Thanks for the kind words everyone. You are a very special group of friends, dog lovers to the core who can feel for a dog half a world away, and have empathy with its owner. Sad times that we all unfortunately have to get through in our turn.
A District Nurse who was here yesterday is grieving still for a beautiful Border Collie she lost maybe 2 years ago. I will try to be positive. It was a delight to own a pretty little girl like Gemma. Lindapalm is right in the she did make us laugh a lot, and so many nice memories. Losing Gemma makes me think I need to cherish every day I have with the remaining shelties, 2 of which are now 12 years old, and two are 10.