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The loss of a dedicated recipe taster

June 4, 2011 by Katie Bryson 20 Comments

We had to say goodbye to our much-adored family pet today. Lily, a lurcher rescue from Battersea Dog’s Home in 2002 gave us nine years of warmth and energy.

Nothing prepares you for the loss of a special pet. She’d been ill for a few months but I still can’t comprehend she’s gone.

She was our first ‘baby’ – the pet you buy after you’ve moved in with your serious boyfriend and want to start nesting.

She loved our two boys with her mighty big heart, and they adored her right back.

Lily was definitely a foodie. She was always on high alert every time a chicken was roasted, waiting in the wings for some remnants to be thrown her way.

Unlike other members of my family she never complained about my cooking ONCE and always ate everything put in front of her.

She was the only other female in this house of boys. I’ll miss her soulful brown eyes in the corner of our kitchen, our walks around the park, the sound of her paws padding around the tiles in pursuit of the next snack.

Goodbye Lily old friend – you can rest now.

Filed Under: Review

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Goats cheese and red onion souffle tart »

Comments

  1. Made With Pink says

    June 4, 2011 at 1:44 am

    As a huge animal lover I just wanted to comment and say I know how you feel. Nothing can prepare you for the loss of a beloved pet, and only pet lovers can understand the loss your feeling. I’ve got a little Yorkie that we treat as our child – like you she is our first “baby” and when I constantly talk about her all day long some people who don’t have pets just don’t get why I love my dog so much. Anyways, I just stumbled across your blog and wanted to let you know it’s great, and that I’m really sorry for your loss.

    – Andrea from Made With Pink

    Reply
    • Katie Bryson says

      June 4, 2011 at 7:33 am

      Thanks so much for your kind and thoughtful words Andrea. Losing Lily is just heartbreaking for our family and we’re all still in shock really. It’s lovely of you to stop by and comment, I really appreciate it.

      Reply
  2. Ele says

    June 4, 2011 at 7:44 am

    It’s a beautiful picture of her Katie, and as always beautifully written. Thinking of you all so much at the moment. Lots of love.

    Reply
    • Katie Bryson says

      June 4, 2011 at 7:55 am

      Thanks angel – it means a lot to hear that xxx

      Reply
  3. Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours says

    June 4, 2011 at 9:53 am

    Oh Katie,

    I am so sorry. Lily was one of the most lovely dogs that I have met.

    Lots of love to all of you

    xx

    Reply
    • Katie Bryson says

      June 4, 2011 at 10:09 am

      That’s lovely Helen – thank you x

      Reply
  4. Rosemary Hamilton says

    June 4, 2011 at 10:55 am

    Lovely photo and tribute to Lily, I will miss her she has been such a part of your family.Your first dog is always special and I am thinking of you all at this time.

    Reply
    • Katie Bryson says

      June 4, 2011 at 11:07 am

      Thanks mum – she was very special

      Reply
  5. Elaine Livingstone says

    June 4, 2011 at 3:01 pm

    sorry to hear about Lily, it is hard, Im dreading mine going, she nearly 16 now and the only baby 2nd hubby and I “had” together…

    Reply
    • Katie Bryson says

      June 4, 2011 at 7:58 pm

      It’s not easy Elaine and you can never be prepared for the grief – it’s amazing how important a pet becomes in your lives. Lily has left a gaping hole.

      Reply
  6. Fishfingers for tea says

    June 4, 2011 at 4:08 pm

    A beautiful tribute to a beautiful girl. You know my thoughts on this petal, thinking of you all. Lots of love xxx

    Reply
    • Katie Bryson says

      June 4, 2011 at 8:00 pm

      Your support and kindness has really kept me going Sian x

      Reply
  7. ali.b. says

    June 5, 2011 at 4:44 pm

    Oh no such a sad post sorry for your loss xx

    Reply
    • Katie Bryson says

      June 5, 2011 at 5:02 pm

      Thanks Ali – a sad time but happy memories 🙂

      Reply
  8. Bea Parkin says

    June 5, 2011 at 7:11 pm

    What a sad but lovely post in equal measure. It’s so hard when you lose loved ones, and pets are loved ones. It sounds like she had a wonderful life with you. Lovely tribute, lovely picture. xxx

    Reply
    • Katie Bryson says

      June 5, 2011 at 8:10 pm

      Thanks Bea that’s really kind.

      Reply
  9. Hannah @ Love to Dine says

    June 6, 2011 at 9:49 pm

    This brought a lump to my throat. I know how heartbreaking it is to lose a pet (and I am especially a dog lover) and it must have been very, very difficult writing this. What a lovely tribute.

    Hannah @ Love to Dine
    http://lovetodine.wordpress.com

    Reply
    • Katie Bryson says

      June 6, 2011 at 9:55 pm

      Thanks Hannah – nothing prepares you for losing a much-loved pet – we’re really struggling without her.

      Reply
  10. Aveen says

    June 17, 2011 at 5:20 pm

    I’m just catching up with week’s worth of blogs in my reader, and have only just seen this. So so sorry to hear about Lily – I know how difficult it is to lose a beloved family member (mine was of the feline variety). Hope you’re doing ok – much love & hugs to you and your family x

    Reply
    • Katie Bryson says

      June 17, 2011 at 7:51 pm

      Ah thanks hun – yes it’s been pretty tough getting used to life without Lily. The house feels empty and I still feel like I can hear her moving about. It’ll take a while.

      Reply

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I’m Katie Bryson – Freelance Food Writer, wife of a strapping vegetarian and mum of two boisterous boys – keeping them all fuelled and trying to stay sane is a daily challenge so I thought I’d share my experiences. Read More...

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