Today my 13 year old GSP passed.

He's been in good health for his age and actually enjoyed a fantastic year afield chasing pheasants and grouse the best he was able this past fall.

For an old guy with bad hearing, a heart murmer, and arthritis he was still the happiest and first to be by our side every day. We knew his health was failing, but he was not in pain with the help of some good meds from the vet.

Funny, this morning he got up and went outside. Then fell back asleep and I commented to my wife how peaceful his breathing was. Much better than it had been for many months.

He woke up about a half hour later, entered the bathroom across the hall, laid down and died.

Now we've been expecting this day any time for a while now, but it still isn't any easier. Especially since we lost his 4 1/2 year old grandson less than a year ago due to a terrible accident.

The saving grace then was we have the son of the dog we recently lost, and the great grandson of Pepper here by our side along with Pepper's son of 11 years still with us. They are both great in the field and still have good seasons ahead.

They are both in excellent health and a real blessing. Both of them are a bit confused right now and it sure is comforting to have them with us.

Here's (L to R)

Jaeger (Pepper's grandson who died 05/10)

Pepper who passed today

And Blitz, Pepper's son, 11 years old



Then here's Pepper's great grandson, Jaeger's Shatten (German for Shadow and Shatt for short) as a puppy with Pepper last summer.



And finally Pepper, at a younger age at a spot he loved to sit in the back field with the wind in his face.



Anticipating this, we've already got a pup reserved from a litter that's going to be born in late April or early May.

I picked a name for him today. Die legende von Pfeffer (Pepper's Legend).

I think that will be a good tribute to our great companion and friend.

I found this on another discussion here about dogs and how we handle their loss in our lives. I'm not much of a religious guy, but I do believe and this does give comfort in our grief:

"Ask the animals, and they shall teach you; the birds of the sky, they will tell you. Or speak to the earth, it will teach you; the fish of the sea, they will inform you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of God has done this? The soul of every living thing and the spirit of all flesh is in God's hand." Job 12:7

I'm sorry to hear of yu loss of your great pup.

Two days ago my bird hunting buddy informed me of the loss of his liver GSP.

Good pups just do not live long enough.

Howard.

I don't know why I read these threads. I know what is coming, but I read them and cry anyway!
Yes, indeed:
"The soul of every living thing and the spirit of all flesh is in God's hand."
But they have been given to us to know and love for a while. Enjoy the memories.
Peter.

I have talked about this sort of loss with a friend. He thinks God's greatest gift to Mankind, after the gift of His Son and salvation is the Dog. He also thinks that Dogs must get to go to Heaven. Because, they become a part of us, and enrich our lives so much.

I believe that myself. There are a couple good ones waiting for me. Now, I have to behave, so I get to join them.

Sorry for your loss...

Rich

Thanks guys for the kind thoughts.

I know what you mean....About only 4 things can make me cry after all the crap I've dealt with in over 30 years as a LEO..

The loss of my wife or members of her family, the tragedies of a few good freinds, every time I get close to the loss of a police officer, fireman or any member of our armed services and the loss of a good dog.

I only hope I've been a good enough man in this life to be allowed the eternity and honor of spending time with my beloved canine friends after I'm gone.

Rich, We were sitting right behind you at the Veterans gathering at SCI Reno when you won your scope. We looked for you to say hello, but you seemed to vanish quickly and we couldn't find you.

Thanks again all.

Mike

Awesome tribute despite your loss!

quote:

Originally posted by ChopperGuy:
I only hope I've been a good enough man in this life to be allowed the eternity and honor of spending time with my beloved canine friends after I'm gone.

Hopefully one of mine will put in a good word for me. I'll need it.

I don't know how I'm going to get into paradise otherwise.

Reading of your loss takes me back to mine.

I shed a lot of tears as did the rest of the family.

quote:

Anticipating this, we've already got a pup reserved from a litter that's going to be born in late April or early May.

Thankfully he left some of himself behind to help you through the rough spots.


BEST

COOL

An update on the new pup.

We were expecting a male, but the litter was all females.

My wife decided we had to take one since she was born on the date we lost Jag last year.

Litte Pep (Short for Pepper) came home the end of July and is settling in nicely. At 11 weeks she is pointing the doves in the back yard. Funny, she won't point the tweety birds in the feeders, only the doves.

We are looking forward to many happy days afield and at home with her.

A pup and a good looking one.

Glad your wife decided to keep one.

It is difficult to have too many good dogs.

Congratulations and what a good looking pup.

We have a solid liver GSP female, and we absolutely love her.

What a fine pack! Sorry to read of your loss.

Sorry to hear of your loss , you have had a great dog ...