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Main Boards => Prayers/Concerns/Honors/Ailments => Topic started by: MikeS on December 22, 2011, 12:41:00 PM

Title: Death of a friend
Post by: MikeS on December 22, 2011, 12:41:00 PM
I took Feather, one of my beagles, out today to try to arrow a hare.
While she was looking for a hare  I noticed she wasn't acting right.  Short, shallow breaths and she came back to me and stuck close.  I knew she must be having a heart attack (she had a bad heart).  I picked her up and started carrying her back to the truck.
On the way we jumped a white hare (no snow on the ground).  She also saw it and still wanted to give chase.  What a trooper!
I of course, would not let her go and continued for the truck.
She died in my arms.  Seeing that rabbit was like a sign from above.  She got to see a rabbit
2 minutes before she died!
It sure hurts to loose such a close friend!
Mik
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: centaur on December 22, 2011, 12:46:00 PM
Sorry for your loss. It is never easy to lose a hunting companion, canine or otherwise. At least she died doing what she loved. Dogs are good people, for sure.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Bjorn on December 22, 2011, 12:52:00 PM
That will be a memory to cherish till you see her again!
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: KentuckyTJ on December 22, 2011, 12:56:00 PM
Oh man, these threads hurt me deep. Sorry brother.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Jeffh67 on December 22, 2011, 12:57:00 PM
The better the friend, the bigger the hurt. The memories last and sounds like you'll have fond ones! God Bless.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: pronghorn23 on December 22, 2011, 12:59:00 PM
Sorry to hear for your loss. The only solace is knowing she died doing what she loved to do and you were right there with her. Words can't say enough though..

In prayers and thoughts...
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: wv lungbuster on December 22, 2011, 01:00:00 PM
Sorry for your loss my friend.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Seeza on December 22, 2011, 01:01:00 PM
Sorry to hear that news.  Sounds strange to say but one of the hardest losses I've experience was a dog.  The female beagle I have now holds a special place.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Blueridge on December 22, 2011, 01:06:00 PM
Sorry for your loss. Dogs are special
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: smokin joe on December 22, 2011, 01:09:00 PM
The loss of a cherished canine hunting partner and companion is difficult. I once heard it said that dogs probably go to heaven because without our dogs it wouldn't be heaven. I have taken some comfort in that thought.
I am sorry for your loss.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Pierre Lucas on December 22, 2011, 01:19:00 PM
Mike,

  Don't know what I'll do when my beagle passes.   He is my best friend.  The memories are all we have.  

Our thoughts and prayers for your loss.

God Bless,  Pierre
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Thumper Dunker on December 22, 2011, 01:23:00 PM
Sorry for your loss . She went doing what she liked. A good dog is better than lots of people.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Shortlongbow on December 22, 2011, 01:28:00 PM
My heart goes out to you, Sir. Dogs are amazing friends.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Barry Rowland on December 22, 2011, 01:30:00 PM
I sure feel your loss brother.  Dogs really are amazing creatures....
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: TRADARROW71 on December 22, 2011, 01:31:00 PM
Poor dog....I was with mine when he died and it still bothers me.  As long as he wasnt alone and happy before he went on.  Sorry for your loss bro.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: JAG on December 22, 2011, 01:44:00 PM
I feel what you're going thru.  I've lost a couple good freinds in the past 2 yrs., and several before that.  It always leaves a big hole in your heart.
Someone's got this in their signature line...It helped me a Great Deal, when my old red girl left.
"The best place to bury a dog is in yor heart." Gene Hill.
A belated thanks to whoever has that signature line.
JAG/Johnny
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: chopx2 on December 22, 2011, 01:48:00 PM
They are incredible creatures. Sorry for your loss, but I'm glad you and she got to spend her last few moments doing what you both love.

Makes me take pause when it comes to priorities.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: vintage-bears on December 22, 2011, 01:49:00 PM
I'm sorry about your friend.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: NoCams on December 22, 2011, 01:49:00 PM
Can't say anything better than what others have already said but so sorry for your loss bud. At least she went doing what she loved ! You got some great memories there.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Tom Leemans on December 22, 2011, 01:51:00 PM
All dogs go to heaven. She got to go doing what she loved, being held by a person she loved.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: pauljr on December 22, 2011, 01:51:00 PM
Im sorry for your loss, I know how it hurts. My male lab was my best buddy and I was there when he went. It hurts.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: snakebit40 on December 22, 2011, 01:52:00 PM
Sorry for your loss. My lab just turned 5 and I hate to think she has lived half her life. I'll sent a prayer up for you!
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: huntingarcher on December 22, 2011, 01:54:00 PM
Sad day for sure,sorry for your loss.No better way to go than doing what she loved with who she loved.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: MikeW on December 22, 2011, 01:55:00 PM
My condolences, had to put my best buddy down a few months ago, am still not over it.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on December 22, 2011, 01:55:00 PM
Mike,

I'm very sorry for your loss.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Scott Teaschner on December 22, 2011, 01:55:00 PM
I can hardly keep from tearing up for I have a hunting dog of almost 14 years now. He is not in good shape and I treasure every day. I have been around hunting dogs my whole life. I have never had better times than spent with them in the field. I have never had one tell me no I cant go hunting with you today. I have always felt they where the only partner who loved to hunt as much as me. Here is a poem from a book of mine Just Dogs.

The Power Of The Dog

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie-
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumor, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
to lethal chambers or loaded guns,
then you will find-it's your own affair-
But. . .you've given your heart for a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound intrest of cent per cent.
Though its not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em the more we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A shot-time loan is as bad as a long-
So why in heaven(before we are there)
Should we give are hearts to a dog to tear?

Rudyard Kipling
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: northener on December 22, 2011, 01:57:00 PM
Sorry for your loss, know how you feel.

10 months ago, I had to put my 12 yr old Yellow lab down. 1 month ago I had to put my 13 yr old Black lab down. Still think about them, hard to replace!!
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Bud B. on December 22, 2011, 02:02:00 PM
I teared up reading your post.

I have two Brits that I adore. I hope mine have a last few hours like yours - hunting with you and seeing game.

I'm very sorry for your companion's passing.

Bud
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: V I Archer on December 22, 2011, 02:20:00 PM
We have two beagles, I can truly say I love Missy and Emma.  They deliver uncompromising affection and joy.  It's hard enough leaving them for a couple weeks at the kennel when we leave to visit family over the holidays, it absolutly tears at me to think of the inevitable day.  

My deepest of sympathies to you my friend.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Stick n' String on December 22, 2011, 02:50:00 PM
There are few things worse than loosing a good dog and hunting companion. Prayers sent for you and your lost friend.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: yukon chuck on December 22, 2011, 02:50:00 PM
Very sorry for your loss. Happy to hear that last Hare was there to send her off. She left you, doing what she enjoyed the most. It's tough to lose a friend.
God Bless
Chuck
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: bowtough on December 22, 2011, 02:57:00 PM
I knew it was a mistake to read this, brings back so many sad memories of my yellow Lab "Purdue". I am so sorry for your loss,it is so hard to lose such a friend. My prayers to you,I feel your pain.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Izzy on December 22, 2011, 03:07:00 PM
Sorry for your loss.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Tim on December 22, 2011, 03:10:00 PM
Mike,

I'm so sorry for your loss.  I've had to put down 2 dogs in my life and it's one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do.  As I'm sure many will agree I like dogs better than most people.

Hopefully you can find a replacement soon, puppies seem to help the process.

Merry Christmas......Tim
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: MikeS on December 22, 2011, 03:10:00 PM
Thank you everyone for the warm thoughts.  I always hate these threads myself,but just have to read them because I know you all feel the same as me.  Dogs give so willingly and ask for so little in return.  I still pine for ALL the dogs I have loved in my life.
I saw a good bumper sticker one time that read, "The more people I meet, the more I like my dogs!"  
I also have a coffee cup that says, "If your dog thinks you are the greatest, don't seek a second opinion".  Words to live by.
Mike
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: b44mag on December 22, 2011, 03:30:00 PM
man im sorry for your loss
made me cry
my pup is my best friend and dred the day he passes
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: saumensch on December 22, 2011, 03:36:00 PM
Sorry for youre loss.

"That my dogs means most to me,
you say, oh man, is sin,
My dog was true to me in every storm,
but man not even in a wind."

(This is a free translation so it wont be in rhymes like the original, but it is a great poet in my opinion.)
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Duker on December 22, 2011, 03:40:00 PM
Good DOGS are very special:::Sorry for your loss   :pray:
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: ISP 5353 on December 22, 2011, 03:41:00 PM
I am sorry Brother!
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: MCNSC on December 22, 2011, 03:45:00 PM
Sorry for your loss. Sounds like she did not suffer and was doing what she loved with who she loved. I can not think of a better way to go.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: rambow on December 22, 2011, 04:01:00 PM
Mike,

Sorry for your loss! I think it's fair to say a dogs' only fault is its lifespan..
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: German Dog on December 22, 2011, 04:40:00 PM
"The sorrow we feel with the death of our canine companions is the ultimate price we pay for all the wonderful joy they brought to our lives every day of their existence....and all the heart warming memories that will be with us for our existence."    UplandGuide

Tough losing those little guys. The above is a quote from a guy on a Bird dog forum I sometimes follow.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: GRINCH on December 22, 2011, 04:50:00 PM
Sorry for your loss.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Bladepeek on December 22, 2011, 05:55:00 PM
We all know going in that we will have to say goodby, but it's never easy. But at least she couldn't have had a happier way to go. And we never forget them.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: jsweka on December 22, 2011, 06:11:00 PM
Same sort of thing happened to my beagle years ago.  Late November she was chassing a rabbit and all of a sudden just laid down.  Got her home and she lingered on for about a month - not getting any worse, but no better.  Then on Christmas Day, she died.  I know how ya feel.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: NormanDale33 on December 22, 2011, 06:12:00 PM
Sorry for your loss. Still miss my boyhood lab Charcoal. She was the best to hunt pheasants behind, and so loving. Beagles are good dogs for sure.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Easykeeper on December 22, 2011, 06:34:00 PM
That sucks.  Sorry you lost your buddy, it's tough.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: joekeith on December 22, 2011, 06:34:00 PM
My heart goes out to you Mike.  I know of nothing worse than losing a dog you care for.  There's nothing I can say to help except I feel your pain.  

I've heard that your dogs are waiting for you in Heaven.  I truly hope so.  I've lost too many in my life.  We have 7 now.  Without them and my wife I'd just give up, just so I could see all the ones that have already passed.  Take care.
  :pray:    :pray:    :pray:
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Al Natural on December 22, 2011, 06:42:00 PM
Everybody deserves to own one good hunting dog in your lifetime.
Al
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: SheltonCreeker on December 22, 2011, 06:51:00 PM
Dogs are special without a doubt, but the ones we hunt with are beyond special. They transform into something beyond a pet. Lost my english setter this past spring. We hadn't hunted together in several years due to his health. I feel for ya brother. Sorry for your loss.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Red Tailed Hawk on December 22, 2011, 07:07:00 PM
Sorry for your loss.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Froggy on December 22, 2011, 07:46:00 PM
Not a stronger bond than between a man and his dog. Sorry for your loss. I always remember a saying I was told when my Dad passed. It goes "Grief is testimony of your love for the one you lost". Think about it for a second, if it didn't hurt so much, it wouldn't be right.

Lanier
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Rustic on December 22, 2011, 08:41:00 PM
My sincere condolences. When I was a kid, we always had German Shepherds and when I had kids, we had a German Shepherd, "Brandy". My kids are grown up and raising they're own families but I still have picture of "Brandy" on my fridge.
My thoughts are with you...
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: rastaman on December 22, 2011, 08:43:00 PM
i feel your pain sir!
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: EastTexasRedneck on December 22, 2011, 08:51:00 PM
Sorry for your loss. There's nothing like a good dog to warm the heart. They are the finest example of unconditional love. When you come home at the end of a bad day, you will forget about it when your friend meets you at the truck.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: mwosborn on December 22, 2011, 11:03:00 PM
I am glad you and feather were doing what she loved to do when she died...sorry for your loss.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Knotter on December 22, 2011, 11:13:00 PM
She was a true hunter to the last.  I'm sorry for your loss.  It sounds like you gave her a great life and she died with dignity in the arms of someone she held dear.

May she be with you in spirit eternal.
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Pointer on December 22, 2011, 11:18:00 PM
Sorry to hear that Mike
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: ron w on December 22, 2011, 11:19:00 PM
:pray:  Sorry for your loss.......
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: wildgame on December 23, 2011, 12:13:00 AM
Sorry to hear of your loss!
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: kpete on December 23, 2011, 12:42:00 AM
I had to put my lab down a couple years ago and my vet sent me a card about the brave willingly loving creatures with shorter life spans than our own.
Sorry for your loss.  Focus on the many grand days you enjoyed together.
Kirk
Title: Re: Death of a friend
Post by: Doc Nock on December 23, 2011, 10:03:00 AM
Glad they moved this over to the prayer forum.

Got some dynamite prayer warriors here to help pray you thru this loss time and healing.

To the heart, it matters not if it was human or pet, love is love and loss hurts.

Feather would likely want you to heal and get back to remembering her loving antics and your great times... in that lies your next challenge.

Prayers for peace