Farewell to Ghillie

[Mike Koneski]

Tomorrow we say goodbye to our oldest Setter, Ghillie Rutledge. Ghillie came from the only litter from the GHR Consortium which was Ken Alexander and John Taylor. Ghillie was a gentle spirit, a fantastic house dog and was a heck of a bird dog. He checked all of the boxes for us. He turned 13 back in October. He has been going downhill for some time. Nothing drastic, just age related slowing down. Lately he has been having issues standing up/lying down, stumbling, falling over, tremors. We decided it's time to say goodbye and Monday morning Sam got an appointment at the vet to put him down. It's the end of an era. The new Setter we just picked up in Wisconsin last week should help ease the loss. Farewell Ghillie, you were a joy to have in our family.

Ghillie is the big white Setter. I'll get more pics up later.

[Mike Koneski]

Here he is with Callie

[CraigThompson]

Sorry for this even though it’s part of the cycle it makes it no easier . 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[Andrew Sacco]

I'm very sorry Mike. I give you credit for recognizing what is right for him. Having dominion over an animal is a blessing in times like these when we can choose to do the right thing. Give sympathies to Tad, Sam and the family.

[Stan Hoover]

I hear your pain Mike,

I just mentioned to my daughter last evening that Brittany, my first hunting dog will most likely not be with us for more than a year. She turned 13 in April and has no adverse health conditions yet but her hearing is gone and she is really slowing down.

After the post by Mike Franzen regarding his daughters beautiful portraits, it got me thinking.

These dogs hold a special spot in our hearts, and then we lose them:(

[Dean Romig]

The pain will ease over time but the sweet memories will last forever…(words of experience.)





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[Jim DiSpagno]

Mike and Sam, please accept our sincere condolences and know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Having hon through this at least 18 times myself, I fell your pain. He'll be waiting for you on the other side ������

[Mills Morrison]

Sorry to hear this sad news . . . .

[Daryl Corona]

It is said that the pain we feel when we lose a dog is the price we pay for their love and devotion. (Or something along those lines). Ghillie had a great life doing what he loved doing with people who loved doing it with him.

[Timothy Salgado]

Mike,
Sorry to hear this, I met Ghillie several years ago when you hooked me up with a Lefever one of your friends had for sale. I made the run up from Allentown for the gun with my Labrador Piper, who was in the midst of her course of chemo treatments at the time. It's never easy, cherish all the good memories.
We'll keep you guys in our prayers.
Take care
Tim

[Bob Jurewicz]

Losing our long-term hunting partners is an event that I have been through many times.
Currently, my oldest German short hair is just a few months shy of 16 years. She is exactly at the stage that you describe for your pup and I expect that I will be making the decision that you have very shortly.
Bob Jurewicz

[Bobby Cash]

While we only get to have them for part of our lives,
lucky them, they get to have you for all of theirs.

[Garry L Gordon]

Condolences Mike and Sammy. To be loved by a good bird dog is a gift.

[Chuck Bishop]

Ghillie was lucky to have you and family in her life. She led a good life!
Dad

[Mike Koneski]

Thanks guys. As if that’s not bad enough, Jo had an appointment today and she had multiple issues and she was also put down today. When it rains it pours.

[Garry L Gordon]

How terrible, Mike. So very for all you’re going through.

[William Woods]

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your hunting companions. I have been through this many times and it is never easy for me. My Holly turned fourteen in mid-December and she is showing her age. Spouse doesn't want me to get another, but I have frozen semen from a favorite that has been waiting for several years. I will start looking soon. Best wishes on your new friend.

[Frank Srebro]

It rained all day today, no shooting, but Mike told me about the appointment and I went out to the Rock to see Ghillie for the last time. He recognized me as usual and came right over to get some goodies along with the other setters. But later he seemed just plain tired and laid down on the carpet nearby. Good bye to a friend I’ve known for 13 years. I missed Jo today and assumed she was down in the house and later Mike texted about her appointment and her loss. Jo was also a good friend for years and I did see her and with some goodies on last Sunday while shooting with the gang. A sad day and my sincere condolences to Mike and Susan.

[William Machauer]

I too am sorry to hear this Mike. That day is in my future with my Claro, just turned 13. She is from my first litter, my right hand and a great bird dog. She was diagnosed with carcinoma last fall, they told me probably 6 months. Every day with our dogs are a blessing! Mourn but always remember the good times!

[Rick Roemer]

The most difficult part of our activity. Hunting dogs live with abandon which I think would be good for all of us to emulate. I knew Ken Alexander through my setters too. Great guy with loads of experience.

“ I see myself in each of them, what I gave them and how they shaped me, losing a piece of my heart as each was taken from me”. GBE

Rick

[Mike McKinney]

A bad, sad, awful day! It’s wonderful when the dogs and humans both win the lottery! I am so snotty for the pain!

[Timothy Cicora]

Sorry for the loss. They are family for sure. It hurts thinking about it.

[Dan Steingraber]

The joy these amazing creatures bring us cannot be overstated. We prove this time after time as we excitedly select our next puppy, all the while knowing that our relationship will end in heartbreak. Thank God for bird dogs.

[Donald McQuade]

Mike & Sam, there are no words that can take away the pain of your loss. All I can say is that you should take comfort in knowing that you gave both of the pups a great life. You afforded them a loving home and gave them ample opportunities to do what they loved to do and what they were born for. Cherish their memories and enjoy your new pup. It's all part of the cycle that we sign up for when we get into this game. It's not easy, but it will get better.

[Mike Franzen]

I’m sure Grilli got to live his best life doing what he was born to do. It’s very sad nonetheless.

[Harry Sanders]

Mike, Susan,

We don't know each other but I know what you're experiencing. I have a lump in my throat just thinking about it. My sincerest of condolences. I hope the new pup helps.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Same here, it is never easy, remember the good times,and love them everyday Gary

[Mike McKinney]

Mike and Sam,
I know for sure, it’s a bad day for you both. Sure hope the good memories and the new puppy take over soon. It’s wonderful to have a dog that leaves you with good memories.