Pet owner’s tribute to dog goes viral
Jennifer left boxes of tennis balls along her late dog's favourite walk. (Stock photo)
A pet owner’s tribute to her late dog has gone viral, after she left boxes of tennis balls for local dogs along their favourite walk.
When Staffordshire bull terrier cross Loki (not pictured) died last month, his owner Jennifer McKnight left the toys on Kelvin Walkway in Glasgow, alongside posters urging owners to cherish their time with their dogs.
Photos of the tribute were shared on Twitter by actor Colin McCredie and have since gone viral.
Jennifer’s flatmate originally adopted Loki in 2007, from the Scottish SPCA’s rescue and rehoming centre in Cardonald, BBC News reports. But when her friend went to visit her sister in New Zealand, Jennifer and Loki formed a strong bond and became inseparable.
He was diagnosed with canine lymphoma last December and euthanised at home on 11 July.
Ms McKnight told BBC News: “He was just wonderful. I know everyone thinks they have got the best dog in the world but he really was an absolutely special wee soul. He was just gentle, sweet, good with children and good with other dogs. I took him everywhere with me.”
She added: “I feel a little bit as if I have lost my shadow. He was always there, always with me, always following me around.”
Jennifer said she wanted to do something positive in his honour. She also acknowledged that, as well as losing her dog, she has lost the links she formed with other dog owners and their pets.
“Leaving that memorial was a way of having a final connection with them, maybe saying goodbye to them as well.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
