Gunner 2/14/98-9/14/12

[C.O.B.]

Gunner my Little Buddy of 14 wonderfull years has crossed the fence for the last time. As I have written befor he has had more than his share of health issues the last 6mos. I didn't think I'd make Hausmans but he rallied then while at the Upper Pennisula shoot he took a turn for the worse then he rallied again. He hadn't been eating or drinking and the other day his left hip went out. He couldn't climb the steps and it was hard for him to lie down or get up. I gave him some pain meds hoping he bruised it and it would get better but after a couple of days it was obvious the "quality" of life was gone. I promised him he wouldn't suffer needlessly and there would be honor and dignity at the end and I believe I kept my promise. I called the vet last night at 9pm and made the arrangements for 8am today. It was the longest 11 hours of my life, and one of the hardest things I have had to do...as it should be. I buried him next to his mom who gave me 13 wonderfull years and the blessing of Gunner. I was there when he took his first breath and his last. Between the two of them I have had the privledge of almost 28 years of unwavering love and affection and compaionship.

Tomorrow is the opening day of Grouse season and while Gunner won't be in the coverts for the first time in his 14+ years he will be with me always in spirit. It will be the debut of "Gunner's Parker" and I hope I make him proud.

Good bye my friend, your reunited in heaven with your mom and will live with me forever. Your chair won't be the same without you in it. You are missed already