Bessie, Ben and Cookie in Kings Heath Park

Posting days: Sunday and Wednesday and, sometimes, maybe, extra bits in between.

Wednesday March 27th 2019

Isis and I met S. and Keiko in Highbury tonight. S is organising a collection for John. She has found a yellow bush rose named ‘Faithful Friend’ which seems very appropriate as a celebration both of John’s relationship with others and our park dogs’ relationship with John.

The intention is for the rose to be planted in Kings Heath Park, and for a  plaque in memory of John to be cemented into the ground nearby.

S. tells me that John’s wish was that any donations should be given to The Dogs’ Trust; therefore, if there is money left after the rose and plaque have been paid for, this could be added  to any donations to the charity.

S. has set up the fund on Paypal pools. The address for donations is:

https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8diJFJerFM

John’s funeral is at two o’clock next Monday at Robin Hood Crematorium.

As we meander in the parks, it seems that there is always someone there who mentions John fondly and tells me about advice he has given.

One of these is L., Dougie’s, Fergie’s and now puppy Maisie’s person.

L. texts me. She moved away from Birmingham almost two years ago, but will  never forget John’s kindness and wisdom about all things dog. She recalls the time four years ago when she had very recently re-homed three year old poodle Fergie, and was afraid to let him off his lead in case he ran away.

“You can let him off,” John told her, “He hasn’t taken his eyes off your face since you walked over here. He’ll not leave your side.”

He was right, of course.

Dear John.

Isis came from the Aeza cat and dog rescue and adoption centre in Aljezur, Portugal. For information about adopting an animal from the centre, contact kerry@aeza.org or www.dogwatchuk.co.uk