We said Goodbye to Ruby today, our little whippet.
We rescued her in March 2011, she was a lovely dog.
Her health deteriorated over the summer months. She had been finding it difficult to walk and had been a little confused at times.
I took her to the vet this afternoon. Her back has gone, making it painful for her to walk. The vet said she could give her pain relief, but this would only delay things.
The vet asked me what her favourite things were, "going for walks, running, jumping and playing with her toys" I said. Her quality of life had gone. I asked the vet what had caused the issue, she said that she was an old lady and old age had caught her up.
She was a big part of the family. She always wanted to be with us, days out to the seaside, walking in Derbyshire, going to the park, going with us to summer concerts in the park, the riverside festival , the carnival, she'd always be by our side. When I worked part time with the local vicar (post retirement), she once came to work with me and ended up chasing the vicar, Margaret, up and down the aisle ! Ruby loved meeting our granddaughter Willow.
She'd accompany me on my photo walks into Nottingham, standing by my side as I photographed my "street strangers", "buildings" and "cityscapes". She was my photo assistant.
Jane and I are saddened by her loss, but will remember the friendship and love she brought to our house. She was everyone's best friend , really soft and gentle to people she met.
She was also a great model, always sitting patiently when I photographed her and sticking her ears up on request. I always tested my vintage lenses on her. This was shot in July 2012, with my first prime lens, a Canon 50mm f1.8. A great lens, which she actually broke when she knocked it off the sofa (I left it there, my fault !!!)
Oh no Phil…..so very sorry to read this. I haven’t actually read it all I was so shocked to see. Such a lovely friend & part of your family for so long. I’m truly sorry but she had such a lovely life with your you all, that must give you comfort & so many wonderful memories. Ruby will be sadly missed in your neighbourhood too as you go on your stranger photography. Thoughts with you all. We on 365 will miss her too!
Oh Phil, I am so sorry that you’ve had to say goodbye to beautiful Ruby. She was such a great companion to you both, and I loved seeing her pop up on 365. You certainly did the right thing for her, even though it would have been such a difficult decision. Bye bye beautiful girl xx
@happypat thanks Pat, a sad day for sure, her health deteriorated quite quickly really, or maybe it just crept up on us . She should be sat beside me now as I browse 365 ! x
@tinley23 thanks Lesley, she was beautiful for sure, elegant and graceful. She does pop up on 365 at regular intervals . Our previous dog was a whippet too and her back legs went in a similar fashion to Ruby's x
@phil_howcroft The same happened to our greyhound Buddy a couple of years ago. I think it must be a fairly common issue for sighthounds. I remember having to make that desperately sad decision too. Take care.
@busylady awww thanks Judith , Ruby has been a regular on my 365 , in fact I started 365 in Jan 2011 and we rescued Ruby two months later, so she has been ever present on here , I know her 365 appearances were alway popular
Phil, I'm so sorry for your loss. Ruby was a gorgeous dog and you could see in her eyes how smart she was, and how devoted to you she was. I've no doubt she'll be missed. She left you with tons of happy memories, because of the wonderful life you and your family gave her. Thank you for sharing a little of Ruby with us.
I’m so sorry for you, Phil! Ruby was clearly part of your life, always with You in the pics you took and as a conversation piece for your strangers hunting. I only had dogs as a child, but still remember them with affection. Take care! Btw the photo is beautiful, with Ruby’s typical expression and that creamy bokeh. Fav
What a wonderful tribute to Ruby. I am so sorry to hear that she has gone. She was a regular feature in your project and even online we were getting to know her through this. My condolences to you and Jane. Take care.
@fbailey thanks felicity , a sad day, but she brought us lots of joy
@helenhall thanks Helen , that's a really nice comment
@tinley23 thanks Lesley, sighthounds , especially greyhounds , whippets and lurchers have such power in the back legs, I think you are right , it must be a thing with them :(
Ooh ! Phil , I am so very sorry and feel your pain , Loosing Ruby is just like the loss of one of your most dear family member - ( I empathise as I knew all the symptoms so well as we lost Alfie to old age !) We shall n miss seeing her dear little face as she often cropped up with your strangers ! My thoughts are with you and Jane at this very sad moment - Take care !
I am so sorry Phil. Ruby was such a loving and lovely girl - her spirit shone through in your images of her. What a lucky dog to be rescued by you and live a full and cherished life. Sending hugs to you and Jane.
Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear that. It sounds like you've had a wonderful 11 years with her, and some amazing memories to cherish. Such a painful time for you all, my thoughts are with you.
I'm very sad to see this, Phil but also very glad to read your beautiful and loving tribute and to learn more about Ruby and what she brought to the life of your family. Sending kind thoughts from one dog-lover to another.
Oh, I'm so very sorry to hear about Ruby. So sad, but what a beautiful narrative, and what friendship she gave you, and you her. Beautiful photo of your furry friend. x
What more can I say than everyone else has said Phil. Always such a beautiful companion and loved by us all over the years. I'm sure there will be many tears but such wonderful memories. x
Oh Phil, this made me cry. I am so very sorry to read this. Ruby so much a part of your lives. Beautiful portrait. I send you and Jane so much love today ❤️
That's so hard for you and your family, Phil. Dogs become so much part of our families, and are our loyal sidekicks. I am sure she will leave a large hole, but you will be richer for all the wonderful memories.
What a sad day for all of us who follow you on 365! I can imagine how you feel at this moment. I have seen many pictures of her and almost considered her to be my pet as well. She has also been a great companion to you on your walks and helped you in many ways to attract subjects for your portrait shot. This is a fabulous tribute for her.
@quietpurplehaze thanks haze she was my best mate . When I took her to the vets, while in the waiting room she wanted to jump on my knee . I lifted her up and she sat there , she then nuzzled me in the neck ( very unusual) as if she knew what was happening ☹️
@jamibann issi I have lots of photos of her through the years , this one was probably the first posed for portrait I did of her , she always made a great photo
Oh no Phil. I am so sorry. I was always looking out for her in your pictures. She always looked so happy, kind and beautiful. I hope she catches up with Tetley who will keep her good company. X
Oh, Phil, how sad; it must have been so difficult to say goodbye to your lovely canine bestie!
This is a beautiful image of Ruby, complete with those heart-meltingly endearing "three o'clock" ears of hers.
I remember once reading a short piece by an author about the time he'd lost his beloved pet. He was trying to decide where to bury him and, after much deliberation, concluded that the best place to bury his dog was in his heart.
I am sure Ruby will always have a place in your and your family's hearts and I think there's places for her here in your 365er friends' hearts too. Goodbye, dear Ruby.
Oh Phil, somehow I missed this sad news. How lucky your family was to have had Ruby, and how wonderful for Ruby to have had such a love filled and joyful life. I will miss her on 365.
Oh gosh Phil, I missed this post. I'm so sad to read about Ruby - she's been such a big part of your 365 project since I've been here and it's been lovely to see her through your photos. She certainly had a wonderful life with you and Jane, and you made the hardest, kindest decision for her. Farewell little Ruby. xx
I was so upset this morning when I read that you had said goodbye to your precious Ruby last month. My heart goes out to you and Jane. Ruby will have a special place in many hearts.
October 11th, 2022
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@tinley23 thanks Lesley, she was beautiful for sure, elegant and graceful. She does pop up on 365 at regular intervals . Our previous dog was a whippet too and her back legs went in a similar fashion to Ruby's x
@marlboromaam Thanks Mags, she was a lovely friend and yes she was very photogenic and beautiful
I am pleased everyone on 365 got to meet Ruby, she will be missed, her eyes were always shining :)
@caterina thanks caterina, you are right about Ruby being a good intro' to my strangers . Pleased you like the photo too
@helenhall thanks Helen , that's a really nice comment
@tinley23 thanks Lesley, sighthounds , especially greyhounds , whippets and lurchers have such power in the back legs, I think you are right , it must be a thing with them :(
This Is a lovely photo to remember her by..
@newbank she was indeed my best friend newbank, she was always happy to put her collar on and join me
Thanks Box' she made lots of lovely memories for us 😊📷
Thanks Julia , you are right they are part of the family . Thank you for your lovely words
@sangwann Dione thank you so much , a sad day for those who knew ruby, including the 365 community. She was the best photo assistant I could wish for
@gamelee thanks Lee a sad loss but a great photo to share
This is a beautiful image of Ruby, complete with those heart-meltingly endearing "three o'clock" ears of hers.
I remember once reading a short piece by an author about the time he'd lost his beloved pet. He was trying to decide where to bury him and, after much deliberation, concluded that the best place to bury his dog was in his heart.
I am sure Ruby will always have a place in your and your family's hearts and I think there's places for her here in your 365er friends' hearts too. Goodbye, dear Ruby.
@dulciknit Alison , thanks for the lovely thoughtful words, Ruby was a wonderful dog