The date 14 February 2019 will be forever etched on my mind. While others were preparing for a night of romance, my beautiful German shepherd, Mozart, lay dying on his favourite rug. He managed a final lick, and then he was gone.
Anyone who has owned a much-loved pet will appreciate the agony of losing it; you know full well that your pet is likely to have a comparatively short lifespan, and you try to brace yourself for the inevitable. However, nothing really prepares you for the actuality.
I have posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), an unusual form of Alzheimer’s. Sir Terry Pratchett was affected by the same condition. As far as I’m concerned, living without a dog is unthinkable. In the past, I have always had German shepherds.
I love their beauty, intelligence and loyalty; however, they are not the easiest of dogs.
As Alzheimer’s stealthily progresses, I can no longer type – it’s a particularly cruel disease for writers. My vision and balance have both deteriorated. Life can be hazardous to say the least. I realised that it was time to consider a different breed. Enter Elgar.
Denne historien er fra September 24, 2019-utgaven av WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
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Denne historien er fra September 24, 2019-utgaven av WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Patchwork PROJECTS
Easy ideas to show off English paper-piecing techniques
Night train to BERLIN
Germany's exciting and varied capital is now reachable by train from the UK
French FANCY
Raymond Blanc's right-hand man, Benoit Blin's favourite bakes
Are you missing out on BENEFITS?
Here's how to find out what you are eligible for
TRAY bien
All-in-one tray bakes, packed with flavour
We took a grown-up GAP YEAR!
Who says taking time out is just for students?
'I'm obsessed with reality TV!'
THIS WEEK'S COLUMNIST Author and presenter Louise Minchin
What to eat and do for A HEALTHIER GUT
Fix those problems and boost your wellbeing
Picture palaces
In an age of cinema complexes, we celebrate five historic and beautiful picture houses that have stood the test of time
'My diet during Bake Off is cake and alcohol!'
Dame Prue Leith on the popular baking contest