Welcome to this heartfelt episode of Ponderland, where David reflects on the life and memories of his beloved pet dog, Rusty, who recently passed away.

In this deeply personal episode, David shares the journey of his relationship with Rusty, from the joyous moments spent together to the challenging times when his anxiety and illness took a toll on him and his family. Rusty was not just a pet; he was a loyal friend who taught them about love, patience, and the joy of simple pleasures like running freely and chasing birds.

Rusty's story is interwoven with reflections on the Irish language, a beautiful yet regrettably underappreciated part of David's heritage. He discusses his youthful decision to abandon Irish in favour of French, a choice he now views with some regret. As he is now learning multiple languages, including Irish, through the Duolingo app, he finds solace and connection in these linguistic journeys.

The episode delves into Rusty’s vibrant personality, his love for freedom, and the unfortunate incidents that led to his growing anxiety and eventual illness. David fondly recounts joyful escapades at the beach and park, and the poignant last moments spent with him, highlighting the profound impact Rusty had on their lives.

Through Rusty’s tale, we explore the themes of loss, memory, and the bittersweet beauty of cherishing what we have before it's gone. "Ta Bron Orm" captures the essence of feeling sad not as a state of being, but as an emotion that passes over us, much like the fleeting yet impactful presence of a beloved pet.

Join us in this episode as we honour Rusty’s memory, celebrate the joy he brought, and reflect on the lessons learned from his companionship. This is an episode about loss, love, and the enduring power of memories.

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