The Pear Tree Story

We all have a story. And this is the story behind the name of my business, Pear Tree Confidence Coaching.

One sunny spring day two years ago, I found two hard lumps on either side of Mervyn, my beloved dog’s, neck. I immediately took him to the vet. After an anxious few hours and frantic phone calls to specialist animal hospitals, we drove him to the ‘Supervet’ Hospital in Guildford (now run by the brilliant Aura) and they admitted him as an emergency patient.

The consultant oncologist confirmed that, what we’d hoped had been a bad dream, was a living nightmare. Mervyn had stage four lymphoma. We could try chemotherapy. He might survive up to nine months.

For two weeks I drove up and down to the hospital with Mervyn – a five hour round trip each time – for chemo, and for additional urgent treatment. In my heart I longed for it to be nine months. But in my head and gut I already knew there wasn’t much time left.

I wanted to spend every precious moment with him and to give him the most attention and love possible. If you’ve ever shared your life with an animal, I think you’ll understand.

I wanted him to feel and know how very much he was loved.​

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Mervyn quickly became worse.

Despite maintaining a good appetite, especially for chicken, sausages and ice cream– the treats we bribed him with to swallow his daily mountain of pills – he couldn’t walk. Or even stand, some days. We put the sofa cushions on the floor and slept downstairs with him every night.

We carried him into the garden every day. He had a favourite spot in the sunshine, with a little dappled shade, which overlooks the wildflower meadow and the fields beyond. Bluebells sprinkled the grassy knoll, and the rhododendrons were resplendent in shades of fuchsia and mauve on the bank. It was gloriously sunny and warm.

Every day, I sat next to him. I read, ‘Time to Think’ by Nancy Kline* and wrote.

In just three weeks, he was gone. Mervyn crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Mervyn had given me unconditional love, loyalty, wisdom, generosity, and friendship. But in those last few days, he gave me the most precious of gifts.

Time.

Time to be with him, time to love him, and time to say goodbye. Time to think.

I’ve planted a pear tree on the spot where I sat with Mervyn, holding his paw. Where he gave me time to realise that time is not infinite. Time to think about what my future might hold.

I’m nurturing that tree. Watering it every day. Hoping that it will blossom and bear beautiful golden pears - Mervyn’s favourite fruit.

I’d like to give you the time to think .. and help you move forward, whether you’re stuck, disappointed, lack direction, or simply don’t know which route to choose.

You have all the answers - in you.

Sara