Skye was born on March 4th 2011, a beautiful black and grey sable German Shepherd puppy.
She came home to us eight weeks later and although she lived up to her kennel name being the easiest dog to lose sight of in the dark, she shone like a light full of joy throughout her sadly short life. Our resident dog, the 15 year old Border terrier Nino, greeted her arrival without much enthusiasm as she woke him from his naps, pinched his toys and tried to play puppy games with him. However he soon decided she was ok and they often sat together in the garden under his favourite cherry tree, where, I am convinced, he passed on his wisdom and told her about her duties. He always sat outside the bathroom if anyone was in the shower and after his death she took his place religiously.
Her enthusiasm sometimes tired her out and a nap was needed.
At seven months Tilly our white Swiss Shepherd was returned to us and immediately took over mothering Skye (she would have mothered Nino too if he’d let her) and made sure Skye greeted each day with a clean face.
Skye objected but with no real effect and eventually just accepted Tilly as her mother.They loved to run together and play bite-face
At eighteen months Skye suffered a horrific injury as a result of chewing a sliver off a Nylabone toy. This tore her intestines and she developed peritonitis. Weeks in Liverpool Animal Hospital and three operations and she came home a very skinny pup, but still as happy as ever. One of the vets commented that even when they doubted Skye could survive her injuries she always greeted the vet staff with her big wagging tail.Tilly faithfully looked after her as she recovered. She then needed a special diet, a very expensive diet based on salmon and white fish but she had a splendid shiny coat as a result. When grandchildren came to visit she made sure she was in prime position to catch dropped food.
She wasn’t the brightest dog, she learned a few commands and gave a great paw but sometimes misinterpreted instruction such as when she was told to sit down for her dinner.
Skye loved the grandchildren, happily running around with them and proved very useful for herding small children to us at home time (not necessarily the correct children but as all children were drawn to her like a magnet they didn’t seem to mind)
After Tilly’s death she was very sad, and despite seeing Tilly after her death Skye seemed to hope Tilly would return. For eighteen months she took Tilly’s favourite toy into the garden each morning and brought it to put where Tilly’s bed had been each night. Visiting dogs were told in no uncertain terms that the Pink Cuz was not for playing with.
A few weeks ago she developed a lump on her ribs which the vet thought may be a spindle cell sarcoma, she lost her appetite unless on steroids and was quite sleepy much of the day. She always cheered up when our son came home and still loved going on walks though she walked less far and more slowly.
A week ago she suddenly wanted just to lie quietly and had no interest in anything or anyone, so we made the very sad decision to let her go peacefully to her maker where we hope she is running free with all the dogs she loved.
People talk about the black dog of depression but Skye was the black dog of joy. She loved everyone and was very much loved in return. She loved to join in any activity.
Even the postman who she greeted very noisily each day said he’ll miss her.