A moving Facebook tribute to a dog who died two days before Christmas has helped raise much-needed funds for a small Eden animal charity.
Louise Simpson, 56, of Penrith, took to social media when her beloved pet Blue — an 11-year-old Lab/Staffie — had to be put to sleep at the Frame, Swift and Partners veterinary surgery in the town on 23rd December.
Her post struck a chord with her family and friends who donated £258 to Eden Animal Rescue where Louise volunteers and from where she acquired Blue in November, 2019.
Colleagues at Penrith Hospital, where Louise works as a nurse, also boosted the fund by £50 by donating money they would normally put towards Christmas cards.
In her Facebook post about her “stoical and loving’’ pet, Louise said she fell in love with Blue 13 months ago while volunteering at the centre.
“His giantness moved in with me and it altered the way I lived in my small house,’’ said Louise in her post.
‘’His first night he grunted and sighed at me while staring into my eyes — I smothered him back with love. This continued throughout and he promoted himself to 30kg of lapdog.’’
She added that his “Tarzan-like presence’’ would be missed. “The house is rattling with the emptiness of the loss of his huge kind, loving, funny soul,’’ she said, adding: “Totally heartbreaking but so immensely proud of him.’’
Louise has had four dogs from the centre and has taken part in sponsored running and cycling events — the Edinburgh Marathon and C2C bike ride — to raise cash for the charity.
She is also planning on getting another dog from the centre.
“I am missing all the things other people would not, like the slaver, the dog hair and having no couch because he would be on it,’’ said Louise.
“I only had him for 11 months but he brought such joy into my life.”
She added: “I think Eden Animal Rescue do a fabulous job and because of the coronavirus situation they have really struggled because volunteers have not been able to get to the centre during lockdown.
“The amount of people who have donated is just outstanding.”
