Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire RIP Riley The Mighty Pheasant Dog... 6/4/08 - 11/17/13

Condolences from here, Doc.

My heart breaks for you, Doc. Been through it too many times and still have 14 more times if the Lord leaves me here.

Mick, I can only say that the heartbreak of losing a one is a small price to pay for the wonder and joy of being a gun dog's man.

As Powerguy said in his first response to my OP, we did have a good run. It might've been shorter than I'd of liked, but I wouldn't trade those years and hunts for the world.

Thanks, MH... I always dread these threads, too... but I try to read each one and respond/reply kindly, because when you're the guy who's lost the dog, you know nobody but another gundog man can know how you feel. So we support each other in these hard days, and rejoice in the tales of good days afield with our mutts.

Thank God for dogs. And today I especially thank God for Riley.

...and BTW thanks for kind words from all y'all who've posted. I'm sorry I can't respond personally to each kind response.

Damn. Looking at my big mutt right now and wondering how he managed to take over the couch. I dread the day.

Just way too young Doc, really sorry for your loss.

Sorry Doc, he looks like a great dog. Puts my old Springer to memory. Looks like you gave him a great life. RIP

I think it speaks well of a man's character that he can feel the loss of a pet the way I see exhibited on here.

Sorry that you lost your companion.

It had been 20 yrs since I had a dog, up until a year ago. I forgot what a privilege it is to have one in the family. They live to make you happy, and ask for so little in return. Sorry for your loss, I dread the day.

You know Doc, my GSP also doesn't like a camera focused on her. I so wanted her to be able to get to know Riley while going after quail in the prairie and desert this winter and I have been very sad to think of the fun I expected them to have together.

Riley was so calm, friendly and wanting to please you rather than himself as so many male hunting dogs are so want to do. I wonder if it was his genetic nature or if he just rather took after you.

I am sad for you Doc. I sure wanted to hunt more with him too. I know he was much more than just a hunting buddy to you.

May God be with you and comfort you over this till the lion lays down with the lamb, and you and Riley roam hill and dale again my friend.

Eye.

NOOOOOOOOO! We were just talking about him from pics in another thread. Thanks for always sharing those great pics. Riley will be remembered on the Fire.

For sure celebrate his life and your time together. No doubt in mind that he had the best a man could offer to another member of the family and truly man's best friend.

Godspeed and RIP Riley.

Just a "awe shidt" moment for me...I prefer dogs to people generally...hang in Doc

Charlie

Sorry about your dog, we just got a dog last thanksgiving, the owner died of cancer, he had to give the dog away before he died as the dog wouldn't eat because the owner was dying. They were taking the dog to the vet and putting a tub down her throat so they could get some food in her so she wouldn't die.
Hope you can remember the good times you had with your dog.

My deepest condolences Doc.....

RIP Riley!

Sorry to hear this Doc. It's been a tough day.

Doc,
How well I understand. As much as it hurts to lose one of my babies I'll take any dog in that needs some love.

I'm sure you're familiar with the writings of Gene Hill. I have on of his books that has been autographed with a message to me. I seldom read it because I always cry.

After living with and hunting with my Brittany for 12 years, I can't read Gene Hills books on gun dogs either�..

Scott, they take over the couch because we wouldn't have it any other way. Mine took over a fairly new leather couch---and then chewed two holes in it. I just looked at it and hugged the dog. It's only money.