Cayden

We came back to our house in the mountain village after a sad day.

I was the first to open the front door, and Cayden, from where he likes to patiently wait for us on the landing, made his joyful bark as usual. It wasn’t my imagination. It was Cayden. He was cheerfully saying goodbye.

Because we took him to Nice. It was hot, and the drive exhausted him. When we arrived at our destination. He needed to rest. I found a shady corner and my companion went to get the car, and we drove back home. It was when we stopped in the shaded car park when I was buying a few things in a supermarket that he died peacefully. His heart just gave up the fight.

My companion tearfully phoned me and I got back as soon as I could, took him out of the car and did all I could to revive him, but he had given us his last sigh. True to his beautiful character he tried his best to stay with us and bear the discomfort without ever complaining. How we shall miss him, dear old Cayden. I shall so miss his little morning licks when he knows I’m awake, to remind me to take him out for his morning walk before breakfast. How he waits for us to return without ever sulking, then he finds a toy to squeak in celebration of our return.  

What a wonderful dog Cayden was, and what an example of courage, trust, loyalty and love. He gave us everything he had, and finally even his life out of love and such good will. 

God bless you dear old Cayden. Thank you for everything, including your last, sweet goodbye bark of adieu.

                   19 August 2014 - 9 July, 2025