Farewell Simba

Yesterday morning, after achieving the virtual height of Everest, I was brought back down to earth with a bump.

One of my neighbours drove past, stopped his car and asked if I had heard the news that Simba had been put to sleep on Sunday.

The neighbour who informed me is a fellow dog owner and good friend. It was a subdued and brief conversation.

I had known Simba since I moved to the neighbourhood over 8 years ago, firstly as a neighbour, then after getting to know his owners we would meet in the woods morning or evening and walk our dogs together. Simba was a great friend to my dog, Minttu. He was patient and kind to her when she was a little puppy and she has known him her entire life.

A couple of years later, when my neighbour’s children had grown up and left home, they asked me if Simba could join on our Adventures weekly so that he could socialize. They were concerned that maybe in his advanced years he might not be able to keep up.

He always kept up. Not only kept up, but always with a smile on his face. I actually thought he would retire from our walks a year or two ago but he seemed to get stronger with age.

Over the last Winter he would sleep so deeply that he would not hear me come to pick him up. I would crouch down by his dog bed and stroke the side of his face. After a few seconds of confusion, which I think we can all relate to, he would try his best to get up and get going.

To say that I will miss him is a big understatement. He was a simply fantastic character.

My most sincere condolences go out to his family: Helene, Steinar, Olaf and Eva.

Simba was put to sleep on Sunday in the most idyllic setting which makes me smile, despite the immense pain of losing him.

Rest in peace old friend 🐾♥️