Gun Dog Forum

deseeker wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 17, 2021 10:24 am

Far too many have passed on , but they have left me with a lot of good memories

MNTonester wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 22, 2021 2:17 pm

Funny how an old beloved dog can turn us into poets. Just prior to our old Lab Chaz's passing I wrote this:

The old dog lies before the fire, he whimpers now and then.
His dreams are filled with glorious deeds remembrances of when
His limbs could take him anywhere. No cover barred his way.
Rain, nor wind, nor freezing cold could ever make him stay.
The hunt, and masters loving touch were things that fired his mind.
The gamebird’s scent, the feel of feathers, the treasures he could find.
He started out a gangly thing, delightful as can be. A playful puppy playing fetch;
He grew in size and loyalty. His master’s partner, on the trail,
The smell of Autumn fields, a shot is fired, he marks the fall, he locates without fail.
He knows his master’s hunting clothes, the shotgun, and the season.
He notes the color of the leaves; he doesn’t have to reason if there is no other
Purpose for his being there. The two of them have formed a bond
that time can never rend. It is as if they look beyond the trials that lie ahead.
Through all his years, his faithful years he’s been there at his side;
It’s just not right to feel this way, so this is time and tide.
He lifts his old grey muzzle, with effort gains his feet. He looks at me with cloudy eyes
And our gazes meet. I cup his face between my hands and gently scratch his chin.
I speak his name, his tail wags, he nudges closer in. I wish that I could give him
Some of my time I have left. I know he’d do the same for me (perhaps he already has).
I know his thoughts, he’s telling me, “don’t ever leave me home. I have one more hunt to share with you wherever you may roam. My failing legs will find the strength, my nose will lead us true, don’t miss the one last opportunity I have to spend with you.”
He sleeps now by the fire and dreams of bygone birds. He yips and barks and freely runs and in his dreaming girds himself for his last hunt before he goes away. Rest well, dear friend, it’s now my turn to dream of hunts we shared and then join you some day.

Sharon wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 13, 2022 12:28 pm

Now I'm bringing up an old thread. because my dog passed over today......(9 years old with cancer) . I've had 9 dogs in my lifetime and had to put 8 down ( one was stolen), but it is never easier as you know. This thread really encouraged me. Because of Parkinson's Disease , this dog was my last dog , which makes it even harder. Thank you for these wonderful posts friends.