Thread: I buried an old friend yesterday

One that had been my companion for 17 years, most of my adult life. He was with me before my wife and both of my children have never known a life without him. He was a constant companion of myself and my wife during the early years of our marriage. He listened to my problems when their were troubled times with us. As life became more and more complicated our time spent together became lessened but that didn't diminish his faithfulness or enthusiasm. He gave completely of himself and expected little in return.

He loved the outdoors and especially the cold, crisp mornings. I knew that his time was coming, and thought that it would be this summer. As he aged the heat was especially hard on him, his hearing was going and he was developing arthritis in his hips. We had talked earlier in the spring about making that "last trip" and I had hoped that I would know when the time was right.

Nevertheless he seemed as well as 17 year old dog could be as we walked together on Thursday, and he was seemingly fine on Saturday.

I wonder if he knew how I had been agonizing over the decision, and decided to make that last sacrafice for me. I found him in his usual sleeping spot; a shady wooded corner of the yard, looking like he was just peacefully sleeping.

We buried him in a corner of the backyard, facing towards my childrens rooms so that he could always watch over us and planted wildflowers over that entire corner.

A picture from a younger, simpler time.

http://www.tetongravity.com/usergall...sher%20003.jpg

Musher 1987-2004 Rest Easy Old Friend, Rest Easy

Oh man, now I'm all choked up!

Sounds like he was a very lucky dog--and probably had a blast throughout his long life. RIP little guy.

Sprite

I so understand how you feel.

That's a beautiful memory that you shared with us. You eloquently describe the evolution that occurs as your family grows from just him, to a wife and kids, and his unwavering understanding of the lessened time that you had for him.

It's hard to believe that my pal has been gone twenty days today, and yesterday my oldest daughter and I began to create a scrap book of pictures, which seems to help.

I hope that you read the "Dog Heaven" story that KQ posted in my thread a few weeks ago. It sums up our hope for those loyal best friends in the next life. By the way, KQ is an amazing lady - she seems to be one of the most empathetic and caring folks among us! Just though I'd add that.


Dave, my thoughts are with you and your family. I hope that the memories warm your day, and as Buster Highmen wrote re: Baker: "Time to be proud of tears shed for a pal."

Musher, rest easy, indeed.

Feelin' it with ya bro...got pretty worked up this past weekend over my own fallen friend.

so sorry to hear that. my thoughts are with you and your family.

Your post brought a tear to my eye. My sympathies to you and your family

Thank you for sharing. It sounds like Musher lived a long, full, and happy life.

What a beautiful dog.

My condolences to you and your family.

Rest in peace Musher.

My sincerest condolences. 17 years...wow! That's a great run. I guess it's a testament to the love and care you gave him in return.

Aw man that's sux.

Sounds like he went quite peacefully into that long dark night.

RIP Musher.

(take care Teledave)

Hang in there Dave. Dogs are great and the memories that Musher has provided will never leave your head.

He was a beautiful dog and a true companion, I am truely sorry for your loss.

I am so tired of dogs and people dying, I can't begin to tell you.

Sorry for your loss, man.

Thank you all for your condolences.

Mostly, thanks to Karl Stall for posting his thread a couple of weeks ago. It made me realize that our time was short, and I made the best of our time together over the last while. My regrets are much less from knowing that we took advantage of that time.

And thank you Musher for the last 17 years, you are sorely missed.

I always have a hard time reading about the loss of a good dog. This one really struck home - my husky passed away a few years ago at 17. There is no way I could ever replace her, and I know enough not to try.

But I think back on those wonderful days we had, hiking through the mountains of Alaska, her running at my side while I biked 20 miles at a stretch, skiing with her. I miss her terribly, but those memories are so happy and they will always be there.

Rest In Peace Musher. Say hello to Ula when you get to doggie heaven.