Heidi the Dog (2007-2019)

Heidi, as I'd like to remember her. Picture courtesy of Ms. G. P. of Cromer

Heidi the Dog, social media influencer, movie legend and beloved family pet, died on Saturday 12 October. Having just turned twelve years old, she had been in failing health, and although happy enough at the front end, her back half suddenly gave way and, so paralysed, she had to be put to sleep.

She shot to stardom among the online science community and appeared as herself in a film made during the Cromer Is So Bracing Un-Conference of 2009. The film was premiered at the Royal Institution of Great Britain, no fewer less. Here is the cast list ...

... and here is the film in extenso, and, what's more, in full. Scroll to 2'22" to see a very youthful Heidi:



 Heidi was born on in mid-Norfolk on 6 October, 2007, one of a large litter of fluffballs when the union of one Nancy Travis and a Gentleman was blessed with issue.

Heidi as a Very Young Fluffball

She joined the Gee family in Cromer just before Christmas that year. She enjoyed beach walks from an early age. Being a retriever, she loved nothing more than retrieving tennis balls from the sea, whatever the weather, and viewed storm-wracked breakers and millpond-smooth tidepools in the same phlegmatic manner. Nothing, but nothing, would keep her from that ball.

 She was also very fond of relaxation...

.... and food, especially when combined with being on the beach, and relaxation, as at this beach picnic.

 She was kind, laid-back, loving and friendly...

... to the extent that she raised three of our four cats to be honorary dogs.

She also enjoyed gardening...

... and playing in the snow.

In her later years, increasing arthritis meant that sea bathing was supplemented by weekly sessions at Four Paws Canine Hydrotherapy ...

With her therapist Mr A. F. of Weybourne

 ... where she enjoyed a swim, shampoo and blow-dry with her therapist and best friend Mr A. F. of Weybourne, who became one of her most devoted admirers.

She is mourned by Gees of several different species and her many fans around the world.

Thanks to Mr G. S. of Glasgow for additional research.