07/11/2026
It is with heavy hearts, but also a deep sense of gratitude, that Eileen Rea and I announce that Dusty has taken her final trip over the Rainbow Bridge 🌈
On Wednesday, November 4th, we made the incredibly difficult decision to let Dusty gain her wings. She could no longer get herself in and out of the house, was steadily losing weight, and was finding it harder to stand and walk. It was her time. We arranged for the vet to come the following evening so she could spend one last beautiful day with her Mummy, Happy, and Callie.
Later that day, my wife Janey and I arrived to say our goodbyes. I wanted to lift Dusty down to the garden one last time so she could have a good mouch and sniff around. She truly loved her garden.
As many of you know, Dusty absolutely hated being handled. When the time came, we had to muzzle her—that trademark Dusty grit, that feisty spirit, and that incredible fight were there until the bittersweet end. But once the intravenous line was in and before the final solution was injected, she stopped fighting. She finally found her peace.
Eileen said she was always like that. Eileen and her late husband Eric first found Dusty when she was no older than a few months old, bravely trying to fend off much larger dogs attacking her on Fatrade beach in Goa. Even then, those fierce Dusty qualities were in plain sight, and they never left her for over 17 years. She soon became a much-loved member of their extended doggie family and quickly established herself as the top dog in the household. They enjoyed so many beach walks and happy times together.
I’ve had the absolute pleasure of pet sitting many lovely animals over the last six years and have known Dusty for five of them. But in the last six months, she truly became my absolute favorite. I know a pet sitter shouldn't have favorites, but I’d be lying if I said she wasn't mine. She was never the affectionate type—she hardly wagged her tail, rarely came over for a fuss, and belly rubs were completely non-existent. It was always Dusty’s way or the highway! But I knew she loved me when she would choose to lay right by my side, no matter what sofa I sat on, or follow me wherever I went. She was notoriously fussy with her food, and I had to devise so many tricks just to make her believe she wanted to eat. Her care became a real effort towards the end, but what a privileged effort it was.
None of us thought Dusty would survive for more than a few weeks when Eileen left for the UK. Preparations had been put in place and Eileen had said her goodbyes—but Dusty hadn't. Thirty weeks later, they finally got to say their true goodbyes together.
That is exactly why I fell in love with her. There were so many times I thought it was her time to go. On three separate occasions, I had actually made the final preparations, but she would look at me and her eyes would say in no uncertain terms: "Don't you bloody dare, it's not my time." And just to prove it, she would leap from the top step and charge outside. That fight, that pure determination, that stubborn will, and that never-say-die attitude were unmatched. I’ve never met a dog quite like Dusty, and I don't believe I ever will.
We are all heartbroken, but we are absolutely determined to celebrate Dusty's life—and what a wonderful, long, full life she had. We want to thank each and every one of you who invested your time, prayers, and love in Dusty’s journey over these last six months. We know you will be sad to hear this news, but your support has meant the world to all of us.
Run free over that bridge, Dusty Girl. Go and join your doggie family Coco, Frankie, Wolfie and Angel. You've earned your wings. 🌈🐾
05/11/26
