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Loss of a Gun Dog

OLYMPIA - Sitting at my reloader last night cranking out enough shells to shoot this weekend, I noticed several things I had not seen before: a half empty box of dog biscuits, half a case of dog food, and a red dog collar. Labrador Retrievers wear red collars 'in Kansas, so Fang had one. The loading became more and more difficult as I contemplated the loss of Fang The Wonder Dog (Keesha). The Wonder Dog was dying of kidney failure and had to be put down. So it went on the evening of April 12th at 5: 10 PM. I took her in my lap and tried between sobs to tell her it would be better soon. I watched, as she went on the her last retrieve. As the dad and hunter in this family I shouldered my responsibilities and did what I was required to do. It is written somewhere that the owner has to be there at the end. While hard in the extreme, dealing with my children was tougher by far. This was an issue from which I could not run or hide. Matthew and Fang started hunting together and Jacklynne grew up with this dog. In an effort to give the children the room they needed and individual attention they deserved, I chose to write each of them a letter. The letters were personally delivered to each child one hour before Fang and I left the house. The written word proved to be the ideal vehicle with which to talk to them without the cumbersome barrier of emotion. With your permission I would like to share the letter I wrote to my daughter Jacqueline.

Apr 12, 1996

My dearest Jackie,

I am so sorry! I wish there were something else I could do to help Keesha. She is very sick and I am compelled to have her put to sleep. She was a fine dogus - the best. She was your friend as you grew up and your protector. She loved you without reservation. She was your sister. Be happy knowing that she will be in Heaven; where she will have lots of cookies and get all the birds she wants. It is good to be sad - to cry. But we must also remember all that is good about Keesha; all that she brought to our family. Rejoice in having had her to share our lives. I will miss her too. I expect I will whistle for her when I get home for some time. I feel your pain Jackie, and share your sorrow. I look forward to getting a hug from you - I need one. I will send her home with a dog cookie.

"Moogie - Moogie"

Your Loving Father

So a chapter in this house closes. Fang is in good hands and the house is a less colorful place. There is a void, albeit at quite one. The grieving and healing processes will run their courses, and we will endure. The process that has already started is an important one too. It is the struggle between us kids in the house and the boss over a puppy or a trained dog. There is a ground swell of support for a puppy, but the boss, who has been a tower of strength, says NO! It is always something about who will take care of the puppy. She is, of course, right. But I could use the bump of a soft black muzzle and a dose of Labrador puppy lips. This is a family struggle that will have a happy ending though.

Comments: mlisi@goosepit.com