Cady's Spa Day

Cady enjoys going in for a grooming, bath and nail trim which I refer to as her Spa Day.  After I pick her up we go for a big walk and I take a few photos of her.  The groomer always sends her home with a new bandana.   Here she is in a Spring color themed hearts bandana.  I like to post several photos of her as she always manages to make a silly face,  close her eyes or turn her head while I take the photos.

Eyes tightly closed

Who's over there

Tess has passed away

Tess passed away early Sunday, January 29, 2017. She was 15 years, 2 months old. She had aged into a graceful, gray-faced, sweetheart. My companion and happy girl till the end. I’m glad I could comfort and hold her as she passed.

She was the last of my original four Labradors. The end of an era. Gone, but never to be forgotten. You came to me at a time when there was turmoil in my life. The black Labrador Retriever puppy that made me laugh every day with her antics as she grew up.

She had two litters of puppies and was an excellent mom to them. Hey, you try feeding 8 kids and then licking up their poop and pee when they were tiny -- Mom of the year. In both litters, she had one yellow pup in a sea of black ones. A male in one, a female in another. She carried that gene along with the chocolate gene.

Tess had her own style completely different from my other Labs. She was my goofy girl. Always quick with a face lick, a big happy face, a tail wag that could knock you over. She never had a problem getting right in your face for a pet or hug. Tess made her presence known but after she had some time with you was content to curl up or stretch out and keep an eye on you from across the room. If I whispered her name she would wag her tail so hard it sounded like a bass drum thumping away.

She was Abbey’s best friend and constant buddy. When I brought Tess home, Abbey scooped her up, took her to her bed and fell asleep with her. For many years Abbey had the size over Tess. It was around age 3-4 that Tess realized she had the height on Abbey and could give her a run for the money.

Those two knew how to have fun together and their rough play sounded more dramatic than it was. She was sweet on Casey but knew that he was Abbey’s guy but had a muzzle lick for him each day.

Always ready for a car ride and an adventure, she traveled with me to every state surrounding Missouri and Illinois. She was a good retriever in the field and loved to swim and get her downed ducks. She loved people and enjoyed doing meet and greets whenever she could.

This girl knew her snacks and even in old age could hear the refrigerator door open or a slice of American cheese being unwrapped. Her favorite way to spend an evening was chewing on a bull stick and then taking a nap.

Rest in Peace sweet Tess. Keep an eye out for Casey, Abbey, and Darby. It’s your time to run and play in the fields with them forever. I’ll catch up with you guys down the road.

Tess

Dutch Hollow’s Cure The Blues JH

November 17, 2001 to January 29, 2017

IN MEMORIAM - Abbey

Today was the second toughest day of my lifetime. Heaven received a 4-footed angel this morning.

I had to let my sweet Labrador girl Abbey go today. Her roommate Tess was by her side at the vet’s office as I held her.

She was a constant joy, full of spirit and companionship for 15+ years. One tough retriever in the field, a sweetheart for Casey and a friend for Tess. 

From the time I brought her home, she was the biggest sweetheart. Always quick with a kiss and she loved to snuggle. When she slept on the bed she had a routine of laying long ways next to me and giving me two kisses before she put her head on my chest and fell asleep.

She was a wonderful retriever and loved her ducks. Always the smallest dog at the AKC hunt tests she worked hard and impressed the judges with her ability and drive. She was a thinking dog and no matter where the duck landed she found a way to get to it and bring it back to me.  She got her Junior Hunter title in two back-to-back weekends.

Run and play in fields forever and Casey and Darby will find you.

Goodbye my loyal friend. 

Abbey              Dutch Hollow’s Steal A Heart, JH       December 11, 2000 to April 30, 2016

In Memoriam - Casey

IN MEMORIAM

3 years ago I had the toughest day of my life.  I had to let this sweet, handsome, wonderful, loving boy go.  Casey was my best friend, my 4-footed son and the best thing that has ever come into my life.  I raised him from a pup and was there to hold him, as it was time for him to move onto another life.  I made a promise to him when I brought him home at 8 weeks old; I would be with him for his entire life.  I wouldn’t have had it end any other way. 

Loyalty; he was the definition of loyalty.  He was the sweetest boy and the toughest retriever in the field.  Never backed down, never quit, worked hard and always found his ducks.  He loved people, would let kids touch and pet him for hours and always was willing to learn something new. Every time I brought a new puppy home he was a gentleman and showed them the ways of our pack.  Always adapting, always learning, always loving.  He was a Certified Therapy Dog test and worked to get his AKC Junior and Senior hunting titles.

Casey provided me the best 14 years of my life.  Miss you big time. We’ll be together again one day.  Love - Greg, Abbey & Tess.

RIP

Touchstone’s Sunshine Casey, SH

5/2/98 – 7/27/12