In Tribute to Rita

Rita - A very special and loyal companion - RIP 13 Jun 2011

Kim and Rita found each other when Rita was approximately 6 months old. As a young dog, Rita was very protective over her food, she would slowly lick her milk, whilst lying down with one paw either side of the bowl, and her nose resting on the far edge. The same when she was eating her biscuits. However, she would never rush her food, savouring each biscuit in turn, resulting in it talking her 20 minutes or more to finish! However, if anyone got too close, a deep rumble would soon warn human or animal that it was her food and she wasn’t going to share!

When Rita was small she used to sit under Kim's desk, or next to her on the seat, and that's is where she always wanted and longed to be all her life - next to her Mum, and watching over her, but also where she felt safe and secure too. As Rita grew, when tourists came to visit ACE, Kim had to move her as she could be a bit too protective! But Kim always sneaked her back in whenever she could.

Rita immediately took on the role of chief security officer. Of a night time, Rita and the ACE night watchman would keep watch together. He would rest for some of the night, knowing without a doubt that Rita would alert him to anything unusual whereupon they would inspect it together. In the day, she was most unhappy – and very audible when people come in the ACE gate without an animal! She somehow knew that that was wrong!

Rita has had many friends and fans over the years, from the volunteers who helped at ACE to animals that needed to be “shown the ACE ropes”. Rita always took her role very seriously. Jacks was one of the first, another dog who helped Rita in her duties. Numerous cats, not all of whom Rita took to, and not all took to her! However, she always knew to keep an eye on them when they were kittens, or ill.

Rita was a lady and rarely liked to play. Her role as chief security officer was too serious a task! So when her most recent companion, Sole, arrived it was a bit of a shock. Sole is a 3 legged teenager who has boundless energy and is always looking for a new source of fun. Rita would generally watch from afar as Sole got in and out of buckets of water, dug his mud holes to wallow in – and generally looked disdainfully at him the muddier and the wetter he got! But they still were good friends – just with different priorities in life!

Rita loved her morning walks. Since being at the new ACE centre Rita would welcome all volunteers who stayed at the centre. Zofia was at ACE volunteering with us for a whole year, and Rita would always keep her company. At times there were no other volunteers staying at ACE, and Rita would do her best to cuddle up beside her (or anyone!) on the settee of an evening. If Zofia didn’t shut her bedroom door properly, Rita would push it open at 4am and jump on her bed and bark to wake her up! She was always certainly more ready than Zof was for their morning walk!

Rita has been with Kim through all the trials and tribulations over the last 11 years. Rita had the best life and she will be remembered by many for lots of different things. Mr Sabry, the ACE accountant for when she chased him and ripped his trousers! The vets, staff and volunteers for her constant attention to security, and keenness for walks! But of course Rita will always be remembered the most by Kim, for her unconditional love, adoration and companionship.

Rita was there waiting for Kim when she got back after her recent heart surgery. She was so happy to see Kim after such a long time away, and as soon as she saw her came leaping in the air. Just before Kim went to England in May this year, she took Rita for a long walk. As there was no one around, Kim let her off the lead, but Rita soon found, and chased a fox for miles, when she had finished, she then came back to her Mum exhausted, but with a happy smile.

We all, but especially Kim were deeply saddened to find that Rita was suffering from spleen cancer.  As the final act of love, that we humans can make to our animal companions, Kim made the horrible decision that all pet owners dread will come one day, and said a sad goodbye to Rita on 13 June 2011.

Kim says: “Rita was always there to help me feel better when I cried, and I have cried a lot over the years. There are millions of dogs in Egypt who have a miserable life, and you can't help them all, but if you can help just one to have a healthy happy life it will be one of the most rewarding things you have ever done."

If you would like to send your condolences to Kim and to be posted (if you like) on this page, or if you have your own pictures and memories of Rita, please send them to Rita@ace-egypt.org.uk or post them to us at our normal address. Kim will read all letters and emails.  Thank you.

The Last Battle

Then will you do what must be done, for this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand, but don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest, your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years, you wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend, only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me, until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree, it is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved, from pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you, who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years, don't let your heart hold any tears.

-- Unknown

Hello Kim
Just been reading the blog and very sad to read the news that you had to put Rita to sleep. My - you gave that dog a lovely home and a wonderful life, and the memories will be with you forever, and Rita could not have found such a wonderful mum anywhere else, how lucky was she. So when you are feeling sad, just remember Rita had a fantastic time at Ace with you, and had a wonderful contented life.
Not sure if you remember us, but Tessa and myself are coming out to Luxor again end of September, and will be coming to visit you. (in the past we have brought a suitcase of various things for the centre), -
if you need anything bringing over, just drop us a line if you are short of anything specific. Hope you are bearing up as so few people seem to be visiting Luxor - people I know you were going to come have changed their mind - go another year they say.
Keep your chin up Kim, try and think about the good times with Rita and all those walks.
Much love
Ann and Tessa

Hello Kim

I guess like most people, I am not really sure what to say at such a very painful time in your life. As you know, I haven't visited ACE, and so of course I never got to meet Rita.

I hope the pain you are feeling at Rita's loss is not too much to bear.

Alan

Dear Kim,
I am really sad to read that Rita has passed away.
I have been visiting ACE for several times and she was always there to welcome us when we passed the door.
She had a very good life and she is watching over you from there where she is now. If paradise for dogs exists she is there for sure.
Keep up your good work for all those poor animals in Luxor.
Kindest regards,
Martine (from Belgium)