We spent a few days looking into the condition that had taken Flash from us. Canine GDV (Gastric Dilation and Volvulus), or ‘Bloat’ as it is sometimes called is a condition which affects many dogs, in particular ‘deep-chested’ breeds such as Pinschers, but not so often Dalmatians. Despite having had Flash & Leica for all…

In the days immediately are Flash’s death Leica seems completely adrift. She searches endlessly for her sister. On our morning walks she scents every stone and tussock where Flash has been. She stops and stares in every direction, we imagine hoping to catch sight of her. Confused, forlorn and distressed. Unable to make sense of the…

We read a lot about animal behaviour. Specifically about the effects of bereavement. It’s dangerous to apply human criteria obviously, to anthropomorphise. Still, we look at Leica and struggle with whether or not she really needs, or would benefit from, having a new companion. We talk to people in Dalmatian Welfare groups, at Rescue Centres….

In the twelve and a half years we shared with Flash, she and Leica had never been apart. When we decided to get a dog, we imagined, or more accurately, I imagined I wanted a male dalmatian. I had names in mind. He would be Ansel, or perhaps Minor. Named for one of my photography…