Arwen - At Tailends 2nd June 2008 - 25 October 2008

Arwen is an 11 year old black greyhound bitch who has been used for breeding in Ireland since her racing career ended.  She was handed over by a trainer with a number of younger greyhounds when they were no longer wanted.  We heard about her from Mary Jane at Orchard rescue and then set about arranging for her to be brought over to Tailends.  We owe a huge debt of thanks to Ian and Wendy Callaghan from Cornwall who very kindly agreed to undertake this arduous 30 hour journey to collect Arwen.  They deserve a medal for endurance as they must have been exhausted by the time they got home.  Arwen arrived at Tailends at about 6pm on Monday 2nd June.  She was extremely nervous of people but is improving all the time and gradually gaining confidence.  She was amazed at the views over the fields when she went for her walk this morning and stared in disbelief at the rabbits playing in the grass.  She is such a lovely girl but I think she has had a difficult life.  She is booked in at the vet on Thursday for a check and spaying.  She will also need a dental.  She seems to have arthritis in her back legs.

It is with a very heavy heart that I have to tell you that my dear sweet Arwen died on Tuesday morning of 21st October 2008. She had less than five months at Tailends, but in that time she became a much loved member of our extended family. She arrived a terrified traumatised girl, who did not even want to come indoors - such was her fear. However, in a short time she was confident and enjoying her freedom off lead on the beach every day. Her death was a terrible shock as it was totally unexpected. Her coat was shiny and she seemed in such excellent condition after a few months of good food, veterinary attention, and lots of love. Just a week ago I would have said she was the fittest dog here - but I was so wrong! Last weekend she started to take longer eating her food than usual and bits were dropping on the floor. She had a full dental in mid August but I knew tartar was building up again despite the daily application of dental gel.

I booked her into the vet on Tuesday morning for a check and Alison found a tumour at the back of her mouth. We all hoped that it could be removed by surgery but when she was able to look more closely, it was apparent that the tumour was extremely aggressive and had spread into the tonsils and further back.

There was nothing to be done to help her. Alison said that she would suffer terrible pain if she went home and it was agreed that the kindest thing would be to let her go quietly under the anaesthetic. It was horrible for me as I had not even had a chance to say goodbye to my dear Arwen. I am still in shock as I write this. I had just got the winter coats out and of course Arwen was going to have Amos' lovely coat and his jumper for cold days which he was given last Christmas. It is a cruel irony that Amos died of mouth cancer too. They never met in life but were so similar and both very intelligent special people. They will live in my heart forever.

I am so sorry you did not have longer. Your life was snatched away just when you were having such a lovely time at last. One day we will understand why these terrible things have to happen but right now it just seems so very hard to bear. Howard came just five days after you and he could not stay long as he was so ill. Now you are all restored to health and run free somewhere out of my sight. Until we meet again I have my memories of you.