End of an era

[Gary Laudermilch]

So sorry to hear about Blue. I enjoyed our visits when at the Rock. How old was he? Seems like yesterday when he first greeted us.

[Opening Day]

I sorry not the way to start the New Year. I remember meeting him in your clubhouse, what a nice guy he was.

[Double Lab]

I'm really sorry to hear that Mike. It never gets easier but we continue on to the next pup after a loss just hoping they last a little longer and perform at least as well as the last one did in the field. My best to you and Sam.

[Mike of the Mountain]

Guys, Deacon was 10 1/2 years old.He was suffering from chronic kidney failure since summer. At that time our vet said 6-12 months. He was getting heart meds AM and PM due to his heart swelling from the kidney issue. Every other day we would give him 100ml of saline from a drip bag to help flush the toxins from his system and he got a piece of raw heart and liver twice a day to supplement his food. Vet said he'll be fine until he stops eating. Well, we hunted Saturday AM. He ate Saturday PM. Sunday he nibbled in the AM and PM, but nothing like usual. Then he wouldn't even eat raw meat or egg on any food since Sunday. He went to the vet and she put him down. It was time. I just thought he'd be around longer. Totally shocked as he hunted like a champ twice last week. Never gets easier. Yet, we do it over and over and over....