An evening with an old friend... (updated)

[coonhound]

I took my old retriever out for a few hours of grouse hunting last night. Old Dexter is 11 now and he has an inoperable tumor in his shoulder so I'm pretty sure this will be his last year with me.  We had to take it a little easier than normal but we had a great day.  He helped me with a limit of grouse, 2 blues and one ruffed.  It was tough to stop at 3, it was one of those magical days where we were flushing grouse every few minutes.  I winged one bird and Dex took off on the search, 5 minutes later he showed up with a live bird held gently in his mouth.  Hopefully I can get him out a couple more times before the year is out, I'll sure miss him when he's gone.

Coon

[WCTaxidermy]

coonhound,  It's looks like you and your best friend had a great day.  I'm sorry to hear about the Tumor.  That must be hard on you.  You keep going out and enjoying that dog as much as you can, and rest assured your dog is enjoying the time with you as well.  Hang in there and take care, John

[boneaddict]

Enjoy the time.   Why is it we get so attached to our canine friends.  Loyalty I guess, undieing love, true friendship.    Always fond memories.

[LittleJohn]

Thanks for posting, Looks like a great time. My Yellow Lab (RIO) has been gone almost a year now. I had more fun and memories with that dog!!! Can't imagine another one like her. JOHN

[floatinghat]

What a great way for both of you to make the most of your time together.    He looks like a happy dog.

[coonhound]

I took my old retriever out for a few hours of grouse hunting last night. Old Dexter is 11 now and he has an inoperable tumor in his shoulder so I'm pretty sure this will be his last year with me.  We had to take it a little easier than normal but we had a great day.  He helped me with a limit of grouse, 2 blues and one ruffed.  It was tough to stop at 3, it was one of those magical days where we were flushing grouse every few minutes.  I winged one bird and Dex took off on the search, 5 minutes later he showed up with a live bird held gently in his mouth.  Hopefully I can get him out a couple more times before the year is out, I'll sure miss him when he's gone.

Coon

Wow...I hate to admit this but I didn't read the regs, I just assumed it was still 3 birds, I'm sure glad it went up to 4 and not down to 2.  It sure would've been nice to add a 4th bird to the frypan that night, I must have flushed a dozen birds after I thought I had bagged my limit.

Coon

[BLKBEARKLR]

I had my golden (Lunchbox) for 14.5 years. The memories can never be replaced. I was devastated when it was time.

Sorry to hear about the tumor, but at least you got the memories.

Joe

[Birdguy]

What an awesome title for your post. Great way to spend a day. I took my kids on their first pheasant hunt with our newest pup last weekend. They asked if we could take our 14.5 yr old lab out as she was the first dog I ever hunted over and they thought it would be cool. We decided against it as she is having a tough time getting around and the release sites are not real dog friendly. As the day past I shared memories of my first hunt with her with the kids and showed them the similarities in the new pup. It was a great day with the kids making new memories and remembering old ones.

[coonhound]

Well this sad day finally arrived, I woke up yesterday morning and Dex didn't have the strength to get up.  We took him to the emergency vet in Sumner and they said he had cancer throughout his body.  We made the hard decision to let him go.  My wife, daughter and I stood by his side as he slipped away, It's not going to be the same around here without him.

I bet me and Dex walked over a 1000 miles together over the years, there was nothing he liked better.  If he seen me get my boots he would start spinning in circles barely giving me the chance to get them tied.  Those walks won't quite be the same without the old pooch...

Coon

[docsven]

Coonhound, very sorry to hear that.  Glad you made the most of your time before he had to go.

[buckhorn2]

He looked like a very happy dog. Makes you tear up when these times come.

[Alan K]

Sorry for your loss, you'll never forget the times you had, and it sounds like he lived a great life!

[carpsniperg2]

sorry for you loss

[MikeWalking]

Sorry for your loss. Sounded like a truly great friend.  This is one reason I don't miss working in an animal hospital, well maybe a little.

[littlemac]

Sorry to hear about your ol' friend Coon, good you shared so many hours together though.