This morning I headed out from halibut and picked one up early. I was home by 10:00. That was the good part. When I got home I found out that My Lab was dying. I had to put her down today. She was pretty old by Lab standards.... 14. She was a kick a$$ hunter in her day. She gave me 10 solid years chasing pheasant, ducks, geese, dove, it didn't matter... she did it all. I have been getting ready for this for a while now. She had slowed down a lot over the last few weeks. But today was tough.... I wrapped her in my camo, picked the best pheasant tail feathers I had, laid them with her and wished her happy hunting. I buried her in my back yard. I cant believe how hard it was. Hopefully tomorow is a little better.

Sorry to hear about your loss. I've been there and hate it. Still get wet eye every time I think about what happend

I am sorry man .. has to happen but it; still a shame and say.. my sympathies

Sorry to hear. I had similar thing happen. My lab was 15, and deterioted quickly as well. Called my Dad at work (I was a freshman in college at time) and he met me at the vets so we could say our last goodbyes. He was our best friend, our best bird dog, and one helluva fishing companion.

May your dog rest in peace.

I think it was Will Rogers who said "If dogs don't go to heaven I want to go where they do".

Sorry to hear about your friend.

The death of your friend, even though expected, was tough and your story struck a nerve for me. A dog truly can be man's best friend.

I had a dad and a brother die within a 30 day window and that was hard. My loyal black lab's death was almost as rough. She walked my kids to the bus stop every day when they were little and she would sit under a tree and wait for that bus to come back home so she could guard the girls on their short walk home. My fishing and camping photo albums are full of that dog we called "Cubby" . I still have the doghouse with her name over the door. She was part of the family not just a dog.

Sorry to hear about your loss. Hopefully you will go out and find a new dog to join your family.

Sorry to hear. I've had Labs all my life and they're wonderful dogs. My current lab is now ten and goes everywhere I go. I know it will be hard when he goes. I agree with Grandpa go find yourself a new pup and start all over.

Sorry to here of your loss elkrun, I have been there also.

Elkrun,

My thoughts are with you.
My 7 YO yellow is at my feet now and has showed signs recently of an early retirement. I am not looking forward to what you just experienced..
Hang in there! and your welcome to come and hunt some duck under my dog next year..

I"m sorry to hear about your Lab. I know last time we fished you talked about her. It's like losing a child. I put both my retrievers down within the last year. When things start getting a little easier you need to go out and find that new puppy that is looking for a new hunting and fishing partner like you. Brant

Elkrun

Your lost is truly felt by many of us. I lost my 12 year old golden retriever over 2 years ago, and there is not a day that goes by without him in my heart and mind.

Cowlitzfisherman

Sorry to hear it. Been there, done that, hated it, too.

14 years is a long life for a Lab. Sounds like they were likely good ones as well. That's all we can hope for.

Sorry Elk, I'm sure there was great times. Have a good weekend considering.

I'm sorry to hear about that. That's the trouble with those furry guys. They'll be the best friend you ever have, but your time with them is far, far too short.

My father's lab had to be put down in October after a short battle with cancer. Max got to go pheasant hunting opening weekend and for about a day it was like he was never sick. He even flushed my first rooster of 2002. The following Thursday, my dad put him to sleep.

Strangest thing happened, though, that Friday night. I went hunting with my two favorite hunting buddies as I've done for years. We retold stories of Max's life, laughing about the first time they met Max- which involved him lifting his leg on EVERY corner in their motel room and then walking out! We had a toast to him and as if on cue... My dog Cooper walked in, peed on three corners.... and walked out.

Those two must have had a talk because the young dog took over Max's from that point on. Even in the field, he is the leader, just like Max was. No dog will ever be in my memory like the first, but Cooper earned a special place in my heart that day for his bizzare act of disobedience!

The bond that is made over those years is a treasure that will always be with you. 14 is a long life for a lab and reflects that she was well cared for. I hope you will consider getting another as they are great additions to a family.
We are sorry for your loss.

My simpathy is with you Elk. Sorry for your loss.

Jay

I'm sorry to hear of your loss, but rejoice in the time you had.
I lost my Lab 2 years ago to a car/truck. She jumped the fence and I found her in the road when she didn't come to the whistle. She was only 5, but was the best hunter any of my friends and I had ever seen. Not to mention a great friend.

elkrun,

Sorry for your loss.

Sorry to hear of your loss. I lost two in two years, their pictures on the wall. I miss them everyday but I have three still with me. Took one training to the pond today. They are the best friends that you ever had that chewed up something you really liked.

Very sorry to hear about the loss of your companion and friend. I've had 3 labs and they are the best.

Time heals and hope you get another one soon.

fp