I had to take my 19 year old fox terrier " Bobby" to the vet today. He had gone blind and deaf but could still find the shop by smell. Anytime I came out in the the garage he would race to the door to get in to the gun shop. He would have a look ( or sniff)around to see if anything had changed and then settle on to his special rug while I fired up the lead pot and got the press going. He was instrumental in getting rid of the mice that were eating my Bee's wax. He had been going down hill rapidly this week. Last night about 9:30 pm I went out and he struggled to his feet and made it about half way to the shop door, and then stumbled. I picked him up and took him to his rug. He always felt that the shop was a special privilage he had earned. This morning he could not get up and could not drink the water that I tried to dribble in his mouth. I will miss him. wrg-inc

wrg...I know what you feel. I have a 6 year old doxie that sleeps in the chair when I'm casting. Lots of company when I'm pouring. Never argues or casts a bad eye at me when I make a boo boo.

Know you'll miss him./beagle

Bummer, Some idiot came through our neighborhood a while back and shot two of my three dogs and every other dog around that was in sight, no one has a clue who did it either.Killed them all too none survived.

Being a dog lover, and having two of my own, I am so sorry for your loss. Folks who don't appreciate dogs are missing some of the great joys of life. Mark Twain wrote:

"If heaven was based on merit, your dog would go in an you would stay out."

I am banking that we will all be there together. Heaven for all of it's glory will be a lonly place without Prissy, Abby and Chang.

I always hate responding to posts of this type, as it takes me back to fine dogs that have passed. The ones I have had, have all been special, and more than a friend to me. Words of condolence for a pet are as sincere as those for a loved family member, which indeed they are. Those who have never opened thier lives to a pet, will never know the sorrow we feel at thier passing. They are indeed a famiily member.

Time may take them away, but nothing can remove the fond memories.

My deepest condolences.

wrg-inc, Very sorry to hear of your great loss. The noblest members of my family are, and have been dogs. Dogs like Bobby don't make it to age 19 without exceptionally loving, caring humans. Best regards, curmudgeon, Fran, and Bo

WRG, had a golden lab for 13 years. He lost his front leg in a truck accident when he was young so everybody called him "tripod" after that. He didn't care, he was still that same loving, incredably good natured friend he always was. We still have his picture on the wall even tho he's been gone for a few years. He meant that much to us. Trust me when I tell you I know exactly the pain you're feeling.
They're more than dogs...they're family
Gary D.

I think Waksupi said it best. I know what you're feeling, and I'm very sorry for your loss. Jake6

Let me add my sympathy as well. In 2001, we lost 2 of our three dogs to cancer. One was a golden-black lab mix (the smartest and most obedient dog I've ever had) and the other a golden. Older dogs but not that old. Only those of us who have loved a dog can appreciate your loss.

Yep, it does blow your mind, especially when your favoite dies in your arms. ... felix

wrg-inc,

Only a dog would not laugh when we mere humans make fools of ourselves, but laugh with us when we know we are fools. Dogs: unspoken, unconditional friendship.

Condolences from two average humans and their two owners.

walltube & Family

wrg-inc, Words cannot express how badly I feel for you. We had to put our Springer, Sam, down this past May. She was pushing 17. I cried for days. Not a day passes where I do not think of her. A true pal that accepted me with all my faults. shooter...

makes me think of my shiteater Blackie. he's just a mongrel...think Lab and Chow mix, that my oldest brought and left with me. Now Blackie ain't worth a hoot for huntin' but he sure does keep an eye on the place, keeps the pots licked clean and is always there to great us, regardless of the hour. he lives outside, won't even stick his nose in the door, has fathered a host of progeny and came home with his ears torn off more than once. My kids are watched like they were his pups, he never does his business in the yard, drinks from the pond and likes everybody except the garbage man.....I think his barks and growls means "get your stinkin ass away from here....." har har har!

A pal? You better believe it. If the tractor or 4 wheeler gets fired up, he's right beside me all the way. Just don't like my guns. When a rifle gets uncased, he takes a quiet and quick bow and disappears.

I've had some good dogs, but this is one I'd surely like to clone and keep forever.

LOVE YOUR ANIMALS EVERY DAY YOU CAN BECAUSE THEY DON'T LIVE AS LONG AS WE DO AND YOU ARE RIGHT THEY DON'T GET TO BE AS OLD IF THEY AIN'T LOVED. AND THEY CAN TELL THE DIFFERENCE.......