OT Farewell Babe

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 11:44 pm

You weren't the best cow dog, but you were a darn good companion and friend for these past 15 years. Farewell for now, hopefully we'll meet again on the other side.

Ben_Rumson · Post by **Ben_Rumson** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 11:48 pm

Good buds will always be there...

Doc Hudson · Post by **Doc Hudson** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 1:02 am

My condolences on the loss of your old friend.

Doc

Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 1:13 am

Don,

Sorry to hear of your loss. I know the pain, just remember the good times and it will be a wee bit easier.

Joe

gamekeeper · Post by **gamekeeper** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 3:10 am

Sorry to hear your sad news, you have my condolences sir.

Game keeper.

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 6:47 am

Sorry to hear about you buddy....
they really are mans best friend....

Post by **Hobie** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 6:55 am

Don,

My condolences. Many of us have been there. We understand. A good dog is an unbounded blessing...

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 6:59 am

Sorry to hear that Don. Funny how an animal can grow on ya like that.

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 7:03 am

Sorry Don...

jason

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 7:10 am

Don, I'm sorry for your loss...

.45colt · Post by **.45colt** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 7:22 am

Very Sorry, My last dog a Beagle has been gone about three years now. I liked that girl more than most any people I know.

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 7:26 am

Heal well friend.

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 8:33 am

Thanks guys. She'll be missed that's for sure. Zippy the new pup, is sorta rattled this morning, finally figuring out Babe is gone.
So we just close one adventure and start off on another......

Malamute · Post by **Malamute** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 8:45 am

Sorry to hear of losing your old friend Don.

They aren't people, but they are family.

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 9:00 am

Thanks Malamute, yup its the loss of a friend.

kimwcook · Post by **kimwcook** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 9:30 am

Really sorry to hear that, Don. Unfortunately God didn't give'em a long enough life to stay with us all the way through.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 10:18 am

I'm so sorry for your loss. Most dogs are perfect people.

I like this tribute by George Vest:

The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his DOG. A man's dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground,where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master's side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wing and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens. If fortune drives the master forth an outcast into the cold, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard him against danger, and to fight against his enemies. When the last scene of all comes, and death takes his master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws and his eyes sad, but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death.

-Senator George Vest, 1870.

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 10:54 am

Thanks Kim and Blaine.
Fellers you know sometimes you just got to sit and wonder.
Yesterday we found out that Carols tongue cancer is just stage 1 so one more surgery and we should be done with that. It hasn't went anywhere as yet.
Then Babe bids us farethewell,
Go out to do chores this morning and apparently the horses got to wrestling in their shed. Somebody kicked a piece of the tin clean off the side, and Bill managed to cut his left hind foot clear into the hoof from the top of the ankle, in two places.

So now I get to doctor a crippled horse for awhile, and I don't think he's going to be ridable for quite a while as deep as the cuts are.
If I could find some lime juice to go with this bottle of Mescal....... except I don't have time for that right now, got to go see where the replacement heifers all dissappeared to......

alnitak · Post by **alnitak** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 11:01 am

Don,

My heartfelt condolences. The loss of a companion like Babe is something we can never get over...they stay in ours hearts forever. I hope you meet up with her again at the Rainbow bridge.

I've heard it said that dog's lives are so short, becuse they give so much to us throughout their lives. Know that your are in Babe's heart, as she is in yours.

BigSky56 · Post by **BigSky56** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 11:13 am

Don I dont know why it is but for some reason spring is hard on dogs and horses. In the rocky's they hold tight against winter and go downhill in spring. Our canine friends are good for our soul they can teach compassion, loyalty and unconditional love we could all do well to listen. danny

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 12:20 pm

Danny we didn't think Babe would make the winter, but last night when I found her not far from her favorite watch me thru the yard fence hole, when I came back in from checking cows, I heard a killdeer chirping, so spring is officially here now.

brno602 · Post by **brno602** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 12:40 pm

Doc Hudson wrote:My condolences on the loss of your old friend.

Doc

Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Sorry for your loss of Babe, I don't know what I would do when it comes time for mine to go, but I really liked reading this reply and in my minds eye and can see it the Rainbow bridge.

iceman · Post by **iceman** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 1:14 pm

Sorry for your loss. Been there done that, didn't enjoy it. Heal well friend.

GonnePhishin · Post by **GonnePhishin** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 1:18 pm

My condolences offered as well...

madman4570 · Post by **madman4570** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 3:58 pm

My condolences!
Dogs hold a very special place in our hearts.(They are the best friend one could ever have)
Take comfort in knowing she was loved, and had a great life all those years as your great friend!

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 4:55 pm

Thanks guys, she'll be missed that's for sure.

Post by **Chuck 100 yd** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 7:07 pm

I am sad for you my friend.

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 8:27 pm

Thanks Chuck, but the better way to look at , is I'll bet she can see and hear real good again, and she can probably run like a yellow strip of furry lightning like she used to.

caprockhunter · Post by **caprockhunter** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 8:34 pm

I'm sorry for your loss. You have my condolences.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 8:35 pm

Boundless blessings indeed. sorry for your loss. may the memories last your life time.

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 8:53 pm

Thanks fella's, and Mike yes the memories her and I shared will last me till my ashes have turned to dust.

O.S.O.K. · Post by **O.S.O.K.** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 9:24 pm

Its hard when they are your companions. I know because I recently lost my good buddy. I still miss him.

Sorry to hear about your loss.

pokey · Post by **pokey** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 9:36 pm

Don McDowell wrote:So we just close one adventure and start off on another......

now this is a good attitude to hold.

new pups can make you feel this way, alright.

Hillbilly · Post by **Hillbilly** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 9:53 pm

sounds like you got a pretty heavy load... if you let Him carry you a awile there will only be one set of tracks...

God bless you and your house.

John in MS · Post by **John in MS** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 10:34 pm

Don, I am sure sorry for your loss. What a beautiful dog Babe was! Like most here, I've been there before and will be there again. Right now, I have 4 "rescue" dogs and have to fight urges to rescue "just one more." Just remember, you gave Babe a long, happy and healthy life, and provided much joy to your friend, just as Babe did for you.

All the best,
John

JerryB · Post by **JerryB** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 10:51 pm

Hard to lose a friend.

Rexster · Post by **Rexster** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 5:55 pm

My sincere condolences.

I can't think of anything inspirational to say. I have lost some beloved pooches lately, myself.

Borregos · Post by **Borregos** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 6:31 pm

Don, sorry to hear that, been there and it is HARD, but time and good memories help. Our loss happened over ten years ago and I can still see him lying on the end of the sofa watching me out of one eye.

Bogie35 · Post by **Bogie35** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 8:26 pm

Don, I'll be praying for you to heal well and get along on the next journey with Zippy. Easier said than done, but you can do it "one day at a time".

Take care my friend,

bogie

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 8:57 pm

Thanks guys. We'll miss her but, it was her time, and she's better off now than she was a week ago.
We're well on the mend, there'll be other dogs, we've already been thru a herd of em, but still the loss is always felt.

O.S.O.K. · Post by **O.S.O.K.** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 9:04 pm

When they've had a full life and its time, well then its a blessing.

My buddy Lance left us too early. I was out of town and couldn't be here to see him off and that was the hardest thing about it for me. He was just shy of 10 years old.

Our other, Button who is in her 14th year is laying just behind me right now. She's doing very well for her age and has helped to aleviate Lance's passing.

KirkD · Post by **KirkD** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 9:34 pm

It is always hard to lose a good dog. Fifteen years is a long time. A big empty spot is left behind.

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 10:08 pm

Kirk you know 15 years used to seem like a long time, but anymore a fella says what????? why that was only a couple years back.....

Whaddaya mean 17 years ago.....

bdhold · Post by **bdhold** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 10:50 pm

I have a great boxer, now, smartest dog I've ever owned. Two dogs ago was an Elkhound who lived to 19 - he used to fish with me, leap to catch the frisbee, and he threw firewood for fun - seriously. Never seen a dog that could jump like him. He could leap flat-footed over the side of the truck into the bed without touching the side. When he was 15, I bought an Akita to keep him up and moving, and she did. He also caught every animal that came through the yard and laid it at the back porch, a tradition the Akita kept up with the feral cats the neighbor feeds. (There is a wild rabbit that lives in the yard with the boxer now.)
The Akita was the prettiest dog I have ever owned, and aloof. But they don't age well, and she finally got mean. When she was 4-y-o and 90 lbs. she used to roll in the yard with my older daughter at half her weight and never a tear was shed. But at 12-y-o, when she snapped at my baby girl, I knew it was time to put her down. I was going to be so brave, but that last ride in the truck, and she was having so much fun, I balled like a baby.

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 11:00 pm

Kinda hard to sing Amazing Grace when you're blubberin like a 2year old ain't it.

the telegraphist · Post by **the telegraphist** » Sat Apr 03, 2010 6:15 am

Who ever wrote that Doc Hudson he knew. Its beautiful. I have lost a number of good dogs over the years and I still miss everyone of them. All were working cattle dogs. Mr McDowell rest easy sir, you will meet again as I will meet all mine.
Their loyalty and work ethic totally unquestionable. They never asked for much, praise a pat and a feed and they all loved the grandkids. Protect them with their lives, against human or snake.

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Sat Apr 03, 2010 8:18 am

Yup when you got better than 50 years of this life gone by there's alot of good dogs waiting at the gate with tails a wagging and grins a flying.......

Nath · Post by **Nath** » Sat Apr 03, 2010 11:06 am

Don, I am sorry that I very nearly missed your loss. They sure grow on you don't they.

There is truth in what danny said about them holding on through winter, I have seen that too.

Best wishes.

Nath.

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Sat Apr 03, 2010 11:19 am

Thanks Nath.

I was watching a Sheepdog trials in Scotland on RFDtv, awhile back and those guys have the same troubles with their Kelpies as we do with our stock dogs, but dang we all sure love our dogs.