Dogs and such

[LeverAction]

We like most families we have a weekly Sunday dinner and last night the oldest daughter brought out her new dog. It's a nice little mini Australian Shepherd. Anyway my old Collie is getting up in years and I made a comment to the wife and kids that this will be my last dog. They said sure dad you say that every time, you can't be without a dog. Well they have a point, I have had a dog my whole life, don't think I have ever not had one. But with getting a bit older, not sure if I want to go though all the new dog stuff again. Seems that the best dogs are the old dogs and it's been such a good companion for so many years, hard to think of starting over one day. This old mutt of mine has followed me to the top of just about ever mountain behind a horse, comes on every truck ride, every walk and I can't turn around without tripping over him.  So how bout you guys? Dog important to you? Best friend and such? or just a mutt in the yard you can do with or without. 

[Walleyes]

We've always had a dog around as well but I don't get as close to them as some people. I enjoy a dog but to me they are an animal and it doesn't get much closer than that. The wife has a small Beagle that lives in the house with us, it's an alright little dog it doesn't bother me . To the wife it's another child and that kind of annoys me, I don't get the connection. This may sound harsh but, I've never had an issue putting down a dog, I don't have an issue with the human animal thing. I may get a dog for the yard one day but we do worry about the grandkids and all and I'm pretty fussy in my yard like you I'm not sure I could handle a robust pup in the yard. But yah, I always like to have one around.

[sporthunting]

He just had to put down our Chocolate Lab at 11.5 years old was very tough on the family he was with us everywhere we went and was part of the family.  The wife says it will be awhile before we get another one we will see if she sticks to her guns.

[artie]

A friend of mine always has two dogs.  So when she has to put one down it does not take her long to replace it. She is still a very caring person about her dogs and when one passed from a heart attack out walking she was very distraught.  Her dogs always seem to live to a very good old age.

[Sooner]

I had 3 GSP's, last one was 3 yrs ago, she made it to 16 and 1 month before i had to pull the plug. Heart of steel, body just darn wore out. Had to make the call before i came home to a broken hip or back as it was my biggest worry. I sure miss having a big dog, the pull to replace with another Gsp is very strong. The wife's little rat dog(Chihuahua) just don't cut it even though she is smart as a whip and a good mutt.

[Deputy sheriff]

Lock your dog in the trunk of your car and then do the same with your wife. 3 hours later let them out and see who is glad to see you. Just kidding.

[unclebuck]

Best dogs that I ever had were a Chessie, a fantastic retriever and fearless grandkid guardian, and a Standard male Dachsy at the same time.  The difference in size was only physical, as the Dachsy was the boss around the yard and house.  They would sleep together, eat together, roll around together, but the Dachsy made sure that the Chessie knew who was the poobah.  When I took them out gophering, the Chessie would wait patiently while the Dachsy would dig like a badger to try to get them out.  Ben the Dachsy went down a coyote hole once, while Max the Chessie sat waiting, and ever alert.  A young coyote decided that he should get his arse out of trouble, and scrambled out of the back door of the den, & in very short order found out what it was like to deal with a Chessie.  Unfortunately, I had to have them put down due to old age, arthritis, and ultimately both had some form of cancer.  I truly miss them, particularly their antics, their loyalty, and watching them hunt-like a badger & coyote together in a gopher patch. Due to health reasons that both my wife and myself are dealing with, we are unable to have a dog that is busy and requires a lot of outside excercise.   

[W101]

Every time my current pal gets over ten , I look down the road and think
Ok no more dogs . I have been doing this for 50 ish years , have had pointers
And a Lab or two for 50 years . I am absolutely devastated every time I lose
 My best friend . Bill Tarant , a renowned outdoor writer, once wrote
  " The more time I spend with people , the more I like my dog "
   The wee wife says no more dogs .....this dog and I are both the same age
     we hunted heavy this year . I hope we can go the distance .