The Dog Days of summer-Minus one GREAT Dog

made our day not so good in Walworth NY.  Being an avid dog lover and pretty much always having one while growing up, 11 years into marriage having 2 dogs.  I could not imagine life without them, even with their idiosyncrasies.

A 115lb, almost 14 year old black labrador retriever

known as Beau, who would fetch till he dropped, could no longer do stairs and required full assistance to go up or down stairs.  Our four legged friend across the street of 9 years was having trouble again.   Add to this his blindness, had major rear hip issues for several years and is almost 14.

The black labrador retrievers

spunk was immeasurable when the owner put his walking collar on.  He perked up, if only momentarily.  He swagger was back!  His brief, but excited energy shined through his deteriorating exterior.  His tail became a weapon wagging back and forth in excitement, until his next steps which had a pronounced limp. 

To my surprise when I commented on his spunk his owner commented, "We are putting him down today...." and broke down saying "IT's TIME".  At that moment I felt aweful.  My heart sank to my pit of sorrow and all the memories from my previous four legged family members swarmed my thoughts.  I was breathless for a time.

Across the cul de sac walking my way was a seasoned dog owner, neighbor and friend all reddened and in tears, wiping the streams of tears from his eyes.  It almost made me do the same.  I could not believe "IT WAS TIME".  With a strong hand shake and a gentlemens hug, I consoled the owner with all or as little words as I could muster.

Staring down at this 4 legged soldier creeping my way for what would now be our last hello/good bye pats, scruffs and shakes for a dog friend named Beau.  Peering into this gentle giants eyes I remember the dog days of summer, Beau's glory days, his excitement to fetch, and later years yard wandering made me think?  Beau somehow knew his future and didn't care.  He bounced, shook, nestled his muzzle in my lap as i kneeled before him, his face nudging me onward to stroke him. 

Did he know and just not care to lead on?  Was he putting on a strong exterior?  How was anyone to know?  Thoughts like this raced through my head as I continued to "chit chat" with my neighbor and pat the rough strong muzzle and chest.  This magnificent dog stood proudly and tough against my roughness. 

When the old four legged warrior finally trudged onfor his last stroll down "scent lane" it was the last time we would see the old fellow! 

The Dog days of Summer are definately ahead but they will be minus ONE GREAT DOG!!

BEAU WE LOVE YOU AND WILL MISS YOU!!!  RIP IN THE HEAVEN'S OF FOREVER FETCH.

TO BEAU'S FRIENDS AND FAMILY OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU!