A Helluva Ride

[missed mallards]

“A Helluva Ride” RIP Old MAN

It seems like yesterday I was introduced to a dog named Rebel. A full hearted, hard headed, black male, that somehow took up residency as my companion. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, nor did he, but it was as though the two of us had a goal, and were hell bent on achieving that goal. The goal was simple, to raise, train, and hunt over my own dog. A goal that seemed simple per the literature I read on training, but turned out to be one helluva ride.

Looking back, I often burst into laughter. It all started out with a yellow rope, a choke chain, and two minds that seemed to never meet. He had his own idea of what he was supposed to do, I had my ideas, and quite frankly 9 times out of 10, they didn’t coincide. Days upon days were spent with me yelling, him growling, and the two of us nearly in a fist fight. He was my first dog, he was helping me cut my teeth so to speak, and he was training me as much I, him. There seemed to never be a dull moment for sure.

I spent the better part of 11 years with him. He spent more hours with me than just about anyone or anything. He served as a retrieving machine, a listening ear, and well to be honest, the best friend I have ever met. He was my dog, he was my buddy, and he was an inspiration through some tuff times. Although our tenure as friends ended yesterday morning, I will always remember the hunts, the times training, and the little perks of being his owner.

To be honest, I could write a damn book about our life together. Man’s first dog, the trials and such, heartache and headaches. One day I may, but the hunts weren’t what I will miss the most. Although I hurt when I had the vet lay him to rest, I looked back on the good times and was in all forms “OK”. Last night, I waited for the clicking of his toe nails down the hall as he made his way to my bedroom, the thump on the door as he opened it, and the big white rings of his eyes at the foot of my bed waiting on permission to climb on up and share my pillow. It was a long wait and one I imagine will take some getting used to.

All I can say as of now, it was a helluva ride and I had a companion that I wouldn’t have changed no matter what.

I just hope he found my dad up in the good lords home, and they killed a tote sack full!

Give your companions a good pat on the side.

[arduckslayer]

Sorry to hear that. Losing a dog is never easy.

[DeltaCotton12]

Good read. so true.... Sorry for the loss..

[ScottyLee]

sorry for the loss. never met you or your dog, but after reading the retrieve post on here a while back and now this, it's as if i know your dog as my own..

[Jeff]

Very nice tribute, good luck over the next few days/weeks. Loosing dogs is a hard hard thing.

[Dutch Dog]

Sorry

[Redhead]

Good Read...

The Best medicine for loosing a dog is to get another ASAP!

[jacksbuddy]

Thanks for posting. Sorry for your loss.

[marty lee]

sorry for your loss man. they are never here with us long enough

[SFDdelta1]

I have posted this poem for a few other folks that have lost dogs. My dad read this poem a lot in between his dogs death and his own passing.

I hope this offers some relief I get chills and a tear in my eye every time I read this.

E

To My Master

I explained to St. Peter,
I'd rather stay here,
Outside the Pearly Gate.
I won't be a nuisance,
I won't even bark,
I'll be very patient and wait.
I'll be here chewing on a celestial bone,
No matter how long you may be.
I'd miss you so much, if I went in alone,
It wouldn't be Heaven for me...

Author Unknown

[nez]

Sorry for the loss. Glad you can remember all the good times.

[Boogerden Boy]

Sorry to hear that Tom

[Doc & Nash]

Tom,


I am so sorry for your loss. From the talks we have had over a cold beer, it was easy to see your love for Rebel. I am sure he is in a better place and not suffering,

God Speed ol man, across the rainbow brindge you will find some great retrievers like yourself, enjoy the company,



Doc & Nash