Calida is Greek for Most Special One - which she certainly was to us.

Always close by us and never any trouble. Although she lived for her food, she wouldn't dream of stealing - unlike the others - nor even try to sneak into our bedroom.

In fact, we actively encouraged her to be naughty, but it wasn't for her!

Leah - her pet name - came to join her Uncle Barnaby after her uterus split whilst giving birth to six puppies.

She was spayed, yet returned to feed her four remaining pups.

Her temperament was beyond reproach.

Leah and Chevvy formed a mutual appreciation society with much gentle licking and sharing baskets, several times a day. In the evenings, they were mostly snuggled up together on the large settee to my left, leaving Norris to my right. Then for the last hour of the day Norris would move to another settee with Jill, and Leah would stay where she was and Chevvy moved to my right, so I could rest an arm on each.

Over a year ago, Chevvy started persistently licking Leah's back, but our vet could find no problems.Then one Tuesday, she scoffed her evening meal as usual, but was violently sick, throughout the night and the next day we found Chevvy continually chewing and tugging her ears, as if they were a rawhide chew, but without actually making her yelp, seemingly trying to liven her up.

Thursday saw us on the first of many trips to the vet for medicines, blood test and X- ray. For the next two days she was on a drip, and all the time she could not be tempted to eat, though she did drink slowly.

First thing Monday, an emergency operation to remove a tumour under the colon , which had kinked it (like a hose) and was oozing just as she was on the table.

A biopsy was ordered.

Thankfully, she still had no pain, however much the vet prodded and squeezed. The operation was a complete success, but still she walked away from food. Apart from this she was to all intents and purposes fit with no problems with blood or heart, but whilst the biopsy result were awaited she was just sleeping peacefully and Jill was giving frequent syringes of water.

Leah spent Thursday at the vet’s on a drip - by now so weak that we had to carry her on a blanket - and late afternoon, the biopsy report was phoned through at last.

She had an unusual and almost undetectable problem in that her arteries were forming clots all over the place. So that was that, poor girl. Put to sleep, outwardly fit, with a strong heart and super coat after a successful operation, but uncomplaining pain-free and stoical throughout.

We have been through this situation fifteen times, yet are still overwhelmed by the loss of Leah, who now lives on through her pups.

She was mum to Derek and Miranda's Hope, and CH Malrich Sir Rough Diamond , and Grandma to three of his Champions, and also to the lovely Dill.

One thing is certain - like all our others - we will remember Leah each night and in the morning.

By Brian Malin

(Ed: Brian, this is very moving. But also cathartic for us all - resonating especially with those of us who have lost precious hounds themselves. I know the entire Club membership will sympathise with your and Jill’s sad loss. Leah was a wonderfully sweet creature.)