I’m so sad to tell you that on Thursday morning Mr Hicks had a stroke and we had to say goodbye. I’m absolutely heartbroken. I hadn’t been able to bring myself to write about it here, but a month ago we were told the tumour on his leg had started growing quickly and he only had approximately two months left.
But in the end, the cancer – which didn’t hurt and was isolated in his leg – played no part, apart from helping us prepare for what has happened now and for making us appreciate and enjoy him more over the last month.
Mr Hicks was an amazing dog who really knew how to have a party. I remember one dog groomer saying he had the ten times the personality of the other dogs who came in.
Unfortunately, Hicks also had ten times the health problems too, but he always dealt bravely with his troubles and rarely stopped smiling.
Hicks enriched my life in so many ways and brought me so many friends I would have otherwise never met. He also taught me many things. I thought I’d share some of them with you.
Mr Hicks’ Rules for Life…
Just because you have a bad start in life, doesn’t mean it can’t get better…

Never be afraid of a little mud…
You can always have a party, no matter where you are or what the weather.
However bad it gets, there’ll be better times in the future.
Treat everyone as a friend.
Tell your mum you love her a million times a day.
Spend plenty of time with your friends.
NEVER turn down a biscuit.
Always get your beauty sleep.
Break the rules.
Thank You Mr Hicks. It’s Been an Amazing Adventure!

I am terribly sorry to hear this. All those photos show that you made such wonderful memories with him though!
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Thank you. We did. So lucky to have him 🙂
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I’m so sorry to read this, I had a little tear as I was reading. He was a beautiful pup and big dog, he was lucky to find you. X
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Thank you. And we were lucky he found us 🙂 x
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Oh Bekki – my heart sank when I saw this post in my box – I’m so sad for you all. Losing your beloved Mr Hicks breaks my heart, I cannot begin to understand how yours feels right now. No more dog in puddle pics………I’m sad for me too! I love that picture of the two of you gazing at each other – such love you and your boy shared! We have them for such a short time and you gave Hicks so much love and care as he carried on despite all those health set-backs. He tried so hard to be stay and be your good boy, but his poor old body just wore out.
Sending you love and hugs xoxo
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Thank you. Those hugs are definitely helping. And thank you for your support over the last couple of weeks. I was going to email you and tell you ahead of posting, but I just didn’t have the energy. I will mail you and tell you more, when i have strength, because for a horrible experience, it’s had a lot of positive I’d like to share with you 🙂 xx
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I’d like that – there’s a terrible beauty in going through this experience! xoxo
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There is. It was very spiritual too and, bless it, the universe conspired to make things as easy on me as possible. 🙂 xxxx
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If we lived closer we could share our stories over cake – or wine – or both…..
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Oh I wish xxx
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Bekki, I’m so sorry. What a lovely boy and such a lovely approach to life.
xxxxxx
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Thank you. He was such a positive boy. An example to us all 🙂 xx
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I’m really sorry for your loss
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Thank you Judith xx
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So sorry about your doggy, he looked a real character xx
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Thank you. He was 🙂 xx
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A wonderful tribute to a wonderful dog ❤
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Thank you my lovely xx
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An amazing tribute to a totally amazing Boy and from a wonderfully amazing Lady. My Heart, my Thoughts and my Love are with you. Xx
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Thank you. Can’t wait to see you Tuesday xx
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So sorry to hear this. Even when you’re trying to prepare yourself for the worst, it comes as a shock 😦 I love his rules for life though. they can inspire us all xxx
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Thank you Mary. Since I was preparing myself for the cancer to become too much in about a month’s time, a stroke was definitely a shock – although we suspected he’s had several TIAs over the last 7 months, so not a total surprise. xxx
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Oh Bekki, I’m sooooo sorry! Although you knew it was coming, it still hits you hard when the time comes. All those years of Hicks just being there, part of the furniture, a wet nose nuzzling in when you’re sat on the sofa. As you know, we’re at that ‘waiting’ stage with Fifi, too, as she’s living on borrowed time. We’ll miss Hicks on the blog but look forward to the pitter patter of four tiny paws as and when you’re ready for another faithful companion. Hugs from us all. Xx
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Thank you so much Shelia. I have been thinking about you and little Fifi, knowing you’re in the place we’ve just moved on from. Big hugs right back to you and please give Fifi a hug from me too xx
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Ohhhhh I’m heartbroken too to see this post, Bekki 😦 It was always a joy seeing him and his adventures through your lens.. I will surely miss reading about him. Sending lots and lots of hugs your way.
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Thank you Bessie. All the hugs and love are helping very much xx
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What a beautiful epitaph of Mr Hicks! Thinking of you at this sad time!xx
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Thank you Maureen xx
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“There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.”
from The Power of the Dog, Rudyard Kipling
It’s just what we do!
Please tell me you will be framing that beautiful photograph of you both – if you haven’t already –
you were clearly made for each other.
With many, many hugs and tons of sympathy x x x
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Thank you my lovely. I’d completely forgotten about that photo, until i started looking through our photos on Friday. A friend took it years ago when he trained to become a photographer and needed to practice taking pet pictures. I definitely will frame 🙂 xx
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So so sorry and sad to hear about your beautiful Mr Hicks. What a lovely boy he was and I always enjoyed seeing him in your posts. I am super positive he had the best lifea dog could ever have with you and your lovely family. Your post is a wonderful tribute to him. Lots of love and hugs.xxx
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Thank you Sharon. We did our best 🙂 xx
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Mr Hicks the most wonderful loving dog always smiling and full of fun. The most cherished dog will always be in your heart xxxx
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Thank you. Yes, always smiling. And they say dogs can’t smile. Hicks could 🙂
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So sorry for the loss of your furbaby. Rest in peace, Mr. Hicks. Xx
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Thank you Mary xx
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❤
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Thank you xx
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Oh Bekki…I’m so sorry to read this.😔 But what a beautiful blog post in memory of beautiful Mr Hicks. You’ve made me cry with sadness but also laugh with Mr Hick’s rules for life. He sounds like he was an amazing dog and I’ve certainly enjoyed seeing him in all your blog posts. Sending lots of love your way ❤🐶❤xx
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Thank you Eleonora. He really knew how to enjoy life 🙂 xx
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I’m so sorry, he will be greatly missed, but looked like he lived life to the fullest
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Thank you Catherine. You’re right, he sure knew how to have a party 🙂
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Oh my. Sitting here in tears. Mr Hicks really stole my heart. So incredibly sad. And thank you for sharing all the muddy puddle pictures, the world is a sorrier place without that woofer. Hugs to you this week.
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Thank you. I’m sorry, I knew I’d make you sad. He was a master at stealing hearts 🙂 xx
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He sure had got to me! xx
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I think he got to most people . Apparently most of veterinary staff were in tears after we’d gone. As you know, we were high millage customers, so they knew him well. xx
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I am so sorry for your loss, losing a dog is heart wrenching, my heart goes out to you.
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Thank you. I still remember you losing your beautiful boy xx
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Oh, Bekki, I am so sorry. Hicks was a beautiful fellow, and loved you so much, that is clear. I am so sorry for your loss.
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Thank you 🙂
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Oh 😦 in so sorry to hear this. In a way I’m glad that you knew this was coming but it’s always horrible when it does happen.
You have some lovely photos there to add to the memories. And will be a lovely way to keep him alive in your life for some time to come.
Sending virtual hugs to you both. X
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Thank you – and you’re right, although earlier than we expected and not the way things were expected to go, it was probably a ‘better’ way. Knowing allowed us to ensure we enjoyed him as much as possible, that he enjoyed his last weeks as much as possible and for us to begin to mentally prepare ourselves. It was however very hard living for a whole month carrying the knowledge we were soon to loose him. xxx
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I’ve only just seen your post and I’m so sorry to hear this really sad news. Mr Hicks was such a trooper, getting on with enjoying his life despite all his problems. Such a handsome chap. You will miss him terribly but you really did have the best time together. xx
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Thank you. We certainly did have the best time. Despite all his problems he knew how to get the best out of every single moment 🙂
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Oh I’m so sorry but I’m so happy you were able to give Mr. Hicks an awesome life. Hugs.
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Thank you 🙂
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I am so sorry to have to say Goodbye to Mr H. He was one amazing dog to know, even if just through you and blog posts. May he be blessed with lots of lovely peaceful puddles wherever he may be now.
We love you Mr H.
Hugs to you and all the family and all Mr. H’s friends. xxx
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Thank you my lovely xx
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So sorry to read this Bekki, you made a beautiful tribute to him and he will clearly be very much missed.
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Thanks Carolyn xx
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So sad to hear about Mr Hicks Looks like he had a fantastic life with you. I’m sure he’s enjoying puddles in the sky now
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Thank you. xx
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I’ve just found this post through Sharon’s blog. I’m so sorry to read about Mr Hicks – he looked an adorable little pup and a beautiful big dog. It’s never easy when we lose them is it, even when it’s expected, but this post is a wonderful tribute to your faithful friend. Hugs from another dog lover x
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Hello Eunice. Thank you for visiting and for commenting so kindly. No it isn’t easy, but your hugs are helping 🙂 Thank you x
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I’m so sorry I missed this post when it came out, Bekki. I was in tears reading this. What a perfect way to talk about what he meant to you. That little puppy picture is so freaking adorable! He stole my heart through the pictures you posted of him every week so I know you are absolutely devastated. Again, big hugs while you grieve his loss. Fly high, Mr. Hicks!
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Aw! Thank you. He was very cute. It was love at first sight when our eyes met through the bars of his cage at Battersea 🙂 Thank you for loving him too xx
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What a beautiful post to remember Mr. Hicks. I was so saddened to hear this news, but at least you enriched his life as he did you. Thinking of you all at this sad time xx
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Thank you 🙂 xx
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I am so very sorry to hear Bekki. I will miss the dog in a puddle pictures terribly as they have been one of my favourite things for over a year now. Thats a beautiful tribute post that you have written. Love and hugs to you all xx
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Thanks Toni xx
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Oh what a lovely tribute to your lovely furbaby. Even as a pup he must have had his rules firmly rooted, as it looks like he was already waiting for a biscuit. So very sorry for your loss. xo
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Thank you. Yes, the one (and only) thing he knew when we first met him was to sit down and it would get you a biscuit. And he never forgot it either. Even when he just smelled a biscuit in another dog owners pocket he would promptly sit down in front of them and look up longingly 🙂
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Haha! I’ll bet the “look” netted several biscuits from strangers, too.
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It certainly did 🙂 More than several!
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sniffle! Oh Bekki, what a lovely tribute xxx
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Thank you looking it out. Sorry to make you sniffle, just wanted to share. xx
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