be considering both a new blog and another dog. Please let us know - our email is rocky creek scotties at yahoo dot com.

    Check out today's RCSA blog - we have a picture of little Hamish front and center.

    XOXO
    The Rocky Creek Gang

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  5. TwoSpecialWires22 February 2010 at 16:20

    Gail. We were happy to see your post show up this morning. We came right over to visit, to take our little jaunt to Aberdeen, to join you in a few moments of your day. We are pleased that you've shared some of the conversations and thoughts that have been personally yours in the past few days, and we hope that you know that so many of us truly hope to keep the connection. Hamish was, is still a link. It was through those observant little eyes and that curious and reflective little soul that we caught a glimpse into your world. Come back as often as it feels right, and we'll be pleased to join you in your journey. Wherever it goes, however quickly or slowly we may travel.

    Rest right now.
    Love
    Jake and Fergi and Sally and MountainGirl

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  6. Maxmom22 February 2010 at 16:50

    Hey there Gail
    Our life's circles continue. Doors shut...others open! Take the time to shed the tears and when it is right...we'll be there to share the new innings!
    Our love, thoughts and prayers continue to flood your way.
    With love and gratitude for being our friend. We miss Hamish enormously!
    MAX & CARYL IN SA

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  7. the magic sleigh22 February 2010 at 17:01

    Wooos Gail! Good Innings, I like that one.
    We will be looking forward to hearing from woo once again. All of our best wishes hugs, prayers and puppy kisses. We miss him too~
    -Kira The BeaWootiful

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  8. Basset Human Slave!22 February 2010 at 17:22

    Hi Gail, sounded like the human equivalent to Hamish you met!
    Very Scottish, practical response...
    We so wish dogs lived longer!
    We look forward to your new blog whenever you feel ready.
    We reckon Hamish was well worth quite a few tears!
    So don't expect that to be the last of them just yet.
    Take care
    love
    Martha, Bailey & V xxxx

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  9. Dexter22 February 2010 at 18:18

    That was a wonderful sentiment from you fellow dog walker. Just take your time and rejoin us when you are ready.

    Slobbers,
    Mango

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  10. Pamela Terry and Edward22 February 2010 at 18:39

    Having just discovered your sad, sad news. I have left a comment on your previous post. You are in my thoughts and my prayers. In my experience, there is nothing in life quite as hard as losing a beloved dog.

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  11. sprinkles22 February 2010 at 19:22

    I'm glad you're going to continue to blog and I hope that it helps heal your heart.

    I've thought a lot about you over the weekend. The pain of losing a pet is never easy. The worst part is that so many people don't understand or seem to care.

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  12. Two French Bulldogs22 February 2010 at 19:47

    Oh boy thats a good one Good Innings..Hmmm... Hope all is well. We posted about Hamish over the weekend
    Benny & Lily

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  13. Lucia22 February 2010 at 20:07

    Gail --

    No hurries; just take your time. We'll be here when you come back, and will keep you in our thoughts until then.

    xox
    Lucia and her 'ragazza'

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  14. The Black and Tans.22 February 2010 at 20:34

    Gail

    It was good to see your post today. Take each day as it comes and we look forward to your next blog when you feel the time is ready.

    Take care

    Molly, Taffy and Monty

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  15. moo...23 February 2010 at 00:17

    thank you so much for sharing the greatness of your little white dog, and the bad times. he'll live in the memories of a lot of his furends!

    best of luck with possible future blog, and dog. Moo (human, sort of) and Sam (dog, sort of).

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  16. NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog!23 February 2010 at 00:33

    What a great perspekhtive!

    Take Khare...

    Not furever, just fur now...

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra

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  17. Sian and Nessie23 February 2010 at 01:44

    Ahh Gail.I remember when Maggie passed. Poor Angus pined and needed a friend, that is how we acquirred Nessie. But even so it was months after Maggies passing. Get a new soul mate when you feel it is time. Remember Hamish, he seemed like such a splendid terrier. I will enjoy your new blog too, you are so insightful. Dont be afraid to cry Gail, there was a young man walking in my neighborhood with a cairn terrier and I was biking with friends, (I am a minor andd biking is definitely cool) and I burst into tears. I wanted to cry but I couldnt. I had cried too much. I physically could not. So Gail, crying is a wonderful thing, it makes you feel you are honoring whom has passed. And I draied the food shops of tea, I suggest you do the same. I will be blogging sooner or later too. Though it may only be when term lets out. Until then, woofs from me and Nessie!

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  18. Joy23 February 2010 at 04:15

    Thinking tender thoughts of you, Gail. Take care and go ahead and grieve for little Hamish.

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  19. Bae Bae23 February 2010 at 07:49

    I came from Ludo's blog. So sorry on your lost~

    ~ Bae

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  20. Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place23 February 2010 at 15:51

    Good innings...what a beautiful way to sum up a wonderful dog's life...

    That was lovely...thank you...it made us smile!

    Let us know where you are...we will visit!

    Kisses,

    Scruffy, Lacie, Stanny and Mumsie

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  21. susangail423 February 2010 at 16:24

    Good innings is a great way to look at life,you never know what the next one will bring some good and bad.I was soo sad to read of Hamish's next journey he has taken but for selfish reasons of course,I hope that one day you can find a place in your heart for another little Westie,they do bring so much laughter into our lives.If I'm having a bad day all I have to do is look into those Westie eyes and all is well in the world.

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  22. Jesse the Westie23 February 2010 at 16:44

    Gail,

    I would like to thank you for inspiring me to write my own blog. I will continue to follow you on your journey. I deeply miss Hamish but know that he had a higher calling upon him. Keep soldering on and things will get better with time.

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  23. Ms. ~K23 February 2010 at 18:19

    You have so much love to give, you must get another pup, when the time is right!
    Hugs,
    Kit

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  24. Eric23 February 2010 at 18:20

    Hi Gail. Thank you so much for commenting on Eric's little tribute. More importantly thank you for sharing Hamish and your slant on life. We feel priviliged and will really miss Hamish and your his wise outlook on life and glimpses of your beautiful part of the country.

    In the meantime we're sending you comforting hugs (plus Eric bad boy jumps and licks!) Like your kind neighbour, we understand how you must be feeling but are pleased to know you have it in the back of your mind to get another companion sometime along the way. Amazing isn't it that there is always room in our hearts for one more without loosing or forgetting those that were there before.

    Eric and I will be here waiting to welcome you both whenever. Take care Gail. Bryony and Eric x x

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  25. Baby Rocket Dog and Hootie23 February 2010 at 20:25

    Dear Gail, We never heard that saying, but it's meaning carries over to us non-cricket folk. Very suiting for dear Hamish!

    We'll hold you to keeping in touch with us!

    Smooches from pooches,
    BabyRocketDog and Hootie

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  26. How Sam Sees It24 February 2010 at 11:19

    I think I might like your neighbor, and the "good innings". We are sending you hugs, and look forward to your new blog.

    Sam

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  27. Martha 25 February 2010 at 09:52

    Hi Gail, just dropped by to say Hello and let you know we are still thinking of you and missing wee Hamish.
    The great thing about the blog is there is such a lovely history of all his antics and views on life!
    Take care
    Vanessa and the Bassets xxxxxxx
    ps Do you think we could start a pop group with that name?

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  28. My Mind's Eye25 February 2010 at 18:21

    Hi Gail....we have never heard the term "good innings" but oh how appropriate and I do believe Vanessa was right you met the human equivalent of Hamish in that nice gentleman.....you are in our thoughts and prayers....
    Madi and Mom

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  29. Stuart, The Scottish Terrier25 February 2010 at 21:44

    Oh Gail. We've All been thinking about you. Take all the time you need. We'll look forward to your new blog. Whatever it is. We know Hamish will be right there with you. Looking over your shoulder. Telling you what to write. Roo Roo from My Heart, Stuart

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  30. Angus27 February 2010 at 11:44

    A very Aberdonian response - not necessarily what one wants to hear but true. Of course to have had a good innings and be loved at the same time is what we all - two and four legged - aspire to.
    By the way I still sometimes log on just to smile at that last photo - determination personified.

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  31. KEY WEST COLLIES1 March 2010 at 01:01

    Jake & JH directed us here. We know Hamish will be waiting for you across the rainbow bridge.

    There is nothing like a dog in a person's life. They normally reflect our best qualities. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Dog Speed,

    Essex, Deacon & Dog Dad too.

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  32. ScrapsofMe4 March 2010 at 17:20

    Hi Gail! Just stopping by to see how you are doing. We've been seing some posts from Gail from Aberdeen and suspect it's you! SHE says she'd be glad to airmail me over to you if you need company. I heard her talking about offering a 3 for 1 deal with me, Puffy n the Mr. tossed in. You'd have to buy him a leash though.

    woofie kisses,
    Bonnie

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  33. briansworld4 March 2010 at 18:28

    Gail:
    I was a late arrival to your blog and so only got to enjoy Hamish for a few short weeks, but I will be checkin in, and hope that when you are ready, you will find the perfect pet to be owned by. May God continue to bless and heal your heart.
    Xeni

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  34. Jans Funny Farm6 March 2010 at 04:25

    We don't really know what "good innings" means but we assume in this case it means Hamish had a good life with you!

    We wish you well as you continue your journey of healing.

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  35. Tosca the Lakeland Terrier7 March 2010 at 17:33

    Hello, we're so behind on dogblogs and am just catching this sad news about Hamish. We're so sorry for your loss and hope you are coping well. -Tosca and the homie

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  36. Anonymous10 March 2010 at 18:20

    Checkin in. Hope you're doing ok.
    Xeni

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  37. Martha 10 March 2010 at 21:08

    Same as above! Just stopping by to let you know we are thinking of you.
    xxxx

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