Thanks again for all your thoughts, we have all been reading them and it helps. Seems like ol Benzy as upped the beer intake in his memory, I know it has here . The positive I can take out of this is that whether it be a beloved pet, friend, family, work and so many other things, is that these things cannot be taken for granted. Standing out on the verandah ( his main place) a short while ago having a coffee and a ciggie ( was meant to quit this break ), I realised how quiet it was, almost lifeless. His partner in crime obviously misses him, but he was always the life out there, whether wrestling with her, barking at the cat, coming up to you to say hi. I walk out there now and nothing. As much as I wanted to strangle him sometimes for his persistant barking and chasing the cat around the house ( him outside, it stirring him from the safety of inside), Id give anything for that right now.

The old man rang me last night as he couldnt call during the day as he was also upset as he had bought Benzy for me, he asked me whether I would get another one. I told him I wasnt sure. He reminded me that as a child shepherds have always been in my blood, like my uncle, and that when the time was right was sure I would get another. I said if that was the case, it could only be from where Benz and my previous girl Elsa came from as they were both beautifully spirited animals, and Benz carried many of Elsa's traits. Nothing can replace my mate, but maybe with time I will have a new mate. For now though I will as many have said remember the good times and remove from my mind how he went. Thanks again, I have been really touched and it shows how lucky I am to know such great people,

Regards

Stevo and Family