Caring Saffy brings light to dark days
SAFFY, you came into my life at six months old as a cheeky Cairn Terrier full of attitude.
Now you are an elderly lady of 11 years, although you do not act it! You are still trying to rid the world of white fluffy dogs and I’m still trying to stop you. We have now accepted a truce — that is we avoid white small dogs. It took a while for us to get used to each other.
The fact you do not greet me when I come in took a while to get used to. Basically, you punish anyone who leaves you. You like your independence, but so do I. You do not play fetch or any other silly dog games, but you love your teddy and running free on walks — especially paddling in water. Saffy, your main job in life was a carer; you have now retired but if they gave awards to dogs for caring for people you would get the top prize.
Daily you sat with Mum when she was frail and confused with dementia. My memory is of you both looking out of the window together to see if visitors would call. You were best friends as she fed you titbits and talked with you.
When she was terminally ill you loved her carers and the fuss they made of you — especially when you ‘robbed’ items to get attention and we used to laugh at you. You brought light into our dark days. When Mum passed away you grieved for her with me and no words were needed — just two friends remembering a loved one.
When Dad passed away a year later we grieved again. You gave me strength, Saffy, through your joy and love. But a month later you tore both your cruciate ligaments: I thought I would lose you.
But no, Saffy, you are a fighter and after an operation and after two months’ recovery you were back to your old self.
Now that I am the carer of you, Saffy, I must say you are a bad patient who hides when I try and give you eye drops which you need daily due to a dust allergy.
Saffy, you are not a saint, and a typical terrier but you make me laugh every day with your habits and antics.
I wrote this just to say thanks for minding me and caring for us through our darkest times and, for me, you are the carer of the year! Fiona Kinch Leopardstown, Dublin 18
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