Well, where do I start?
Some of you may wonder where I've been hiding all summer, after promising you monthly Zorro updates which never ended up happening.
I'm heartbroken to tell you that, after a sudden and shocking decline, Zorro passed away at the end of August. He was only a year and a half old.
I can't bring myself to go into detail about what happened to him, only that it became apparent that he was very, very unwell with an untreatable condition which was causing him a lot of pain. It was awful to see him suffering, and as there was very little chance of ever seeing any recovery in him to the point where he could live any sort of happy life, we decided to let the vet give him the peace he so clearly wanted.
He died in my arms on the 27th August.
He was a phenomenal assistance dog who, in his short life, gave me a level of confidence and independence I wasn't sure I was still capable of. He was always there, sitting by my side while I was writing or licking my hands to reassure me when I was nervous on video calls with interviewers. More than anything, though, he was my buddy, my most loyal companion, and my mad hairy friend who always stood by me and made sure I was never bored. He is so missed.
Fly high, buddy. Until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge.
Zorro's final resting place is in the sea at his favourite beach, where we scattered his ashes so that he could finally be free.
Once by my side. Forever in my heart. Good night, buddy.
