Wednesday 3 March 2010

Fonzie 1995-2010
My elder son, Simon, said goodbye to his old, loyal and much-loved dog, Fonzie, yesterday.
They had been together half of Simon's life, and Fonzie — beautiful, athletic, smart, gentle and devoted — long ago assumed legend status.
But the time had come for Simon to do the right thing by the poor old Fonz, whose eyesight and hearing were almost gone, and whose back legs were arthritic and weakening fast to the point that recently there were times when he just couldn't get up.
Between 20 and 30 people turned up to a party to farewell Fonz on the holiday Monday, in Perth's beautiful Hyde Park.
Then Simon and three of his best friends, who had all known Fonzie since he was a puppy, lifted him into the car and drove him to our farm down south.
There, they gave him the sort of day he'd have loved as a young and healthy dog.
He spent the morning snoozing in the sunshine, padding about the farm (where I photographed him, above) and sticking close to Simon. Then he had the afternoon at the beach.
He was a fantastic swimmer, and the beach was his all-time favourite place. The five of them all went for a long swim together, and Fonzie enjoyed the weightlessness, and the cool water on his tired old back and limbs.
He was put to sleep just after 4pm, with the smell of salt in his grey-tinged coat, and sand still in his paws.
They buried him on the farm, with a can of food and a tennis ball.
This is his view.

12 comments:

Frogdancer said...

R.I.P Fonzie.

What a lovely last day he had, though...

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

This last day says so much about Fonzie and everyone that loved him...
dear people and a dear dog.

Rattling On said...

I came by to see how the bag was coming along, but this post makes that seem a bit insignificant...

Mousy Brown said...

What a heart warming and heart breaking post. We lost our elderly dog two years ago, he had always been there for our little one, and his absence is still felt every day. How lovely that you were able to give your Fonzie such a fantastic last day and memories of that happy day will be added to all the others you shared together.

Laura Jane said...

Oh Les, what a beautiful last day to have. I'm all misty.

Poor Simon, he will really feel the loss of his old mate.

RIP Fonzie

Rob Ryan said...

You did a good job there.

victoria said...

That is so sad. I'd glad he had a party.xxoo

M said...

beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Farewell Fonzie. I can tell you were much loved.

Gina said...

What a beautiful post. What a fabulous last day Fonzie had and he must have known how well loved he was.

Love and hugs Gina xxx

Suse said...

RIP Fonzie. I love that your son had a party for him on his final day. What a special time.

Jennifer said...

How beautiful and how sad -- I've tears in my eyes. Pets are absolutely as much of our lives as people are. How wonderful to have been so utterly loved and respected, what a perfect last day. My deepest sympathies to you all.