[Faiers]

It's amazing how life can change instantly and sadly that is what has happened to us. My elderly parents who live in Australia have taken very ill - my mum with cancer and undergoing chemo and slap bang in the middle of this my dad has had a stroke. So, my parents need me and of course, I am in another country. The hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life is make the decision to give up my precious Penny and Tuppence so that I can take care of my parents (I am their only child).

Unfortunately, we had to split our girls - we had plenty of offers for one or the other, but not (a sensible offer) for both together. Penny went the day before yesterday and I have cried now for two days - I miss her so much. Penny helped to fill an empty space in my heart when our only child left home - I was a classic empty nester. However, I can take heart that Penny is helping to heal another sad heart. She has gone to a family who within a short space of time lost both their Father and their family dog (of 14 years) and had a big hole to fill in their lives - Penny has another purpose now because their son needs her to love and to be loved by her. It was such a bitter sweet moment when I saw the love in this young teenage boy's eyes the minute he saw Penny - I knew they were the perfect match.

Tuppence is going this afternoon to a lovely family whose young daughter absolutely adores Tuppence. Their family dog of many years passed away on Christmas Day. Again, another perfect match.

I cannot tell you how sad it feels and the immense guilt that goes with parting with my girls. I have to just keep telling myself that they are loved and have wonderful new lives ahead of them.

I know it will take a while for the sadness to go away. At the moment I feel like a blubbering idiot. I have loved sharing my Penny Beagle stories with you and reading your stories about your beautiful Beagle Babies. So, please give your beautiful hounds a big hug from me.