Tejas Apache Blaze - July 26, 1992 - July 18, 2008

[Tejas]

Blaze's last hunt.

It was a crisp fall December day. We had been running a couple of the young dogs, but hadn't any luck so far that day when we decided, well, let's put the old gal out and let her get a little exercise. She had turned 13 the summer before yet she still had that inner drive to do the job that she had been bred for despite her failing sight and hearing. Ten minutes out she slammed a point on a covey of "Bobs", the first of the day, she still had it in her. "That'll show those whippersnappers" you could almost hear her say.

The day arrived today that I had been dreading. She would be 16 this month but still commanded the respect befitting the lady that she was. New pup in the yard, "hey, you little twerp, I'm the matriarch of this place, show me some respect or I'll teach you some manners", she seemed to say. And they did, she was a grand old dame.

For much of her life she was a supreme athlete, she ran so smooth and light on her feet that she hardly parted the grass as she coursed a field. To the last, she loved to hunt. My kennel was behind my garage and I often wondered how I could go to work each weekday morning and she would never make a peep; however, if I were to so much as touch anything hunting related in the garage, she would be on her feet barking excitedly. Somehow she knew.

She dispelled many things I have read about dogs i.e. getting them off the ground will get them out of their comfort zone, she must not have understood as one of her favorite things was bouncing on the trampoline with my teenage son.

Above all the fond memories of hunts and times we spent together, I will most remember her for her unconditional love and trust. I will recall for instance the many times I would pause while doing yard work and she would sit between my legs and lick the perspiration from my face. Thank you God for Blaze and keep her safe until I join her across that rainbow bridge.

[Elroy's Bandit]

Ken,
I dread when this post is updated and always prefer to see it go un-posted for long , long periods.
Sorry to hear about Blaze She is romping & hunting with all the greats who went before her!!
Bill L.

[Streenie79]

What a beautiful tribute to your gal. How very lucky you both were to have shared life together.

[snips]

Very sad. Thoughts are with you. They just are not with us long enough...

[vern3]

Sorry for your loss, sounds like she was awesome

[The Zephyr]

Ken.

Sorry for your loss. You have my condolences.

John l.

[Tejas]

Thanks for the kind wishes, I found them comforting as I did the following that another friend forwarded to me.

Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old)

by a veterinarian. .....

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the Family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as thought Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.
Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.' Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life --like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'

Live simply
Love generously
Care deeply
Speak kindly

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

[Blue Dawn Kennel]

Ken sorry to hear about the loss of Blaze you'll have many great memories to remember her by and to help in your time of sorrow.
Take care
Robbi

[MTO4Life]

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. That was a fitting tribute to a life-long friend and companion. I hope you are comforted in knowing that Blaze is waiting for you when you are to meet again.