We found him at the dog section of the Strathclyde Police, he and Jerry had been given to the police for whatever reason and the dogs were being assessed. Both dogs failed, Diesel - because he wouldn't play and Jerry - because he wouldn't 'come back'. It's strange but ever since I got Diesel home he's never stopped playing. Diesel and Jerry got on quite well together but soon Diesel 'attached' himself to me and didn't like it if Jerry wanted my attention.
We live at an old farm so Diesel enjoyed the life here and all the freedom, he also loved to follow me around if I was 'doing chores' like rolling the hayfield and he must have done dozens of miles over that field following the tractor or lawn mower. He was so quiet in the house and could surprise you by 'appearing' at the side of the chair. At night he loved to sleep in a door 'Ingle' and liked to be tucked under his old well-holed travelling rug (which was called Diesel's Tent), I still have it and it still has a hint of his scent (never washed since he last used it). Even though Jerry is still here, it's an empty place without 'my shadow' following me or (usually), standing right behind me.
Last May he started limping and the vet thought it could be Panosteitis, so for the last few months he had pain-killers, but on September 13th he was so lethargic and would only play with his ball for a few minutes. Eventually he just wanted to lie down and he didn't appear comfortable. We took him to the vet, he said that there was something far wrong with Diesel's circulation, we took the hardest decision ever and Diesel went 'off to sleep'.
The following day a post mortem was carried out. There was a growth on Diesel's spleen which had ruptured and caused internal bleeding. At least he had been on (quite strong) pain-killers that day, and at the end of his life I was with him and telling him I was tucking him into his 'tent'. I keep the hope that he and I will meet again some day. People say that they 'choose' a dog, I think it's not like that - I think (if you're lucky) a dog will choose you. Well, now 'The Lord has my Shepherd' and if anyone reads this because they too have suffered the loss of their best friend my heart goes out to them.
By Jim