Lost my old friend ...

[Mil Dot]

My yellow lab, Lenny, passed over the weekend :(.

He was my daughter's best buddy, a good hunting companion and loyal sidekick for the past 13 yrs.

[MtnMike2]

Very sorry to hear that Mil Dot, but I'm sure he had a great life with you.

Mike

[Dan Morris]

My sincere condolences...I remember how hard it was to put down my Lab....really an empty feeling!
Dan

[fabsroman]

My condolences. I hope you get through the grief quickly, and I'm sure Lenny would want the same.

By the way, I hate reading stuff like this because I dread the day I have to deal with it for Nitro, my yellow lab.

[Jack]

My condolences, Mil Dot. It's never easy. .

[Skinny Shooter]

I'm so sorry for you and your family.

My sincere condolences...I remember how hard it was to put down my Lab....really an empty feeling!
Dan

I feel the same way. And that was over ten years ago. Haven't been able to get another Lab since.

[DogYeller]

It's just a dog.

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or "That's a lot of money for just a dog."

They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog." Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."

Many hours have passed when my only company was "just a dog", but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog", then you will probably understand phases like "just a friend", "just a sunrise", or "just a promise".

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day. I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog," just smile, because they "just don't understand."

[Mil Dot]

Thanks for the sentiments and support.

[Adam Helmer]

Mil Dot,

You will always miss Lenny like I miss my loyal Golden, Webley, who spent 9 years with me. In August 2005, the vet told me, "There is nothing more I can do for Web." The 10 year old had crippled hips and could barely get about. I went to the SPCA and got a 3 month old pup half Lab and half Shepherd named Lori. Web had until October 15, 2005 to clue her in very well.

Lori is now my best buddy and range officer when I shoot in the backyard. She hunts and loves the sound of gunfire. We walk up to Web's grave in the hayfield about every day. My grave will be there, too, one day.

Adam