Monty’s Story: Grief and Hope
Everybody thinks they have the best dog in the world, and the truth is, they’re absolutely right. For me, that dog was Monty. In 2024, near our home in South Wales, I lost him in a tragic accident. I left for a morning walk we had done hundreds of times, and came back without my closest companion. It was the worst day of my life and an experience no dog owner should ever have to face.
The house felt empty in a way I hadn’t imagined possible. There were no more claws tapping across the floor, no longing eyes begging for a piece of cheese, a Monty-shaped spot on the sofa waiting for him which wouldn’t be filled again. Dogs aren’t just pets; they are family, and the absence of that presence leaves a gap that words can’t capture.
The grief in those early days felt suffocating; it was everywhere. For a brief second after waking up, it felt like everything was normal — then the reality hit, and that moment of peace vanished, replaced by the weight of losing him. In the mornings, I’d head downstairs hoping to see Monty’s hungry eyes and wagging tail, ready for our walk, but of course he wasn't there.
Everything reminded me of him. The quiet of the house with no sound of claws on the hard floor, the empty sofa where he used to sleep, even the routine little things I took for granted before — it all felt overwhelming. Over time, the sharpness eases a little, but you still miss everything about them: the sounds, the little gestures, the way they made you feel understood without a word. Losing him left a gap that never fully goes away.
In the aftermath of that loss, I wanted to create something that honoured Monty and the joy he brought to my life. That’s how Monty’s XI began — a way to celebrate the bond between dogs and their people, while keeping his memory alive in a positive way. Each design we create celebrates the joy and love that you have for your dog and also for the team you support.
I also wanted to help others facing the loss of a pet. When Monty died, I used Blue Cross’ Pet Loss Support Line, and being able to talk to someone who understood what I was going through made a world of difference. Whilst also doing fantastic work to help animals in need, the Pet Loss Support Line helps those suffering through the pain of losing a pet. Nobody should have to face that pain alone, and that’s why Monty’s XI is a very proud partner — to support other people during the difficult time of losing a beloved pet.
Losing Monty was devastating, and the grief never fully goes away. But remembering him, celebrating him, and helping others has given me purpose from something unbearably hard. The motto of Monty’s XI, Fidus et Verus — loyal and true — sums up what Monty taught me: unconditional love, unwavering loyalty, and a boundless enthusiasm for life. He may be gone, but he will live on through our memory, and his legacy will be seen on walks throughout the world with all of his new friends wearing some fantastic retro designs!
For more information on the service Blue Cross can offer, please visit https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-loss-support.
