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A little word about my lovely wonderful Darcy. He was born in 2000, the same year I started to lose my sight and I met him in 2002 when he was nearly 2 years old. I met him on my last assessment of having a guide dog and when I was told I had passed and then asked me whether I would like to have Darcy, I lost my voice!! So happy I was and he came to live with me on September 6th – our anniversary day which we always celebrated.
Before I had Darcy I had to go any distance in a wheelchair, but Darcy got my leg working again, going slow at first and then getting a little faster until I could walk more. He was a wonderful boy, my very precious and faithful dog who right up to his last illness he loved his work and wouldn’t allow anyone else to guide me. He knew every name of the shops we went to and loved going to town to see all his friends. He loved people, children and cats.
I joined Guide Dogs fundraising and went to many places. When we went to residential homes he used to put his nose on their laps and in no time they were stroking him and talking to him. He was such a gentle boy and never would hurt anyone. At the nursery we went to, the children loved him and sometimes you couldn’t see Darcy for the children playing and giving him lots of hugs. He was very good at looking after me and made sure I was never in danger and many times he saved my life. In 2007 he was awarded Guide Dog of the Year for changing my life and giving me a wonderful life for the 8 years we were together. I was so proud of him but he did deserve it.
As my legs started to be difficult, the Cinnamon Trust sent me some wonderful walkers who took him for lovely long walks for a real free run. He was like a clock and knew the day and the time they were coming and as soon as the door bell rang he was up and ready with a great waggie tail. At night time he was always waiting for me to be ready for bed, as he would not go to his bed until I was on the floor and he had his big big cuddle and then into bed he jumped and slept until the morning.
We went to many places and he was as good as gold and just curled up until we got to where we were going to. I never had any trouble with him and he was such a good loving boy, who sadly has left me but we will meet together again. I could not leave him in such terrible pain, so he died on my lap with me and my guide dog trainer, Sue, talking and cuddling him so he was at last free from pain and happy until we meet again.
Added by: Jasmine Hymas on 19 July 2010.
Comments
June Warwick writes [10 January 2012]:
It is sadly over a year ago that the beautiful Darcy died & I went to see his owner Jasmine on Xmas Day, & we shared the special memories of him & how she misses him so much. The Darcy Appeal has so far raised £3,250.00. I had no idea when I started walking him of the affect he would have on my life & all who knew him, he was the most special dog, the most gentle dog, who gave comfort to not just Jasmine but his many friends, because he sensed into their souls. Rest in peace, you will never be forgotten. xxxShirley Warr writes [10 August 2010]:
Lovely Darcy, I have been so upset about you leaving us, it all seemed to happen so quickly. I really enjoyed our walks together and you were always so pleased to see me. It was a pleasure to take you out, you were so well behaved and gentle and I will miss you very much. God bless, you will be another loved and faithful companion who has gone to doggy heaven. Your friend Shirley xxJune Warwick writes [30 July 2010]:
When I volunteered to do some dog walking for the Cinnamon Trust I was feeling quite down after quite a serious operation, & the call came that Darcy needed some time out from his duties. I knew of Jasmine & Darcy before but was absolutely delighted when I was given the opportunity to help them both. Darcy & Jasmine were so special together & I fell in love with him too as we had some wonderful walks in the woods & bonded straight away. I have a lovely memory of Darcy stopping to listen to the birds. He was so special & I hope that in a small way he had some happy walks before he so tragically was taken away. It will always be a privelege to have been part of his life, & I like to think of him as the brightest star in the sky. He will never be forgotten.Sue Trevelyan writes [27 July 2010]:
The lovely Darcy, such a pleasure to come and see you and your owner Jasmine, such a sweet gentle boy a truly special Guide Dog.
Sue x
