Sue B Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 Please everyone raise your glasses to a very special dog, My darling Hugo, who was put to sleep last Wednesday, peacefully at home, after suffering a sudden stroke at the age of 17. I adopted Hugo on the 12th of January 2005. I knew the minute I spotted him that he was the dog for me. I wanted a nice, calm, good-natured oldie and Hugo was all that and more.. A lovely Refuge member sent me a very comforting message describing him as “a perfect gentleman with a rare quality about him†which summed him up very well. Hugo got on with everyone, young or old, black or white, they were all his friends. He had a very special charm and he worked his magic on many people, even people who were not keen on dogs took to him and his fan club was huge; the ticket collectors at the train station, people we saw on the way to work, everyone in my local park and, of course, everyone at The Mayhew, adored him and I have had to comfort many people in the last week who were devastated not be able to see him any more. Hugo was also great with other dogs and had many four-legged friends. He was also very tolerant of all the foster dogs I brought home and all of them adored him, especially Vicky, my life-long foster dog. Hugo was also a huge asset in my work, promoting The Mayhew, he came to lots of events and talks with me and charmed everyone. He also did some therapy work in a care home for elderly people with dementia and really brightened the day of the residents there. Of course, he was not always an angel, he could be stubborn as a mule and was incorrigibly greedy, but he made me laugh almost every day. I will never forget the time he stole a whole loaf of bread from someone’s shopping bag, on the way through Euston station. If he had got wet when it rained he would use the nearest trouser leg to dry his head, which I used to pass of as affection - you would be amazed at how many people fell for that. His real coup though was the time he cocked his leg over the VIP celebrity guest at the opening ceremony of our new dog rooms. He never normally wee’d over people, so I can only assume he thought it would be a great laugh to show mum up! He made me very proud though, not least when he was in a photo shoot for New Musical Express, won Best Rescue at the 2005 GAP show and especially when he was in the Scruffts final at Discover Dogs last November and came third in the Golden Oldie class, beating many other dogs from around the country and getting a special mention from Matt Baker for being so nice and trim at his grand old age. I miss him so much, there is a huge hole in my life and a leaden weight in my stomach. I keep looking round for him and expecting him to come into the room, nose twitching in search of any food. I miss his snoring at night, it is far too quiet without it. Although the loss of him is very hard to bear, I don’t regret a moment of my time with him – Hugo, it was a huge privilege and joy to share my life with you, thank you so much. Sleep tight angel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendbert Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 Sue and Vicky, I am so sorry Hugo was a gentleman of a dog, with his distinguished grey face and his sweet nature. I feel very lucky to have met Hugo on several occassions Tonight I will light a candle and think of your special boy Sleep peacefully Hugo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rileyroo Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 I'm so sorry to hear this Sleep peacefully Hugo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacobean Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 Oh no Sue. I'm so very sorry to hear this. He unfortunately is in very good company at the bridge. I never met Hugo but used to love reading your updates about him. He was a star and a great ambassador for oldies. My heart goes out to you at this awful and painful time. Run free sweetheart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houndzrus Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 Oh no, so sorry to hear this, Hugo certainly looked the perfect gent. Sleep well Hugo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ingipops Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 It was a pleasure to meet your lovely boy at Gap show Sue, a true gentleman doggie Sleep tight Hugo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staffymad Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 I am so sorry Vicky & Sue but what a lovely tribute to a dog that was in many ways one of a kind I am sure he will be continuing his good work in the summerlands of Rainbow Bridge helping others and watching over them until reunited with you. Sleep tight Hugo, maybe gone but never forgotten. Cindy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carole Stitcher Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 Sue, I have no words, only tears for the loss of this great old man. I got to know that picture well when doing your t shirt and I felt I knew him through it. I think that Rainbow Bridge is going to go through hell if he meets up with Sooty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tracey.s Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 Not Hugo I'm so, so, sorry for your loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 I'm really sorry Sue Hugo will always have a special place in our hearts I've always loved hearing about him and seeing photos of his handsome grey face. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peachy Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 A very beautiful tribute to Hugo, who was obviously so very loved Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoebejo Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 Awwww Hugo sleep well darling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khanu Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 Sleep well Hugo So sorry Sue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirtychicken Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 Oh Sue I'm so very, very sorry Run free, handsome Hugo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nettie Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 Oh Sue I'm so sorry to read this, Hugo will be missed by many who met him and those that didn't but knew him anyway. He's a legend. He certainly deserved to win Best Rescue at the Gap Show. He truly was a treasure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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