She had some internal problems that finally caught up with her in the field late yesterday afternoon ...
Her spirit was high over the last few months , but she deteriorated rapidly in the last few weeks ...
A check up a few weeks ago confirmed what I feared the worse ... Most canine intestinal cancer is advanced when diagnosed resulting in a poor prognosis for recovery ... and with her age we decided to let her ride it out and enjoy her time in the field ..
She colapsed yesterday on a Jack Rabbit hunt with me ... I carried her back to the truck .... wrapped her in a blanket , and she drew her last breaths beside me as we drove to the vet ...
Here are some of my favorite pictures as tribute to my wonderfull Springer Sally ...
She always worked hard ... never sherked a task ..
Always determined on a retrieve ... fur or feather ...
Dog tired after two days at Pelee or a heavy morning for geese ... She was always there for me ... I will miss her at my side ...
In the last months she was losing weight and her back end was acting up more and more ... but she still enjoyed the advetures with her tag along buddy Spike
I hope there is such a place and she can hook up with Mikey V. to continue the hunt ...
I miss her already ....
In Loving Memory ... " Sally Johnson " June 1996 - Jan 2008
A poem that a friend sent me ...
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather, hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest and I will leave you knowing the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
