Eight months ago I lost my mate, Scout, at the age of 14. He had a terminal illness and we, my partner and I, had eleven months to say goodbye. In no way did this make the eventual loss any easier to handle.

Scout was a working kelpie, he was my mate, confidant and work colleague for many years. I was prepared for his passing but in no way was I prepared for the grief that was to follow. My life changed from the moment he departed.

Thank you for this beautiful article.