For those of you who don’t remember him, this is Bilbo, our beloved Border Collie who passed away four years ago.
Well, it’s part of Bilbo. If you knew how much Bilbo loved his food, and how he got in trouble with the vet for having about six meals a day eating all the kids’ leftovers, you’d know this photo is very apt.
Perhaps, I should be feeling like a traitor, posting photos of Bilbo while Zac is snoozing away on my lap with the keyboard perched on top of him like always as I tap away. Am I betraying Zac, by thinking of his predecessor? Or, am I betraying Bilbo by getting another dog? Actually, we have three dogs. Personally, I think they’d understand.
I was so heartbroken when Bilbo passed away, and crossed over that blasted Rainbow Bridge. I’ve never had a cat. So, I’m not sure whether cats also cross over the Rainbow Bridge. Or, do cats they have their own heaven? I don’t know, but it makes sense. After all, how could cats and dogs ever be in the same place and call it heaven? Perhaps, there is someone with greater wisdom than I out there who could explain it all.
Anyway, we had quite a fancy afternoon tea what was now ten years ago when I made Monte Carlos and got out one of my grandmother’s tablecloths and the crinoline lady tea cup. So traditional, and visions of High Tea come to mind. Then, there’s Bilbo under the table, and looking like he’s volunteering to clean the plate.
I miss him, and our other dogs. Each of them has a place with us that’s just their own. Unique. There’s not some dog-shaped cookie cutter we use around here, and every dog is just the same. They’re each unique, and I love them all dearly and they were each wrapped around me like Zac is now, and also wrapped around my heart.
There is a part of me who strives to get “there”. Be organised. Pull out all the bells and whistles, and pull it off. Although that sounds rather cryptic, I’m sure you know what I mean. That when you have a fancy tea party, your dog doesn’t jump up on the table and help themselves to the cake. Or, that you go somewhere special with your kids, they simply sit there as still as statues. Or, if the situation permits, they just or smile and wave just like the Queen without any youthful exuberance whatsoever. Such kids don’t really exist beyond the royal family, do they? I’m sure of it.
Anyway, for those of you who remember dear Bilbo who was once quite a regular at Beyond the Flow, we might raise a cup of tea and a biscuit and remember all our fur babies who have passed.
Best wishes,
Rowena
Beyond the Flow 
I do remember Bilbo and can’t believe it has been 4 years! One thing, despite what the cartoons say, cats and dogs do get along very well. Our dogs couldn’t call it heaven without their feline friends…
Cheers to sweet Bilbo who I remember quite fondly. These dogs manage to touch our hearts so uniquely and deeply. The 2nd anniversary of Sam’s passing is in 3 weeks and the pain of his loss is still front and center. Our relationship was deepened when we began visiting hospital and I suspect that intensified my love for that Knucklehead. Still can’t help but shed tears when I sit quietly and recall his sweet nature and the love he brought to me every day. 🥰
Max definitely will raise a dog biscuit in memory of his very good blog friend Mr. Bilbo. One of the first pups that he met when the blog started so many years ago and always fondly remembered along with dear Lady of course.
Thanks so much, Tom and Max. Lady still sticks her nose in and reads Max’s posts. She hasn’t strayed, but that could well be because we reinforced the fence with chicken wire and blocked her exit under the house with some sturdy planks.
Best wishes,
Ro
I can fully understand you missing Sam so much. We did a lot more with Bilbo than we do with these three, but the fact that they’re aggressive towards other dogs is a huge factor. I still see Sams around the place. I saw one down at the beach recently. He was such a gorgeous dog and doing the hospital visits and writing the blog posts definitely tightens that bond. Take care and I’ll be thinking of you as his anniversary approaches.
Hope you’re doing okay.
Best wishes,
Rowena
See, you were obviously the great wise one I was waiting on. My sister-in-law had a border collie and a fluffy cat and they loved playing chasings. My husband is allergic to cats so we can’t have one, much to our daughter’s disappointment.
🥰
Our cats and dogs don’t play chase like that often, but they do love each other… most of the time 😉