Ode to Dessa
 

Our very good friend in Texas and author of so many wonderful hunting adventures for Parker Pages, David Boyles, has asked me to post this for him.

Please bear with me before commenting as I try to include all of the pictures and descriptions he has sent me to illustrate this heartfelt memorial to his wonderful girl Dessa.

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"I have finally decided to write about our dog in the Parker Forum 22 days after we had to let her go April 29, 2020. I will send you a handful of her pics which I hope you can post some with this article in Parker Forum " Mans Best Friend." Much appreciated."


It has been 22 days since we had to let go of our loyal companion, family member and faithful hunter, Dessa. She was just shy of 11 years but because she lived with an avid hunter she had more experience than most older dogs of her Brittany breed.
Losing a family member with 4 legs and a warm greeting every time she saw you is a very heartbreaking experience. The tears shed hold the disbelief that she is really gone. Tough times for most members in this organization. In my case she was my early morning wake up coffee pal, afternoon welcome committee and my "good nite sweet Girl" at the end of the day.
Loved by all who met her be it on long walks, trips to town or hunting gatherings with old friends. She became a fixture and for her not to be with me would have been like David showing up without his bundle of old Parkers to shoot!

I'm sharing a history book of pictures showing her as a pup, first dove hunt and family members sharing times on our outings of all kinds.

My last comments are: To treat them with love and kindness everyday no matter what they may do or not do so they can eagerly await for you to cross the "Rainbow Bridge" where animals go when they die. Once you cross the Bridge you will look once more into those trusting eyes of your pal.
If you are not familiar with his Bridge I suggest you look it up as the story was given to me this year to help heal my grief.
Last but not least I want to thank Dean for posting as I feel like you knew her from all the conversations we had and stories I wrote about her.
Good Health and best to all in these difficult times,

David

Picture Legend...


1. Dessa coming home to Houston from California with daughter Drue.
2. Dessa at 1 year old with her daddy, Jack Attack.
3. At about 1 year old getting some water retrieve training.
4., 5., 6., 7. Dessa on her first dove shoot with David. She really came into her own on that hunt.
8. David, grandson Courtland and Dessa.
9. Dessa at about 4 years old with David and his Purdey 2-barrel set.
10. David, Joe Doggett and Dessa.
11. A great bird dog deserves a warm place by the Home Fire.





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David:
Having the honor of hunting with you and Dessa in New Mexico were memorable times.
Mark

What wonderful memories to share. I can't speak for all, but as for myself i relived the same adventures I had with my many Boykin's in your story. I get emotional thinking about having to say goodby to the unconditional love our four legged companions give. Dessa left mighty paw prints to fill. Thanks for letting us know her.

Very sad news

Dessa
 

Only time can mend a broken heart......

A good dog is probably one of the best real friends you could possibly have, loyal till death, I share your grief, Gary

At the risk of being maudlin, I've always thought of my dogs as little people in dog suits. They have the best qualities of any humans I've ever met, and have very few of those "lower levels of human nature" that can make some people intolerable. The problem: they just don't live long enough. 'Nuf said. I mourn for this loss as I do when I read of anyone's loss of a close friend.

ODE TO DESSA
 

David, go get another pup, I did not think I could possibly love another animal like I did with Mattie, we had a special bond that only dog lovers know, but this one stole my heart also, Gary