Sudden losses are the hardest...

JIMH

New member
A few weeks ago I had my dogs out chasing tennis balls on a gorgeous fall day. Bailey, my 9 year old golden, and Fox my Cocker Spaniel were having a great time retrieving and engaging in games of tag, the one with the ball being pursued by the one without.
An hour after we retired to the house, Bailey began panting heavily. It wasn't long until he was obviously struggling to catch his breath. A call to the Vet met with an answering machine and an emergency number to call.
"Bring him right in..." My wife and I struggled to get his lean but massive 105 pound, unresponsive, body into the Suburban. The clinic is an hour and a half away. Half way there, the gasping stopped. I pulled into a convenience store, ran to the back and opened the hatch and he was gone.
I am not ashamed to admit that I cried like a baby. He had been a great friend for 9 seasons. We had chased Grouse and woodcock, ducks, geese and brant in many states together.
Bailey was my third Golden, I had 13 years with his father, Casco, and Barnegat was my first. Bailey was scheduled to be studded out 4 days after his death. It was my intent to take the pick of the litter but it wasn't meant to be.
I haven't been able to go out for waterfowl yet. Just not ready to do so I guess. When you are with your hunting partner, cherish the moment as they are far too few due to the short time we are alotted with our retrievers.
A few weeks ago we added a new member to our family, an 8 week old golden named PArker. While he will never take the place of our departed friend, I am certain that Bailey would approve.

bailey 3.jpg
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Wow, I sure am sorry to hear this. Any clue as to what might have happened? My thoughts are with you.
 
Jim,sorry for your loss.Been there,and it's rough.I'm sure Bailey is smiling down on Parker,knowing the love he'll get from you and your family.Bailey can now romp with the greatest dogs that ever retrieved a duck.
 
Thank you for the kind words of support. I read your post and I too am sorry for your loss. The vet indicated that it was probably cancer and it caused a blockage. The "cancer" surprised me. I would have thought that there would have been some indication before this incident. If he was in any pain, he never showed it. We'll never know for sure. As I always do, I had him cremated so he is with the ashes of his Dad and Barnegat.
Again, thanks for the kind thoughts.
 
Thanks Joe, that is a great way to look at it. FYI, if you ever think that getting a pup makes it easier, it doesn't. It does distract you, and distract you and distract you as they are so adept at doing!
"Whoever said money can't buy love, forgot about little puppies." Gene Hill
 
Jim,
Sorry for your sudden loss. In 9 years, your memories of Bailey were collected, now they'll be cherished. Those who hunt with dogs ( not those that just own a dog ) really form a bond/partnership that is understood amongst hunters. It's this bond that makes our best friends, partners.

-Jack
 
Jack, you are correct on all fronts. The memories of the training, including the frustrations, and the reward of a tough retrieve, well handled, create a bond which is never understood by those that don't participate.
A week after Bailey passed, I found myself in SD for opening day of pheasants. A hunt that we had been planning for years. Needless to say it was hard to be there without him. I had my Cocker and he is great on flushing but doesn't mark for schmotz. After 23 years of having goldens, I don't watch a bird down, ever! I just reloaded and waited for the retrieve which always came. Not so much anymore! I lost a bird in a swamp because I was too thick headed to mark it. Several others took forever to locate for the same reason. To say that the boys spoiled me in that respect is an understatement.
Thanks again, JH
 
Jim

Bailey was a fine looking retriever. Your statement "I am certain that Bailey would approve" is poignant. I hope that when we lose a beloved retriever they do approve of the one that follows. In fact I think in your case Bailey would be thrilled knowing you've taken Parker in to fill the void. Parker will now reside in the home that treated him as family and let him do what he was bred to do, hunt. I've always felt retrievers in hunting homes must be some of the most satisfied pets there are as they recieve a lot of interaction with their owners and they can pursue game which is integral to their being.

Thank you.
 
Sorry to hear it. I know how rough it is right at the beginning of the season. Just not fair...
 
Jim,

Sorry to hear of your loss. It's hard losing a good dog, I think you did the right thing getting a pup right away. We waited a couple of years between our first golden, Harley, and Moose the one that owns us now. I don't really know why we waited but I did very little hunting in that time, it just isn't the same without a good dog.

Always remember Bailey and make some great memories with Parker!

Jim S
 
I want to thank you all for your thoughts, it is appreciated. It's been good to receive these comments from those that truly understand. Bailey was cremated and his ashes arrived the other day in a walnut, ornately handcarved case with a brass engraved plaque with his name on it. A nice touch I thought. He joined the others I have had done the same way. It's nice to keep them with you somehow.
On a good note, Parker heeled without a leash this morning. He walked at heel for 15 feet before he spotted a leaf poking out of the snow that apparently needed to be rendered helpless. Once he accomplished this, he pranced around the yard with it thus ending the training session.
Thanks again for your thoughts,
Jim Hinds
 
Sudden loss,,,,,, we definetly understand your pain in that department. When murphy was fine one day then lost him to heart failure the next
it was one of the sickest feelings that we have ever gone thru. Gordy came to fill the void shortly after Murphy left us and I also feel that Gordy was apporved becasue your pup would not of wanted you to have an empty place in your home and heart. Dogs just care to much about us to hold
resentment and ill will.....

I am very sorry for your loss of Bailey and wish you the best on the new project..... I sounds as if the parker will have a great home and many new adventures for you to share.

Dave
 
You have my heart-felt condolences on your recent loss of your good friend, Bailey.

Parker looks like a wonderful pup who's sure to make you smile for years to come.

Best,

Brian F.
 
Sorry for your loss.......they just don't last long enough. I know this might not help any, but the years after 10 are very grueling for most labs. I guess if he had to go, then playing ball with his best buddy really wasn't a bad way to go. I hope your new dog makes him proud.
 
Lost this pup at 6 mths to cancer...I still loose it when I see her collar..




I have her mom and we lost our two older labs eailer that year(13 and 15)...hard year !!
 
I know your pain.It never gets easier.Cherish the love they gave,and the smiles they put on your face.We go on with more companions,Knowing,always knowing.
 
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