Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Good-bye Jesse

Jesse in better days, pointing sharp-tails in Montana

A couple of weeks ago my 13 year old setter, Jesse, started to decline food and showed signs of serious arthritis in his hips. He died this morning, laying on his bed in the shade of a plum tree.


He was the companion of many miles, always willing, and durable. He was an honest dog that would stand his birds for a very long time - waiting for me to find him. I will miss him greatly.


Good-bye, Jesse, and thanks for the thrills.

16 comments:

Mark Coleman said...

Sorry to hear that Mike. Thirteen years sounds like a long time until you hit the end of it and then it looks like a blink. Wherever it is that bird dogs go I know he has some good company.

Mike Spies said...

Mark, thank you for the sentiments... you are right. This is the third dog I have lost in the last 18 months, and it gets harder every time.

As I sat with him while he was dying all the memories of days afield cam rushing back. I stoked his shoulder and told him how wonderful it was. But he already knew that.

turn me loose, set me free said...

really hard for me to read about someone's partner and pal going on. Dogs really get the best out a short life. We love ours and know you do also.
Billy

Main Line Sportsman said...

Godspeed Jesse...point some quail in the hereafter where master never misses and the birds flush true.
My sincere wishes...I just put down my 16 yr old Dixie 3 weeks ago...hardest thing ever..

LRR said...

It's never easy to lose a trusted friend. They work so hard to be everything we want them to be, and seldom complain. I know your pain well, having lost three dogs in the last four years. And not a day goes by when I don't wish I could once again give them a scratch behind the ears.

Craig Peters Warrens, WI 443-206-1091 said...

Sorry to hear. Each one is harder than the last.

Karen Thomason/Gordon Setter Crossing said...

I'm so sorry about your loss. Bird dogs are so hard to lose because they are such loyal friends. May you find peace in your memories of Jesse.

Peter Houser said...

Jesse was a fine dog who loved to be in the field, and he was a good companion when the hunt was over. I still remember him running off the edge of that canyon on the Sheldon. Godspeed, Jesse.

Dale Hernden said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Jesse. I know how difficult it is to lose a part of your heart. Thinking of you Mike.

Jim McCann said...

Really sorry to hear this news, Mike. You two sure made some fond memories together. My sincere condolences.

Jim

Andrew Campbell said...

Mike: Am on the road and technology has been conspiring against me to leave my condolences for several days. I'm sorry to hear about Jesse, a dog you gave a great life to, and who gave you everything in return.

all best
Andrew

Mike Spies said...

Thank you all for your kind comments. I miss all the bird dogs that have gone ahead, but fortunately I have a puppy and two other dogs to help me with distraction.

Looking forward to Montana at the end of next month.

Jon Uhart said...

Sorry to hear this Mike. I've yet to lose a dog, but I can't imagine it gets any easier each time. I'm sure Jesse lived a grand life and saw more country than many men ever do.

Dave Brown said...

Hey Mike
Sorry to hear about Jesse .No matter how many dogs you have owned or own saying good bye to a loyal friend never gets easier

Regards
Dave Brown

mdmnm said...

Belated condolences, Mike. I'll offer the words of Robert F. Jones in "The Big One-One": "I'd much rather my guns wore out in a dozen years than my dogs. There's something wrong in a world where even a good pair of boots lasts longer than a great gundog."

Kirk Mantay said...

Real sorry to hear it. Lost my duck dog in February, a month shy of his 15th birthday. Broke my heart.