Hunting Partners Never Leave Us

As I awoke today, it took me a couple of minutes to realize that my hunting partner was gone.  I guess it began to sink in that I would no longer see my hunting partner.

Remy lived a wonderful 10 years.  He was the product of excellent breeding and I trained him the best I could.  He never once failed to give me his best.  He was the first dog I ever trained to never lose a bird (duck, dove or pheasant).

I retired Remy this year after teal season.  He began to suffer from esophageal paralysis.  His esophagus would not expand and contract.  Therefore he could not get enough oxygen.  It is a very common abnormality for labs.  His condition worsened over the last couple of months.

Tonight with a heavy heart, Remy went to be with Hank (my black lab) and my friend (Gerald my step dad). He was having trouble breathing and I did not want him to suffer. Thank you for all your well wishes. I ask that you not pray for me or Maddi. Please pray for the victims of San Bernardino.

"Remy go rest high on that mountain top, your work here on earth is done."

Maddi's first day home.  As I laid her down on him for a picture he did not move.

Then her head fell over and he moved his head over to hold her upright.  They both stayed like this for 20 minutes.  He never moved while she slept.  

A bond between these two that would never be broken.  Protector.

This picture is of Remy's first hunt, he was 9 months old.

Hank, my black lab and Remy have never left me.  They taught me as much as I taught them about hunting dogs.

I am hoping that my Friend (Gerald) is taking care of Hank and Remy.  He cared for both of them. Although he made funny comments about both.  He was always was proud of the way my dogs worked and enjoyed watching them.

So as I close this chapter on this part of my life, I know that although hunting partners may change over the years, they never leave us.  They remain in our hearts and thoughts until we meet again.