‘I first met Sedge and his lovely owner, Frieda, back in October 2019, when was an eight-year-old King Charles Spaniel and trained hearing dog. I walked him two or three times a week, along with other Cinnamon Trust walkers. He’d had a difficult start in life, being moved between several owners, before he went to live with Frieda at the age of seven.

Sedge loved people and would say hello to everyone. He was trained to alert his owner to sounds in the home, such as the smoke alarm and doorbell. He would hear the doorbell, look through the window, and then find Frieda to let her know that someone was there. He liked going to the pub and on one occasion, he escaped from Frieda’s garden, only to be found in her local. He loved his food and had a particular liking for flatbreads.

In September 2022, Frieda became unable to care for herself at home and moved to a care home. Sedge came to live with our family, we visited Frieda every week, which Sedge loved! As did the residents, who fed him plenty of biscuits.

In June 2023, sadly, Frieda passed away at the age of 89. It was her wish that Sedge would stay with us for the rest of his life, under the guardianship of The Cinnamon Trust. Given Sedge’s age, he had a number of medical issues and without The Trust’s support with vet bills we could not have taken him on.

Over the past few months, Sedge’s health began to deteriorate. He had a heart condition and arthritis. The Cinnamon Trust paid for him to have hydrotherapy, which he really enjoyed, mainly because of the treats he was given. He was making good progress and his mobility really improved. Unfortunately, in August this year, a lump the size of a golf ball came up on his neck. The vet diagnosed a lymphoma, but due to his health issues, no treatment was possible, and it was decided that we would continue to monitor him with palliative care. Within three weeks, the tumour had more than quadrupled in size and was beginning to press on his airway. We had an incredibly difficult decision to make.

On Friday 13th September 2024, with the support of The Cinnamon Trust and our amazing vet, Sedge fell asleep, aged 13 years and 4 months. We miss him so much and will be forever grateful to The Cinnamon Trust for enabling us to care for this amazing little dog, who made us smile every day. At the end of it all, we have great pleasure in knowing that Sedge and Frieda are together again, over the rainbow bridge.’ – Anne Rousell, Hertfordshire.

Rest in peace, Frieda & Sedge. Together once more.