This is the story of my two best friends. They are different from you and me, being four-legged and furry. Meet Lassie and Quigley, my two dogs.
Lassie is a white greyhound/retriever mix and Quigley is a black pitbull/hound mix. Hence the title the Ghost and the Darkness. At night you can see Lassie far out in the yard, but you can’t see Quigley until he suddenly appears in front of you.
You would think being the female that Lassie would be a lady, but not so. She eats like it is her last meal and when she drinks, she leaves a trail of water behind her. Quigley, on the other hand, is a dainty eater, eating every crumb and gently laps his water.
They are the best of friends but very different. Lassie is super hyper and the boss, while Quigley is very gentle and follows her lead. Quigley waits patiently while she eats, accepting the mouthfuls she brings to him. He only goes to his bowl after she lays down.
Unfortunately Lassie became ill with a fungus that hunting breeds get. The vet informed me that it was incurable and I made the decision to end her suffering. The sorrow hit me so hard I could not catch my breath. Poor Quigley would not eat after she was gone. I finally got him to eat by bringing him handfuls of food like Lassie used to do. He has gradually adjusted to her absence as have I. But some days I think I hear her sneaking up on the sofa or getting one of her toys out of her basket.
Some people can not understand the loss of a pet, that they are more than an animal. Lassie’s death was difficult not only for me and Quigley, but for my son also. She was a part of our family and her absence is still noticable.
Sometimes I think I feel her presence and I smile, remembering fondly The Ghost and the Darkness.