The Old Boy

[Bert Rodgers]

Old Buggs is curled up by my feet this morning as I drink my coffie. It takes some considerable effort for him to make his move in the morning from the dog bed in our room down the steps and out the back door for his relief then back into the kitchen for breakfast. He's also completely deaf, so getting his attention requires a tap on the shoulder.

But his eyes are still brite, and the wag of his tail still shows his nature. He still loves life, and people and if he were physically able I'm sure he would love to plunge into the tidal fresh backwater where wood ducks and teal just a few years ago were his passion. Or lay in the snow on "The Hill" were my buds and I challanged him not to break with in your face goose hunts. I'm also sure in he would love another crack at the AKC judges he performed so well for in the hunt tests he ran.

Now Gidgit takes her Grandfather's place on the platform in Corsey Creek and the Mutt Hut in the goose fields and the line
in tests and trials.

His once black face is almost completely white. And more than once Gidgit has inadvertantly knocked him down the steps as she raced in for the dinner bell. He turns 13 this week, and God created the Lab to be such a perfect companion that he limits the amount of time we are allowed with them so we never ever take them for granted.

The other day the old fart snatched a loaf of bread off the counter and Nancy accused me of going soft for not correcting him. I'm seriously worried that the bread will be safe not too long from now and this old guy will live only in my mind and photos.

All I can say, is thank you Lord for giving me the honor.


Bert

[La Gringa]

man's best friend is no joke... nice tribute and nice story... thanks for sharing..

[seapower]

I've had dog's my entire life. Many different kind's and for different uses. I've had some better than other's for sure. But those really special one's are hard to come by. I have a few that have been gone for some time and it still pull's at my heart string's when I get to thinking about them. Yes I understand, but isn't it great to have them around. Frank

[24/7 BAIT CO.]

what a great and sad story, hope he stays with you for years more

[clt_capt]

Nicely put.

2 years ago this week we had to put down my 14 yo lab - she had been such an incredible part of our lives.

and yes we let her get away with stealing food, and getting on the couch - things she had never been allowed to do - and for 13 years never did...

She got to that point in her life, that we let her break all of the rules she wanted to break - Who cares - She knew full well that she was getting away with something - and she had earned it.

It is funny as I type this watching our current lab - very different dog - but one day we will let her break all the rules too (Once she learns them)

[anthony]

Please don't do that again!! Max is almost 11 and slowly starting to show his age...little things like letting me boost him onto the tailgate of the p/u instead of leaping up there as he has always done and taking a little more time getting out of his bed in the morning. I really don't want to think of him getting to that point where I know the end is growing near. Bert, you almost brought a tear to my eye with that one.

[Dave Sikorski]

...

I'm trying to have some sort of good reply, but I can't stop staring off into the room thinking about the short 11 years I spent with Sandie.

I can guarantee that he'll surely live on in your memories forever. Hopefully they're all waiting for us when it's our time.

GREAT POST!

-D

[HOLWACHAGOT]

This post hurt me and made me smile at the same time...a good one for sure. I have a brown one with diplomatic immunity from crimes that would previously have earned her a scolding. Goose stole a pepperoni stick a few weeks ago. I just cleaned up the mess. Great post Bert.
Holwachagot

[gottaflylee]

Well Bert, you got me and because of that, I going to post a couple of pictures...great read BTW...

Ruby at 13, now 14. Yep deaf as a doornail from to many shots fired over her head as a guide's dog and needs help to get into the truck but if you head to the door, she is going and God help you if she sees you get the gun. Still hops in the boat but takes a little longer to get out and wants to make sure that each fish is ok to eat...






The young and old...Ruby on the right and Lady on the left...






Ok Bert, lets see some pictures of Buggs

[SeaBiscuit]

Very nice post Bert, thank you.
They live fast, die young and love without conditions.
Please show us a picture of Buggs. Gidgit too!

Brother Lee, your blond hunting companions are fine looking!

Biscuit