My beautiful Candy died four days ago. She suddenly went down hill, although the previous week she had shown signs of improvement. I took her into the vet, who took more x-rays which showed that the tumour had increased in size and nothing more could be done for her. Up until then her quality of life had remained fulfilling. She came for her walks, lay in the sun and was content. But suddenly she changed, literally over night, and as I would never allow an animal in my care to suffer, I knew the time had come to say good-bye to my precious girl.

I held her as her life ebbed away; she looked into my eyes for the last time as I kissed her and told her I loved her.

We took her home, Ev dug a grave in the garden, I wrapped her in her pink blankie and laid her to rest. Although it's winter here and the dry season, the heavens opened and rain lashed down from a turbulent sky. It seemed a fitting finale for my girl. All the other 'kids' joined us at the grave side, except for Tosca, who's a bit of a wuss and didn't want to get his feet wet, so he observed the proceedings from the open doorway.

Rudi and Jo came over the next day with flowers which we laid on the grave, and we sat around it and toasted our girl with copious bottles of 'black label' which did us all good!

My sadness at the loss of such a special friend is still very savage. The bond I shared with Candy was very special. Her love, loyalty and devotion were my first experience of unconditional love and although I know she will always live in my heart I miss my girl so much. Lux, Snooze, Rusty and Tosca all understand what has happened: before we buried her I had Candy on my bed and they all came in and said goodbye to her. Animals! What magical creatures they are...

I have a request. I know that out there in cyber space are other people who share my passion for animals and honour their responsibility towards them. I would like to do something in memory of Candy. The SPCA here is run by a wonderful woman - Hilda. She receives no government help and like all charities sorely needs money. If those of you who can make a donation - however small - would do so, it would do so much to help all the abandoned animals that Hilda cares for. The problem of homeless animals here is massive. It would take every man, woman and child in South Africa to accept responsibility for thirteen dogs EACH for the problem to be solved. Every time a dog is bought from a breeder, a stray is euthanised. So any help you can give to the SPCA (Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals) would be so appreciated. Her bank details are as follows:

ABSA Bank
Branch Number 334349
Account Name SPCA/DBV Letaba
Account Number 4072897174
BIC 632005

And if you could say it's for the 'Candy Appeal' I'd be very grateful.

I'll say farewell for this week my darlings. I know I have your love and support and for that I am so very grateful. And I send love from all of us to all of you.

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