Made the call today.

My old buddy Bear is going to be put down next weekend the 27th. He just turned 13 on Feb. 8th, but time & age have taken over. He’s been deaf for going on 2 years now, cataracts in both eyes, he started loosing control of his bowels this winter and he’s been eating less food for the last couple of weeks. His tail has not wagged for a while now. So, I made the call to the vet this morning.

Back in his day, I’d put him up against any retrieving dog in the state. He had a great nose, especially for downed birds, he simply would not come out of the nastiest, thickest cover without that bird in his mouth. He’s been a great dog and companion. He was our first kid of the family after we got married. And a great brother to our son Isaac and he’s been a great mentor and teacher to his little buddy our other dog Seamus.

I am going to prep his final resting place this weekend while I’m down at the farm for my turkey season. The whole family will help to lay him to rest, dog bowl, blanket and collar will all be with him.

You will be missed Bear.

So sorry

I truly dread the day I’ll have to make that decision.

Tough deal. When the quality of life is no longer there its a tough (but right) decision to make. You and your family are in my prayers. RIP Bear

I feel for you, may Bear’s last few days be peaceful.

It’s funny the stories that I’ve been remembering…

Bear came to be mine totally by accident, and by accident I mean in it’s truest form. Friends of our family had 3 labs. Bears momma was at the vet to get spayed. To which the vet had to say….”You’re too late, she’s already pregnant?!?!?!” Well I didn’t know until about a week before she was due and then Duey asked if I’d like a “FREE” Lab pup, yep pure bread, British Lab. I was like Heck Yeah. New home, new wife, big back yard and FREE. Well since I was second to say yes, I had second choice once they were born. The day after all the pups came (11 in all) Duey calls me up and say’s good thing you said yes when you did. I guess that momma tried to hide the puppies in the couch to get away from the other two labs and sufficated 9 of them. So, not only was Bear not supposed to be born, he’s lucky to have survived. Bear and his brother where just pot bellied pigs by the time I came to first see them. They literally had all the milk they could drink. About a week later, I told my lovely bride to load up and lets go see some country. (She didn’t know we were getting a dog yet) Sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness than for permission. Needless to say, she fell in love right from the start. I mean who can say no to a 2 week old puppy. Maybe that’s why Bears always been such a tough dog. He’s been fighting the odds since conseption. And the rest is history.

Love you buddy.

Very sorry to hear Bob. My thoughts will be with you during this very hard time.

Man that hurts, sorry to hear the news. Your post was a jolt for sure. The day after xmas we had to put our black lab Max down who looks alot like your Bear. Just tonight we brought to our house an 8 week old yellow who could be a Seamus clone. My boys and I talk about Max all the time and trust me when I say, it does get easier accepting the loss when the memories are so sweet and pure. Having the new pup dive bomb our house tonight just reminds me of how much of a trouble maker Max was and how much we are looking forward to raising our new family member Thanks for taking the time to share your loss, this site has a ton of great dog owners who feel your pain.

Man that’s tough. I couldn’t plan that much. I’d be going to the looney bin. Sorry for this. We all dread the day. Looking at my buddy now, he
s sitting at my feet. I can see all the good days chasing Dakota birds.

Man that’s tough. I couldn’t plan that much. I’d be going to the looney bin. Sorry for this. We all dread the day. Looking at my buddy now, he
s sitting at my feet. I can see all the good days chasing Dakota birds.

Sorry to hear this Bob. My best friend is also going through his. We talked for about 45 minutes yesterday reliving some of Bo’s great moment’s/hunts! Bear will forever be etched in your family’s history.

Man that sucks. It sure hurts knowing that your best friend, the one who has stayed by your side through everything has to move on. I know the day I had to make that call it was one of the toughest things you can do.

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I feel for you, may Bear’s last few days be peaceful.

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X millions!!! Gods Speed to Bear and your family!!!

Mark

you are not alone I am facing the same with my 14 year old lab mix Chelsea the plan is to take her in on Tuesday….May her and Bear meet up soon and find an endles supply of roosters!

Here’s my buddy last resting place. We had some fun times out in that field where he will watch over from now on. As tough as it was to watch the vet work, I know in my heart it was the right thing to do. He went very peacefully and quickly. I’ll always treasure his time with us, he was a fantastic dog and companion.

It’s funny how much of Bear I see in Seamus – His mannerism’s and actions were indeed passed on more than I had previously noticed. We are all coping with the changes have come about. Seamus is a little down in the dumps but is doing well. I am just making sure to spend extra time with him to help make up for his loss as well.

That cross is a wonderful tribute that will remind you of the great memories for years to come. Very sorry for your loss.

What a peaceful spot!