A Dog Story

Awhile ago, we received an email from Garry…it read “Not a good day at our place – we had to put Jed down”. Anyone whose home is shared with a fur child, knows what that means. I think one of the hardest things to experience is the “putting down” of a pet - this would forever have a major impact on Garry & Lisa’s home and their two boys. Been there – done that!

Jed was a wonderful, warm, obedient, caring and loving Brittany. He was the son of our Jackson - actually from the first litter Jackson fathered. He was 14 years old and the last time we talked to Garry he told us Jed was not comfortable anymore. We understood.

When you have been given the blessing of having such a loyal partner in your family and especially for 14 years, it is difficult to say goodbye. Actually difficult is not even the right word…more, it’s impossible, as he will never be gone from your heart.

From the beginning, Jed was part of the lives of Austin & Andrew. They were just three and six years old and Jed was accepted as one of the kids. The boys grew up having a “brother” around, waiting when they got home from school, following them around as they played and studied. Always there, ready for a pat on the head, or a hug. Always there at bed time. Lots of love surrounded them all. And, Lisa…busy being a career mother, knew when things quieted down in the evenings, Jed was there to share her quiet time. A young family needs to relax and Lisa, and Garry, claimed Jed when the other boys settled down.

Actually, Garry probably provided the most exciting times for Jed. They were partners in the field – Jed loved to go “hunting” and became a pro in getting quail and pheasants at Quail Point Hunt Club. He absolutely loved when Garry got his gun out, then the leash, hunting jacket and bottles of water…he knew the signals and could hardly contain his excitement. The ride to the club was total fun and bringing each bird back proudly with no hesitation, was an example of a smart dog’s knowledge of his own job and the relationship he enjoyed with his parent.

We always liked being around Jed…especially when Jackson had the opportunity to visit too. Makes you wonder if dogs know their lineage…did Jackson know Jed was his offspring? They always got along very well.

One time, Jed came to visit…so did Cassie, another one of Jackson’s children, whose dad is another Gary. By then we had opened our hearts to our Shooter, another of Jackson’s offspring. We watched as Jackson, Jed, Cassie and Shooter “talked” in the field and checked each other out. Then Jackson took each child, separately, down to the far end of the field…visited briefly, and they came back side by side. He took Jed and Cassie and Shooter individually, for a walk…or, some sort of communication, with him…then brought each separately back to us. We watched, dumbfounded…and looked on…what had we witnessed? A moment in time!

Just a dog - or family? Hug and hold your pet often. They don’t live as long as we do, but do have a huge purpose in our lives. They teach us unconditional love, loyalty, humility, kindness and do provide such pure enjoyment and fun.

The story doesn’t end here. Months passed, the boys went away to college by then and Lisa felt the absence of all three profoundly. She and Garry had decided to let the quiet house rule, let their own lives settle down and to enjoy the stress-free time. Good luck with that! Garry began casually checking the Adopt-a- Brittany website occasionally…just to see what was going on. And lo and behold, one day a gorgeous female looked back at him…he was smitten. And it was a done deal. Garry and Lisa drove to pick her up and Cici came to live with them. A liver and white Brittany, full of love and anxious to please. Since then, it’s like Cici has always been in the family.

Cici with a happy smile!!

So with the sadness of losing a dog, comes the happiness of finding one who fills that void in your heart. That’s what it’s about…filling lives with those things that bring us happiness and joy. We know “dog people” are “dog people”! We think back fondly to Hooker, Bowie, Crockett, Boone and Jackson and appreciate all the more the affection and devotion we now receive from Shooter and the latest addition, Gunner. He’s just had his third birthday and we are going to keep him!