Thursday, April 14, 2011

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.

12 comments:

  1. He truly was a great friend.

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  2. My deepest condolences to you and Kelly!!!! Im so sorry for your loss!!

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  3. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and Kelly during this difficult time. From stories of Kwik and your blog above, he definitely lived up to the saying "man's best friend"! It is never easy losing what I call "our furry children". We will miss seeing Kwik on your Christmas cards. Sending you hugs from the Tsai Family:) Love, Steph, Davis & Ethan

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  4. He was a special dog buddy! I am thankful I was lucky enough to be able to hunt with him and have some great memories. I'll never forget the expression on his face in the grouse woods when a grouse decided to "run" (which Jack promised would not happen) right back at us about 3 feet between me and him. I trully think even Qwik thought, "what the"? I saw him make retrieves in North Dakota and the one on Pete's Point that I was sure he would dissapear and drown but he made it back duck and all. Hang in there Jack and Kelly!

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  5. Jackson: you were lucky to have each other. And he doubtlessly felt your and all your friends' love and respect in his final hours.

    all best wishes
    Andrew

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  6. What a touching tribute to such a wonderful puppy. I will miss him running down the street to say hello, or playing with his red toy. I'll miss him plopping on my lap or sitting on my feet. I'll miss feeding him way too many treats (his and my little secret...). You were lucky to have such a wonderful dog. If I ever get one, I hope he is just like Kwik!

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  7. Sorry to hear about your loss. I know the emotion all too well. Rest assured, he has some good company in the endless coverts. I'll raise a glass to him.

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  8. Sorry to hear of your loss Jackson, I know the bittersweet feeling all to well.



    "Be thou comforted, little dog, Thou too in Resurrection shall have a little golden tail." Martin Luther

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  9. thank you all so much, this has been a heart wrenching time for us, BUT we know it was 100% the right decision. It doesn't make his lack of presence any less sad, but as one person said, " he just joined a WHOLE lotta other great dogs, in teh fileds and ponds that never end"

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  10. Wonderful tribute.

    Rest in peace Kwik


    Moe

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  11. I don't hunt, but thats not the point. A good dog is like blood that pulsates through the heart. Both can't live without one another. Sorry for your loss.....just stumbled on this blog, trout is how I landed.

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