Fio and Neo

Thursday 3 March 2011

Just under eight years ago, my beautiful cousin, Fiona, called me to tell me she had got a puppy.

"He's like 'Hooch' in 'Turner and Hooch'".

It had been a while since I'd seen the film, so rather than trying to describe him, Fio said she'd just bring him round.

I'll never forget the day I first set eyes on Neo.

Bouncy, fluffy, jowly, with the biggest paws I'd ever seen. And amber eyes. He ran around the garden eating everything, and then had a great big poop. He was gorgeous. And enormous.

Neo was more than a dog, a pet. He was loyal, loving and completely sweet-natured. He was protective, solid and dependable. He was funny, and daft and completely handsome. He harumphed and gurgled under his breath. When he wanted love, he would come and lean all of his massive weight on you and wait till you tickled and cuddled him. He loved Fio, and was there for her always through the years they spent together.

Whenever I went to visit, he greeted me at the door, and waited to be loved. Then he followed Fio and I into the kitchen and sat down for the duration.

It was incredibly easy to love Neo.

Neo grew poorly in recent months and today, Fio had to take him on his last visit to the vet's.

I love my cousin Fio, and I love Neo and will miss him.

Here he is...

Neo 2003-2011

RIP

17 comments

Kim Ayres4 March 2011 at 00:45
((hugs))
Psychedelicsister4 March 2011 at 02:58
Awwww, what a handsome boy.
The loss of a pet is so heart breaking, they are like family members and unfortunately have too short of lives. I hope your cousin is doing okay, I can't stop blubbering and I didn't even know him :(

RIP Neo.
Susan4 March 2011 at 04:25
So sorry...
Warm((hugs))
Unknown4 March 2011 at 07:55
Oh dear, I am so sorry for all your loss. What a beautiful dog, big! but very very cute. I have 3 pooches of my own, 2 of which are now 13. Can't bear the thought of them not being here any more. Losing a treasured friend is too much and my thoughts are with you all today. Sue x
Laura4 March 2011 at 08:43
He looks lovely. Sorry about the loss.
Anonymous4 March 2011 at 10:21
What a handsome chap, sounds like the perfect friend too. RIP Neo :) xx
ted and bunny4 March 2011 at 10:27
I'm saddened to read of Neo's passing, but how lucky he was to have been so loved.
Alas, the price we pay for loving our animals so much is the heartache they leave behind...
xx
Autumn Mist4 March 2011 at 16:58
What a beautiful boy, I'm so sorry to hear of Fio's loss, I'm sure he'll be missed. I find the cure is to go to the nearest animal shelter and take a stroll along the aisles! My dog is so much a part of my life I can't imagine how it will be when she's gone. Hugs to you and your cousin.
Madelief4 March 2011 at 17:44
So sorry to hear about your cousins dog. Take care!

Lieve groet, Madelief
LoloDesigns4 March 2011 at 18:49
Such sad news, he looks adorable, sending you hugs. xx
Unknown4 March 2011 at 23:05
I´m sad about your loss!
Love to you.
Sylvia5 March 2011 at 17:43
What a gorgeous dog, so sorry you've lost Neo !
Hugs,
Sylvia
A Daft Scots Lass6 March 2011 at 11:49
Wot an adorable pup.
Amy (Blighty Boutique)6 March 2011 at 20:27
he's adorable. Love to you and your cousin. Dogs are so much more than dogs, they're part of the family x
Mimi and Tilly9 March 2011 at 20:18
Thank you for all your warm wishes and kind words, I'll pass them on to my cousin Fio. I've been a bit sad this week, to be honest, but will be back soon. Em xx
Jenny 9 March 2011 at 20:59
Ohno that is too sad.... biggest of hugs being sent to you both xOxO
Favourite Vintage Finds13 March 2011 at 06:46
So sorry to hear about gorgeous Neo Em. He has left his big paw prints on your hearts. Sending hugs to you and Fiona. xx