Lost My Good Hunting Buddy

[Phillip W. Lenke]

Well, It was a difficult decision, we put of Chocolate Lab "Ted" down last night. He has been our hunting partner for 11 yrs. any thing from waterfowl to grouse. I miss him terribly.
He was near Blind, hearing impaired ( I thought it was selective hearing at times) and arthritis, the cancer was what did him in.
I have great memories of his hay days. He sired 26 pups , Made Long Retrieves , in almost impossible conditions Icy waters . But he wanted to please me. He did all of his 11 yrs.
when we went Waterfowl hunting, He never lost a bird that was down.
My most memorable was a teal hunt at Magee Marsh in Ohio. When we got out to the blind, never firing a shot, he put his nose in the air and took off, he came back with a WOOD DUCK. a shot bird from the previous hunts, he set it right down beside me,later he took off again and brought up a hen mallard, Both species are illeagal to shoot during Teal season , but some one did, I got rid of them in a hurry. He brought that hen up 2 or 3 times more , I could not get it far enough away from us, How would I explain this to a game Protector, Would he believe I did not even pull the trigger yet.
I will Miss My great Friend, TED
Phil

[rickguns]

Phil,
I understand what you are going thru, we just had to put my friend Molly to rest. Sounds like Ted had a wonderfull life which he shared with a great hunting buddy, you!
Take care,
Rick

[Cecil]

I can't even imagine loosing my golden. She goes out when I go to the shop and always goes with me for coffee in the afternoon. She even has the girl at DD trained to bring her a treat. For a dog obtained from a rescue she is unbelievable. Smart, loyal and a good friend. So sorry for the loss of your friend.

[Joe Malinowski]

Sorry about your dog, my labs are definately part of the family. I feel your loss

[daddydip]

sorry about your loss phil,michael

[dgrapes59]

Phil, sorry about your loss, a tough decision, but the right thing to do. He sounded like a real gem! Like I told Rickguns, I can relate, even more to a hunting companion, that is a special bond. My Lwellin setter, Rudy, has been as true a friend and die hard hunter as I have ever seen. He has made 13 seasons of pheasant hunting in NE (3- week long hunts most years) as well as various other places. Always wanting to please me and do me proud, which he did! The vet found a tumor and said he wouldn't make it until season opening (last of Oct., 08), he did, I think to see just one more season. He came with me and my other dog, but more as a companion. He still has a lot more good days than bad ones, but soon I will have to do what is best for him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you deal with this loss.

[John(videodoc)]

Phil, sorry to hear about your loss. As you know we recently put down our dog as well. It was one of the roughest things i have ever had to do. As they say at saymoed.org our dogs have crossed the bridge and are patiently waiting for our arrival, chasing bunnys and other furry things. The first month was rough, but time does heal all wounds. God bless.

[Charles (49) Mo]

They become part of you -- I know the feeling all too well - honestly, brings a little tear to my eyes reading your post and it was many years ago. Just remember all the silly and good times you had together.

[dakcub]

I just hate losing a pet. My heart felt condolences
Robert

[Dennis]

Phil, sorry to hear about your loss of your beloved friend. Remember all the good times you had together to help get you through this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Dennis

[Rudi]

Phil:

They truly are man's best friend. Funny how an animal can go from being just a pet to being a complete member of the family. When we mourn their passing it is a testament to what they gifts they have given us.