OLD friends

MLBob Furia

MLBob Furia

Well-known member
"Old friends they shine like diamonds"

-Guy Clark

Going on 12 and really slowing down. More than a bit grey; lots of tumors; breathing hard....... but still at the door when she sees the waders and gun come out.

Would probably still attempt any retrieve she was sent for, so it's a good thing she's still steady as a rock; because she only gets to pick up the easy ones this season. Today she got to wade out for this one in running water.

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Great picture but words meant for the soul. Eloquent, sir. It reminded me of Chili. I'm glad you have her for that long. Not only is the mind filled with memories but those that can make you smile even though sometimes that is a difficult thing to do. Soak up every second and make each hunt with her better than the last.
Al
 
Great, albeit heart wrenching, story and pics Bob.


Reminds me of one of my big regrets in life. I had a great Chocolate female. We had gotten a little black female when she was about nine. Somewhere along my living, for some reason, I though when a dog turned ten, they are to be retired. (I think I heard that from someone). Anyway, when the pup was about a year old, meaning the "old" dog was about ten, we took a trip to the East Coast. My pup came down with swimmer's tail and had to be sidelined after the first day. I hunted the next couple of days without either because I thought "Missy" was too old. Big mistake. She lived happily and healthy for another three years after that. She hunted several times with me back home, but never got into the saltwater. I've always regretted that move, or lack of.


In my travels now, I will do just as you. I will take the old dog, but will be careful about the weather and when she will be sent. heck , I can even see me covering her up with an old blanket if need be, just to have her beside me.


Good luck with her, and I'll hope for decent weather and short, easy retrieves.


Jon
 
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One of my greatest regrets in life is that my first lab Josie did not make it to any sort of ripe old age.

I remember once in a bar in Johnson City TN when the bartender, making conversation was asking, if we had one wish what would it be? I said that I wish my Josie would live as long as me. She was still with me at that time and I still stand true to that wish. Now I have Lucy. And she is great. But every dog in my world will always be measured against Josie....

Some day I am going to stop by down there and say hi. Hope your girl is still there at that time.
 
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Mr. MLB
I still hunt with my 14 yr old female CBR, some hearing problems and cataracts. She still wants to make every retrieve no matter the conditions or distance. But we only let her have the close ones. I'll keep bringing her as long as she wants to go, even if its just to sit with us. Last season I ended up giving her my jacket on a few hunts,kept the wind off and her warm (I was freezing).
 
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