Beinn Ime - first Munro of 2018 and goodbye to Millie

[KatTai]

It has been a difficult week. On Wednesday Millie my first hill-dog was put to sleep following her rapidly going downhill due to a growth in her chest. It was only November when she was last in the Munro's returning to Ben Lomond for her younger sister Moss' 30th Munro, and that really marked Millie's retirement from the big hills. Despite not really starting her hiking adventures until she was in double figures (she joined our family when she was 7 years old) she managed to do 21 Munros and repeated a number of those with Moss. It is devastating to lose her so suddenly, and the following day I decided to head back to the Munro's with Moss aiming for Beinn Ime.

Millie 06/10/04 - 23/05/18

It is just over a year ago that I had my disastrous walk up Beinn Narnain when it took nearly 4 hours to get there, I arrived with aching legs from being stuck in traffic/roadworks and completely unenthusiastic about the walk so after reaching the summit of Beinn Narnain I decided to call it a day and return for Beinn Ime another day. It started off better, it didn't take anywhere near as long to get there but once out of the woodland I tripped in front of some other people, fortunately not hurt but it didn't leave me feeling too enthused! I'd been up to the Cobbler with Millie and her sister Fly several years ago and it might have been a mistake to go somewhere I'd done with her because it brought back a lot of memories of her posing on various rocks. I stopped at the Narnain boulders for something to eat in the shade and ended up with a dog tearing round the boulder running straight into me and Moss and leaping into my face so I had to shove it back trying to block it from Moss whilst trying to avoid losing my lunch. Owners passed without so much of an apology. Already feeling down, I really felt like giving up at this point but somehow we kept on going and fortunately that was the last of the problems on the walk otherwise I probably would have given up! We passed the Cobbler - I had been planning on including that in the walk but in the end I decided against it - and followed the clear path up towards Beinn Ime. With the dry weather it was only slightly boggy in places but it was all easy to get around. We reached the summit and stopped for a break. The views were pretty good in all directions. Moss got her summit photo and we headed back down the same way. My 33rd Munro and Moss' 31st.

Moss cooling off...

Moss was happy to find some snow near the summit!

Moss posing with Ben Lomond in the background, Millie's final Munro

Summit photo

[iangpark]

Warming tribute to a dog that clearly enjoyed her time with you! It is always sad to have to have a pet put down abruptly - I am making the best use of my time at the moment with our dog as he's probably got a few months left at best. I doubt he's ever even been above 100m Hope you're feeling back to normal soon!

[celt54321]

nice pics of moss,in the snow near the summit one she looks like a husky..shes loving it.iv lost a wee pet myself very recently,all you can do is love them and give them the best life you can,im sure your millie had a wonderful life with you...keep on walking.

[mountainminx]

So sad to hear this Kat Losing Millie in such a manner can't have been easy but I'm sure you will treasure those memories Love reading your doggie hilltop adventures so here's hoping you get fully back in the saddle soon

[Graeme D]

So sorry to hear this sad news. You said a couple of months ago when I posted a report just after losing my Lucy that the end was near for one of yours. I hope you took some comfort from your time on the hill and from the fact that you will know it was the right thing to do as a final act of kindness. She will always be there with you when you go to the hills. x

[Huff_n_Puff]

A very fitting tribute to both your dogs, I've enjoyed reading about your adventures together. Happy memories and lots of future fun

[KatTai]

Thank you everyone, Millie will be missed. I think retirement just didn't suit her

So sorry to hear this sad news. You said a couple of months ago when I posted a report just after losing my Lucy that the end was near for one of yours. I hope you took some comfort from your time on the hill and from the fact that you will know it was the right thing to do as a final act of kindness. She will always be there with you when you go to the hills. x

Yes, that was Millie's sister Fly who is still here. She was having a terrible time with her arthritis but has had a bit of a bounce back. Losing Millie was very unexpected

[Chris Mac]

I'm so sorry to hear about Millie but you've written a fitting tribute to her and can enjoy reliving your walks together reading your reports. I always enjoy reading your reports and especially the great photo's of your lovely dogs.

It's never easy losing a close family member, at least Fly and Moss can help you cope with the loss and getting out for more walks with them will help too as you know, nothing beats the mountains for quiet reflection. All the best, cheers!