Muffy, a beagle d*g we "owned" for 18 months passed over the RB a few
days ago at the august age of about 15 (very old for a beagle).  She
lived a full, varied and wonderful life with lots of different
owners/staff (she, unlike many d*gs, did believe in having staff!!).
She made sure her life was organised to suit herself and if she didn't
like it, she up and left.  She was the *most* phenomenal
escape-artist!

When she was about 4 or 5 years old she came into Shirley's household.
She quickly decided that Shirley was "her" person and, despite
Shirley trying to re-home her to a pet home 3 or 4 times over the next
several years, Muffy always contrived to find her way back to the
farm.  Muf's shortest re-homing was less than 24 hours and her longest
was the 18 months with us.  We had to give her back because Muf barked
incessantly and we were getting escalating complaints from the
neighbours and, eventually, the council.  In the end, Shirley realised
that regardless of whether or not Shirley needed a noisy,
escape-artist, conniving, manipulative bi*ch (in the nicest possible
canine way!!), Muffy was there to stay.  Muf loved life on the farm.
Loved Shirley to distraction.  Loved every bit of every day, but most
especially feeding time, when she could inhale food fast enough to
make your eyes blink (even when old and toothless)!

For the last 2 or 3 years Muf has been senile, with an average
attention span of about 10 seconds, was completely deaf, had planters
warts all over her, was toothless and arthritic.  Regardless, she was
happy and not in pain and every day was an adventure.

She has left a big hole in Shirley's life and will be long remembered
and honoured in our household.  We have a daughter from her final
litter, Kendra, to remind us of her special character.

So, not a sad occasion because Muf had a long, full life, was much
loved, had some great adventures, and went to the RB with dignity and
without pain.  Please raise a glass to a grand old dog.  She will be
missed.

Tish