Five years ago today

[Lab Dad]

Red crossed The Bridge. That day he bloated about 11a and he was gone at 2p. He was maybe 12 years old then. We first met when he was maybe 9 years old. A big friendly soul in an old yellow coat. He had to have something in his mouth when he greeted me; expected breakfast at 7a, dinner at 5p or he would get it himself thank you very much; Being a wise old dog, he taught me many things. I miss him very much.

Some people are afraid to adopt older dogs because of the possible cost and heartache. When I first met Red I too thought he was too old. Wife prevailed. The best thing I learned from Red is there is nothing, absolutely nothing like the love of an old dog. God let me hold Red's leash for three years before he wanted him back, and made it painfully clear He wanted him back then. Three short years but wonderful years. I learned a lot. I miss Red a lot.

On September 1, 2001 Red was not in the best of health. His joints ached a lot and he had congestive heart failure. Around the time Red died. A big, young, yellow Lab with a bad eye was picked up by Animal Control. No tag. No collar. No micro-chip. Held in a cage waiting for someone to claim him, counting the cages and the number of days they had before they had to destroy him. Red was old though in slowly declining health. The young stray was in good health other than the eye. God took back Red's leash but wanted us to hold on to the leash of one of his other Labs. Another special one.

There is nothing like the love of an old dog. It is very potant stuff. It is like wrapping up in your favorite blanket sitting in your favourite chair and just being. We gave Red a second chance and we are far richer for it.

[Mel]

A sad anniversary for you. :'( Run free, sweet Red.

[Emma the Lab]

What a beautiful and sad story. That was a very good thing of you to do,adopting RED. I've seen a pic of him and his wisdom glow from him. (Can you post that pic here too?) Thank you for taking care of him during his last years.

I agree with you there is nothing like the love of an old dog. They teach you so much, don't they?

Run free sweet Red, you are loved and missed... :'(

[imported_zoezoe]

[zgirls]

a beautiful read, Lab Dad......run free, sweet boy.......

[RebaHalle]

Thank God for memories, even when they make us cry.

[labby]

I'm sorry Andy.

[Scout and friends]

Wow. Very moving. I'd love to see a picture of Red.

[AbbyandMolly]

I'm so sorry.

That was a wonderful story though, it brought a tear to my eye

[rexduke]

:'(

Awwww beautiful memories, thanks for sharing.

:'(