Despite having an active life Bruce died when he was only 12 years old. In the later months and weeks he'd slowed down and enjoyed to just lay outside quietly in the garden. He didn't want to walk so far any more but the day he passed away was different. It was like a miracle, he eagerly ran in the field again and seemed just like a young puppy. That afternoon I received a phone call from my mother - Bruce was dying and could I come quickly. I raced across town to my house and all that time my mother repeated to Bruce "Hold on, David's coming" When I arrived he was in the garden he loved so much. I went to his side. He had waited to see me. The moment our eyes met he left this world. I remember that at first I couldn't accept his death, I called out "Bruce" and he came back to me again. I suddenly realised my selfishness. It was his time and when I accepted his great death, he passed away quietly.

We can learn so, so much from animals.