It's been a year since you had to leave us, my darling Gari, and we miss you more than words can say.
I will always be so glad I took you home that day from the rescue centre when you were unhappy there, we both loved you from the start, and did everything we could to make you happy, it certainly wasn't a hardship to give up full time work and holidays abroad, as I enjoyed every minute we had together. I couldn't wait to get home from work to see you and take you out for long walks, and you were always so excited to see me, bringing me a favourite toy and wagging your whole body.
We all had some fabulous holidays, you loved getting to the caravan we hired every year at St Andrews, and would get so excited as we made our first visit to the beach - almost giving me heart failure by running down the side of the cliff in order to get into the sea as quickly as possible! You also loved all the other places we went to, and we had the best holidays ever because you were there with us.
You loved nothing more than a cuddle, and would put your paws around my neck and stay like that for ages. I remember in the early days allowing you on the bed beside me and us cuddling up together, we had to be sneaky as Stuart didn't agree with dogs on the bed, however, it turned out he did the same as he also loved getting a cuddle from you!
So, of course, from then on, you were on our bed with us as much as you liked, and you were great company for me anytime I was feeling ill, or when Stuart was working away.
I could talk about you for hours Gari, and I often do, you are always in my thoughts, and sometimes, even my dreams. You were the best dog anyone could wish for, and I never wanted us to be apart, but sadly, you had to go quite suddenly, and I know you wanted to stay with me. I would have given anything to keep you well and with us.
Life after you went was just horrible and empty, it was strange having a clean house, I longed for you to come in shaking mud all over the walls, and asking for biscuits (your favourite word). I tried having other peoples' Cockers in the house, and it helped a little, but I just wanted you. I was desperate to try to fill the huge void you left, and we ended up getting a puppy - you would have hated that, you never liked pups!
We then went to another rescue centre and got another Cocker, it was just a coincidence that they are both black, as they could never ever replace you, but you made us love the breed and black, to us, is the best colour.
I hope you understand why we had to get these dogs, but I also hope you notice - we only needed one Gari, but we need 2 Cockers to even begin to help fill that void.
They haven't replaced you Gari, but they have made life without you bearable again, and I love taking them to all the places you loved and showing them where you were happiest, they make me laugh, and that is something I thought I would never do again. I like to think you played a part in helping me find them, as you never liked seeing me cry, it always upset you.
I will never ever forget you, I miss you every minute of every day, and wish we had had longer together, but I hope you are watching over us, and that one day we will be together again forever.
I love you my baby, and will always have a Gari-shaped hole in my heart.
