It was with gut-wrenching sadness on Thursday afternoon that we said goodnight to our beautiful, gentle, oh-so-loving and brilliant Oakley.
So full of personality, cuddles, fun and soft-natured love, he was just the most incredible pet, friend and integral member of our family. Many people said how there was something 'almost human' about him, in his eyes and smiles. He connected with your heart and soul so quickly, it was impossible not to see what a truly special being he was.
Rescuing him from
@battersea_dog_and_cat_home in July 2014 after he was abandoned (then called Declan), we very quickly knew we had the most special, clever, kind-hearted soul of a dog. He helped bring up Ernest from birth with immense patience, warmth and immediate acceptance. They were like cheeky brothers to the very end.
After beating cancer three times, Oakley wowed us all as he won Golden Oldie & Best in Show at the
@horningshamfayre dog show last year. Sadly after a short period of illness over Christmas time, Oakley was found to have a large tumour growing very quickly, and on January 2nd we had the most horrible start to a year. We held him and reminded him how much we adored him, and thanked him for being the best, most wonderful dog in the world ever.
We miss him every minute of every day and night. His pulsating positive energy is palpably absent in the house. He had so much love, goodness and kindness, fun, silliness and playfulness, that he has inevitably left a gaping void in our little family home.
If you ever met Oakley, you'll know how instantly loveable he was, and how gentle he was with every person and animal he encountered.
If you have any memories of meeting our soppy pup, it would be lovely to leave them as a comment here for posterity and a tribute to him.
RIP Oakley ❤️💔
