Rest in Peace Buddy

"KWIK"

10/14/99-04/13/11 

Kwik passed away very quietly at out home last night. The past few days I had noticed he wasn't quite himself, in his normal tendencies and demeanor. That's when I got the call from Kelly that I should come home from work and look at him, I just knew.

It was first time in 10 years that he could barely make it to door to greet me. I told Kelly we better bring him in right now, and not wait till five. I knew when we got the blood work back that it wasn't good, but the chest x-ray showed what we had been assuming since early last year. He did have a liver tumor and and it had gotten pretty massive. That tumor  coupled with internal bleeding, I knew this was going to be the last time I could throw my face into his black mane, and give him the giant bear hug I always did.

He had an AWESOME life, traveling throughout the United States to hunt upland and waterfowl, and being amply skilled at both.  His drive and scenting ability were only matched his  kind personality and (Way to smart for his own good) tricks.

He helped my wife get through infertility, always laying next to her knowing she had a heavy heart. he was there for me through my fathers heart attack, my appendix rupturing, and countless other ailments as he was part of our rehab back to health.

There are SO many funny stories and memories had by so many people, that it was only fitting I threw out a text to family and friends that the vet was coming over at 6:30 to euthanize . The next hour and half our doorway was filled with double digits of people coming to pay their respects to him. That really had an affect on me.  It was amamzing to me that he hada such a profound affect on that many people that they wanted to say goodbye in his last hours. I'm not sure if that made me feel better or worse, but by the wags of his tail, I knew how he felt about it.

He died in my arms, with me whispering "wait for me buddy", and I really meant it. I have no doubt that final command will be followed just like countless others he obeyed without a second thought.

Most professional trainers and pet owners always talk about "that one dog" , that they had that was smarter, more skilled, more affectionate, animated or other qualities that made them one of a kind. I was lucky enough to get that dog with all of those things with my first dog, and for that I am forever grateful.

Thanks Kwik, you changed my life. So raise a prayer, a glass, or a memory of my buddy. Both he and I would appreciate it. When I recieve his ashes, they will be spread along the trail where he retreieved his last grouse this past season.  So when he crossed the rainbow bridge yesterday, I was sad at my own personal loss, but it was his time. He made the absolute most out of his last year, and gave me eternal memories of what freindship and love truly consist of.

Rest in peace buddy, I'll see ya soon.