Elgar And Me - A New Friendship

A special companion has helped novelist Valerie Blumenthal cope both with Alzheimer’s, and the loss of her beloved dog, Mozart

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The date 14 February 2019 will be forever etched on my mind. While others were preparing for a night of romance, my beautiful German shepherd, Mozart, lay dying on his favourite rug. He managed a final lick, and then he was gone.

Anyone who has owned a much-loved pet will appreciate the agony of losing it; you know full well that your pet is likely to have a comparatively short lifespan, and you try to brace yourself for the inevitable. However, nothing really prepares you for the actuality.

I have posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), an unusual form of Alzheimer’s. Sir Terry Pratchett was affected by the same condition. As far as I’m concerned, living without a dog is unthinkable. In the past, I have always had German shepherds.

I love their beauty, intelligence and loyalty; however, they are not the easiest of dogs.

As Alzheimer’s stealthily progresses, I can no longer type – it’s a particularly cruel disease for writers. My vision and balance have both deteriorated. Life can be hazardous to say the least. I realised that it was time to consider a different breed. Enter Elgar.