Lost my dog this week.

[shore-power]

After 12 years of hunting, playing, and living together my Choc. Lab "Rock of Ages" had to be put down. His illness is a mystery to the vet as he could find no specific disease but the dog stopped eating well and became lifeless almost overnight. Vet said he was severly anemic and spent a week trying to get him right but just couldn't.
Rock was my 1st hunting dog and came from a long line of hunting dogs in the Easton Maryland area. I had never trained a duck dog before him and he was a much better student than I was a teacher. I was introduced to fishing and hunting by a retired waterman and outdoorsman here in the Chesapeake Bay when I was in my mid 20's and working for Perdue Farms. My mentor (Alfred) was raising a new hunting dog about the same time I was raising Rock for hunting and I remember being so proud when my dog just plain did better than Alfred's dog when it came to listening to me and being calm and cool about his retrieving. Al's dog was big and strong and hyper and was as likely to run off in the wrong direction as not and my dog was slow and steady and it was like a switch was turned on when he got out in the marsh. He knew what he was there for and his breeding really showed..

After working for Perdue for 18 years I left for greener pastures in 2005 and as I wasnt around my duck hunting friends as much and working shift work at my new job I didnt hunt as much the past few years so Rock didnt get out in the boat and marsh that he loved near as much. Wish I had taken him more. He was always the 1st one to greet me when I pulled up in the drive and he never caused me any trouble. Splendid behavior, loyalty without question, and always kind & gentle.
He should have had a better owner. I dont know that I will get another dog again until Im in a better position to spend the proper amount of time with one.

Here is a picture of Rock bringing in a Bufflehead I shot out of boredom on a day that was too pretty to be hunting. I dont usually shoot Buffleheads even though they are very plentiful and decoy well. But I remember shooting this one because nothing was flying except dippers and I wanted the dog to get a little work. He was a good dog and I will miss him.

[giantfan]

Sorry for your loss.

Dogs are truly part of the family.

Remember the good times and know that he will be there waiting for you when you get there, just as happy as he always was to see you.

[madgaffer]

My family and I are truely sorry to hear of your loss. Always remember the good times that were shared.

[tunatamer4]

Sorry to hear it.

If there is any good to come out of it, it's you'll only remember the good times with him and he'll be with you forever.

RIP ROCK.

[gottaflylee]

shore-power, sorry to here of the loss of your best friend. I know your pain as I too have lost to many best friends. The one thing that I can say is none of them has ever left me as they all lice on in the memorys I carry for them. Dogs should not live such short lives, as I don't think its fair to us to love them as much as most of us do...

[Agitated88]

I agree with everything you said except the following:"He should have had a better owner."
It's obvious from your post that you cared deeply for your four legged family member and memories are never about quantity they are always about quality and from what I read there was never a question of quality. Dogs have a innate ability to understand their two legged pets, and I can assure you that there was never any question in Rocks mind as to how much he was loved and appreciated.

[FXRScotty]

There is hardly a day goes by I don't think of my last lab Jake. I had him 15 years and was the best dog I ever had. his ashes are in my man cave someday we'll spend one last day together! I feel your loss. Scotty.

[BTH284]

This hits everyone close to home that love our dogs. They are truly our 4 legged kids. But they also teach us things in return and love(d) us unconditionally. Time will heal your heart and your hunting buddy will make you smile instead of cry in due time. I am sorry to hear of your loss.

[gradywhite273]

I am sorry for your loss. they show us such unconditional love and kindness, and as gottafly said, its just not fair that they live such a shorter life then us. I feel for ya ...

[dunn6253]

Been threw the same with my old german shepard before, its not something easy to do. By the sounds of it, you SHOULD have another dog, because it sounds like you did nothing but care for it.