Telling Tales
Telling Tales
A girlfriend of mine, Smiles, was coming to stay and, given I was madly busy, had very kindly offered to bring supper with her. It was a wonderful suggestion particularly as she is a fabulous cook. Later that day, she walked through the door bringing with her the most amazing smell of utterly delicious roast chicken, carefully putting the chicken down on the side in the kitchen.
Coming back inside half an hour later, we both let out a wail. Some aluminium foil, two halved lemons and a few bones were all that remained of the chicken and there, licking his lips and heading off for a siesta, was Alfie the labrador.
My son Edward (and Smiles’ godson) was devastated as he had been looking forward to it. I tried to cheer everyone up and quickly put together an omelette but it was a poor second and spirits remained somewhat dampened.
Another day, Smiles’ mother (known to all as Mrs Smiles) arrived for a supper with a promised apricot tart tartin which she most unfortunately left unattended on a bench. Once again, Alfie had a delicious supper and we did not. Nothing was left whatsoever apart from the dish.
Just last week, Alfie did not come back from an evening walk and whilst there is no hurry, he had been missing for over an hour. Eventually, Luis kindly returned him from the tearooms – he has always loved summer visitors and their leftovers.
Sadly, this Saturday life caught up with Alfie. He could not get up in the morning - no legs seemed to work and, despite my efforts to help,he splayed and went down again. Even worse, breakfast was of no interest. He had had various health ups and downs over the past few months, eating less and sleeping more, walking everywhere more creaklily but tended to rally again.
He sometimes would choose to stay back and not walk which was fine … some days are better than others for all of us. But although he seemed very calm and quiet, it was obvious that now something was badly wrong and I had to make that dreadful call to the vets asking if I could bring him in. All in tears, Geordie and Eddie came with me to say goodbye and then left whilst I stayed to talk to him as he slowly fell into a deep and final sleep. The vets were amazing.
It seems a common issue among my and probably other labradors that at some point they seem to lose a spinal connection or maybe it is a small stroke. The same thing happened to both his mother Bella and his grandfather Percy at the same age.
Alfie was born here almost 13 years ago, the runt of the litter and whilst still a tiny puppy began to turn a wonderful fox red colour. We had to keep moving him into position to make sure he got his share of milk and, given he seemed so small, I thought he should therefore stay with us. The boys chose another puppy as well to keep him company, Scooby Doo, whilst the others all went off in due course to their various forever homes.
Alfie grew into a wonderful character and a fair-sized dog. Always enthusiastic, loyal and loving, his life spanned much of Downton Abbey’s time here. He was very fond of the catering truck and trestle tables, managing to walk out to find them even in later years despite always requiring a lift back to his bed. Over time he became a little white around the face which made him look most distinguished which offset his many mischievous habits. In fact, as they grew older, he and his brother became quite a double act, real comrades in arms whenever opportunity offered.
Alfie was not in the least shy and always insisted on coming back home through the front door so that I had to run round and open it – all the other dogs happily used the back door. He was of course perfectly happy posing for Instagram but as he got older, he was happy to sit back and let the youngsters run round chasing the ball, watching and wagging his tail in approbation. Coming up to our bedroom became too much and so his basket sat in the snug and it is still there – I suppose I need to move it.
Telling Tails is the 4th chapter in my new book – I try to write about the place dogs hold in all our lives, their unfailing love despite our own faults and the bonds they create between us and them and between others who love dogs.
He is in that chapter as he in a chapter of this family’s life. We all spend a lot of time worrying about the future or what happens after this life but as Alfie left us, I do not think he was worrying about anything and I suppose I comfort myself by thinking he might find his mother and grandfather in a light filled other world full of delicious roast chicken.
48 Comments
I absolutely love this story about Alfie. It's very moving and lovingly tells his "life story" of caring, eating, and being a wonderful addition to the other pets you have. This is one of the best stories of late.
Richard Waddell, USA
That's really kind Richard, thank you.
I send you my most sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved Alfie. The hardest part of loving a pet is having to say good by. You are in my thoughts. Cheryl.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
you have my deepest sympathies, losing a dog is heart breaking. My labrador Hudson is also 13, and like Alfie, his back legs are going, occasionally he flops down in the most awkward places, but is just managing to bunny hop up the
garden, and still enjoys his and everybody else's food. I know his time to go is not far off, but treasure making memories and taking comfort that he will for ever be in my heart, as I am sure Alfie will always be in yours. I also believe that we will meet again, and that you will meet Alfie again in that wonderful place Heaven.
God bless you and God bless Alfie.
Thank you Jane
Rest in peace, dear Alfie. You touched many lives and sounds like you lived yours to the fullest. Enjoy all that well-deserved roast chicken!
Thank you for sharing this about Alfie.
So sorry for your loss...
What a lovely tribute to his memory. Thank you so much for sharing.
Oh how my heart goes out to you. Saying goodbye, with medical help, is the hardest act of love we can give our beloved fur babies. There is a deafening silence in the home. May the precious wonderful memories of sweet Alfie warm your days & brings smiles & laughter. Sending you a great big ol Texas sized hug. 🤗
Thank you - hugs are the order of the day!
What a beautiful story. May Alfie’s memory be a blessing.
Lady Carnarvon,
Such s lovely tail you had for us this morning and while you did not specifically say I am guessing this is a very recent story. I sympathize with you and your family as Alfie sounded like an ideal companion and friend. While I do not have a dog (too much traveling) I always enjoy beautiful creatures which inhabit my neighbors' homes. I am pleased to hear that you are finding the time to write another book (you seem to stay so busy unless it is a trick of time moving faster maybe caused by inflation). I wish you lovely walks about the grounds and found memories.
This was my weekend - what a weekend
By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.
For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.
No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.
They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.
For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.
The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over together.
My deepest condolences on your loss.
My heart breaks for you. But wonderful memories can help. And he had the best life with you. 😗
Beautiful "tale" , Our pets certainly stay in our hearts forever. whether we can physically touch them or recall hours spent before they departed.
Lady Carnarvon,
Deepest feelings of sadness to you, Geordie and Edward in honor of Alfie - a little boy in a dog suit. May his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, and especially his Highclere family share sweet memories.
Martha G.
Thank you Martha.
centronuclear myopathy it's genetic. Floppy legs, aside from the general joint deuteriation. I lost my Lucy and Lulu two years ago we now have Rocky and my name sake Vinny a rescue cat.
Milady,
So sad...I am in tears...
SO SAD...Lady Fiona Carnarvon...
Tears ...so sad...
Truly doggies are family members, thus the pain is heartbreaking. Would guess you met the Governor Ivey’s doggy when you were in Alabama for the Wilcox Historical Society Tour. Hopefully that made you feel even more at home while in the States. Alfie will be there to greet all of us while enjoying far better health than the aging years here on earth were becoming.
And I am coming back to Alabama!
Fighting back tears, I read every word of your Alfie story. We had two Dachshunds, who were our children. Hugo was much like your Alfie, the clown of the family. The paw prints of Hugo and Bruno are forever on my heart. I wish you beautiful memories that will sustain you.
What a wonderful tribute to your dear Alfie! Dogs are just the best...I lost my sweet baby 2 years ago and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss her! Thank you for sharing!
Dear Lady Carnarvon ~
What wonderful memories you have of Alfie.
Thank you for sharing of your loss and the
love Alfie gave during his life. Our four-
legged friends provide so much and ask for
so little in return except maybe a roast
chicken or apricot tart 😊. My thoughts and
prayers are with you during this time.
So sad about your loss.
We have a Labrador in the family, also called Alfie. He waits at the bottom of the stairs every morning with shoes.....so smart!
Labs are originally from Newfoundland...
Once again sad for your loss.
Heart Warming ...Thank you for the family share.
Our pets have a way of taking a little part of us with them when they go. They bring us such great joy and also sorrow when we have to say "good-bye".
Dogs are simply family. It hurts so to lose one of them (I currently have 5 dogs). Just know that you gave Alfie a great life and cherish the wonderful memories you have of him.
I did not expect tears with my morning coffee. Thank you for the beautiful memories and photos. Our yellow lab, Roxanne, left us many years ago, but is always close to our hearts. Like Alfie, she had a knack for finding food, and also was an escape artist. We live in a hilly wooded neighborhood north of San Francisco, and for most of her life she managed to slip off our property and wander. Roxie found every construction site and unattended lunch, often bringing them home to enjoy in our yard. One time she brought home Mexican food, and spent the night regretting it (all over the carpet). She also brought home "friends," such as baby squirrels that fell out of the trees, a lost puppy, even a contractor's cell phone. Roxie had the bad hips common to a lab and in her later years, needed a ramp to get into the car. We asked our veterinarian when we'd know that it was time to say goodbye. She said "when she cannot stand up or stops eating." We laughed and said "she'll never stop eating." Then the morning came when she could not get up and seemed in pain. I had just had my sweet kitty put down and told my husband "you are going with me this time!" I got ready to go and couldn't find my husband. Then I saw him out in the yard, sobbing. He said, somewhat defiantly, "She is better than most people I know!" At the vet, in a quiet candlelit room, I stroked Roxie's head while Ron fed her bits of kibble and the doctor administered the drugs. True to form, she went out eating. We wish you and your family peace in your hearts, and fond memories of your Alfie.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved Alfie. I truly choose to believe Alfie is running and playing freely with his mother and grandfather.
Plus able to enjoy all his favorite foods! May God bless you and give you comfort for the loss of Alfie.
I am very sorry about Alfie Lady Carnarvon, must have been a very difficult weekend my deepest prayers are with you 🙏🏻 Very touching and moving blog, my heart had smiles and sad tears along with oh my he ate chicken! May the very dearest and xspecial memories you hold Alfie be with you.🫂x
Well, after all what a lovely last supper of sorts for Alfie...and old newspaper columnist, Anne Landers, from the US wrote a column many years ago that always
pulls me through the ,ost difficult time of a pet owners life. I'll share it with you...
A Dog's Plea
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for although I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding
will quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when
your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.
Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements.
I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Keep my pan filled with fresh water,
for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready,
willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.
And, my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight,
do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun.
Please see that my trusting life is taken gently.
I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.
Lovely tribute for a loved companion. Thank you for this insight into his life.
I'm sorry to read of the passing of Alfie...these critters God gives us to love become such a special place in our hearts. Just 10 days ago, my Golden Retriever, Brandy, crossed Rainbow Bridge. She had Cushing's Disease and hip dysplasia and would splay out. It had to hurt! It's such a hard decision, but one that had to be made. I'm so glad Alfie had 13 years with you...what a blessing and a testament to the great care he received with you!
I'm sorry to read of the passing of Alfie...these critters God gives us to love become such a special place in our hearts. Just 10 days ago, my Golden Retriever, Brandy, crossed Rainbow Bridge. She had Cushing's Disease and hip dysplasia and would splay out. It had to hurt! It's such a hard decision, but one that had to be made. I'm so glad Alfie had 13 years with you...what a blessing and a testament to the great care he received with you!
Saddened by your loss. Rest peaceful Alfie. 🕊️
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I am so sorry for your loss. It never gets any easier, does it? There was a time I thought when I was older, losing my animals would not hurt so much. No such luck, it still breaks my heart. We said good-bye to our 14 yr. old Boston Terrier in March of this year. Because of hip surgery we waited a few months before getting another dog. The house was empty. At last, with me on a cane no less, we now have Gigi our little girl Boston. Our lives are again full!
I have heard from my Lab-owning friends that they are quite known for counter surfing and other food snatching tricks. I am like you, and just laugh!
Yours,
Roberta Fox
Chicago
Thank you for sharing Alfie’s story. He obviously lived a wonderful life but it’s always too short I know. You were very philosophical in saying your goodbyes. I had to do the same with my beagle Jack who had been at my side from 3 months. He even moved from Sydney to New York with me. Got out of his cage a bit shaky at JFK but was otherwise unfazed and there was the compensation of squirrels to chase!
I don't feel very philosophical just now - just so upset !
So very sorry for the loss of your Alfie. Staying with him as he passed was the most loving thing you could do. I'm sure he's found his Mother and Grandfather and is living happily. I stayed with 3 of our dogs over the years. They were family. I wouldn't have had it any other way as they took their last breath.
Your entry means so much to me! I just lost my dear sweet Daisy last week, she had been with me almost every day for 15years, having rescued her from the streets in 2010 I still think I see and hear her sleeping at my feet. I feel your heartache in having to make the final decision. .
My heart goes out to you with the loss of Alfie, I can well understand the heartbreak. Although I have not lost a dog, I had to put to sleep my beloved cat Bailey who was 14 years old. Like Alfie he was a beloved member of the family and there is not a day that goes by when I do not think of him and the joy he brought.hopefully, your other dogs will help heal the wound in your heart.
Carolyn Dear
Montreal, Canada
My eyes watered as I read this Iam so dreadfully sorry what a deep sadness for each of you and wonderful for him you were beside him and loving until the very end. We have taken on Labrador rescue dogs for over twenty years alongside our own and each of them has been such a character and all of them much loved . My eldest son has two from Labrador Rescue and they are just so endearing and much love by my granddaughter. Time heals and as my father once advised never go below four labradors, which I have always stuck to. Cuddle each of the others as they will miss him terribly .
Your fathers advice is most cheering!
Every one of our furry family leaves a permanent tattoo on our hearts. Internet hugs to you all.
I was in tears reading about Alfie, and then Meriel's poem reminded me of when our family Scottie, Jock, died some years ago. A couple of months later my Dad died, and obviously we were all upset,
until my niece, Wendy, who was then 8 years old, said 'oh, Grand-dad will be able to take Jock walks in Heaven now.' What a lovely thought.
Oh my goodness. I read and more importantly felt every word of this lovely, bittersweet post. All of us who have stroked the fur of our wonderful dogs as they passed from this world to the next can understand what your family just did.
My boys grew up with our beautiful black lab Molly and more recently my goofball 103-pound chocolate boy Damon were the best friends we could have ever had.
I'm so very sorry for the loss of your dear sweet Alfie.
We were privileged to share 15 years with Rosco, our Golden Retriever and he was such a perfect dog… until ..
on a special Anniversary when my husband was pouring our Champagne, we left our patisseries unattended…
We’ve often laughed and wondered what they would have tasted like! Twenty years later, we still miss him.
They are truly part of our family to love forever.
Oh how utterly devastating for you and your family. Alfie was such an engaging character and loved by all. Losing a beloved pet and companion is always deeply felt and most of us can relate to the loss we feel when we have to say goodbye. My heartfelt thoughts are with you. and your family. Alfie won’t be forgotten - he had the most wonderful life at Highclere.
Your new book sounds so very interesting already. Alfie will be enjoying a carefree life in dog heaven and be very happy to live on at Highclere through your book. A chapter tinged with sadness, but also of the joy he brought to you and your family.
Thank you - I wanted to write about how our four legged friends matter - explore it ... they are unique
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Prayers and love for you and your family. Losing our beloved pets is as bad as losing a dear family member. I am sorry.
With love,
Lisa Seng Cosgrove, IL USA
So very sorry for your loss of Allie. We lost our sweet Molly, also 13, just a couple of months ago……💔🐾
so sorry for you...
Thank you for sharing Alfie with us. I read through tears remembering my friend, whose dog, Buttons, followed him to school
each day
until one day a car ran over Buttons on their way to school. My friend was an 11 year old boy and could not be seen with tears
dropping on his math paper. Our perceptive 6th grade teacher let him go home. That Sunday the Managing Editor of
The Texarkana Gazette, his father, wrote his finest column: "HOW LITLE BOYS GROW UP."
So sorry to hear about Allie, I always enjoyed seeing him in your Instagram posts. I too, have had to make that difficult call to the vet when the time comes. Hugs to all of you.
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I'm so sorry for your loss. They can be such dear friends.