Final Olive Posting: RIP Olive 2011--2025

In the last posting I detailed how Olive was not doing well and having trouble getting around. I had hoped that she would be able to get around the house and stay with us for some time, but I am very sad to report that my beloved border collie only got worse. She could barely even stand up and would not eat. Finally on May 19, I could not let her suffer and made an appointment with the vet. My friend Joan Sara came with me for support, even bringing a breakfast sandwich and coffee for me. 

 I held Olive while a very sympathetic veterinarian ended my girl’s life. I pet her and said goodbye as she left us peacefully. Olive’s ashes were delivered to me a week later and kept in her crate until July 3 when I drove up to the farm in Maine where Olive was born. Most of the ashes were scattered there where Nanne usually walks her dogs. Olive’s brother Gilley and a few of her nieces and nephews, as well as her “sister-in-law” Selkie were with us. A small portion was given to my friend Laurie who said that she had something special she wanted to do with them. I also brought a small portion back home to bury under the apple tree that Olive and I planted and Olive seemed to like.

Goodbye to my sweet border collie

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There is a positive ending to this story. This is not the end of the story or this blog. 

Olive’s “sister-in-law” Selkie has been the breeding dog up at Nanne’s farm for a while. After a number of litters by Gilley, Selkie has come to the end of her breeding days and is due a well-earned retirement. Nanne asked if I would consider adopting Selkie. After some consideration I felt that Olive would want me to take Selkie on. Selkie spent the two nights I was at the farm cuddled up next to me on a futon in a small cabin that Nanne maintains on her farm, so I think that Selkie and I will be just fine together. 

 Selkie will be spayed and will probably come to live with me in late August. I believe that this will be a good fit for both of us.

Selkie will be coming to live with me soon.

A short video of Selkie narrated by my friend Laurie.

This blog will continue with the title "Life With Olive" as I don't know how to change the name. It will have the subtitle "the Selkie Chronicles". Stay tuned.