Farewell to Ghillie
 

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.

Here he is with Callie

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

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.

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:(

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





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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 ������

Sorry to hear this sad news . . . .

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

It rained all day today, no shooting, but I went out to the Rock anyway 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. A sad day.

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!

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

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

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