My Friend Nero

Today we had to say a final farewell to our friend Nero.

When we were young, shiny coated, all black dogs, we used to run around and play. 

Well I used to play with Nero, and Chips just ignored us.

Nero always put Chips and me to shame with his good behaviour and never running off. 

But every now and again, his cheeky side would pop out.

He was very handsome. 

Truth be told, I had a bit of a thing for Nero, but he wanted to be just good friends.

Us three used to go to the cafe every week. 

Nero was our calming influence when we used to bark all the time.

We walked together come rain...

...or shine.

Nero was our friendly, gentle friend. He didn't even bear a grudge when Chips bit his ear.

We loved walking together and rolling in muck and searching for treats. 

We loved finding new paths and getting lost and finding ourselves again.

We loved setting out, and Nero loved heading back to the car when he thought it was time to go home!

He was the perfect combination of sensible, loyal and fun and he did a mean photobomb.

Farewell lovely Nero.

Thank you for the good times.

My Friend Chips - by Beanz

 When TJam went to the dogs home in 2002 she brought home two black dogs.

I was the puppy. Chips was the boss.

She helped me settle in. I didn't even know how to be in a house at first.

But I soon got used to the idea of having a bed!

She was very patient but she kept me in line and 

made me the non-confrontational being I am today.

 You've seen the adventures over the years. 

TJam says she had to start this blog to help her cope with it.

I say it would have been selfish not to have shared our fabulousness.

Our antics have got slightly less outrageous and slightly more age appropriate recently.

Mostly.

Chips and I have done almost everything together. 

TJam tried to practise us apart, but mostly we have been the best of friends.

Together.

The last couple of weeks, Chips has been off her food. 

If you've learnt anything at all over the past 12 years, it is that Chips does not go off her food.

So she had to go to the vet.

They tried some stuff, but long story short, that is why I am pensive today.

Yesterday, Chips finished her stint here with me.

No more taking my toys and sitting on me when I am trying to sleep.

No more being my pillow.

 

Carlsberg and I got to see her and say our goodbyes in our own ways.

I mostly said my goodbyes by laying in the garden, and Carlsberg did a walk past.

Now I have to take on the mantle of knowing when it is 12noon and 5.00pm so 

I can remind TJam to feed me.

Chips has taught me everything dog that I needed to know, 

and some things the humans wish I didn't.

This was our last picture together. 

Goodbye Chips, my boss and my ally. 

It's ok that you blamed the sofa-eating incident on me.

 It's weird without you.

 If I find any poo, I'll eat a lump for you my friend.

It's the least I can do.

RIP Taz

Poor Taz, TJam's parents' dog, who had been poorly on and off, finally got just too poorly. Chips and Beanz will miss him when we visit and we are glad we got to see him one last time.