Ode to Hobo...

[FrogHunter]

There's absolutely nothing like a good dog.

 

[agrant12]

So sorry man!

 

[WLhunter]

Shed tears with you happy for the GAIN of a friend for 11 years you will never forget.And so sorry that our friends pass so soon from our lives.

 

[fattboyzz]

Very sorry for y'all's loss :0(

We lost our Raja a couple years back an we still miss her sweet soul !

 

[Greybeard]

Sorry for your loss, they say that once in life you have a dog that bonds to you like no other. I have had two in my life and with both passing years ago, it still brings tears to my eyes.
Both shepherds, needed to take first one to the vet and put him down do to bad hips. Came home from work one day and all he could do was crawl to me, I couldn't take it no more and didn't want him suffering.
Second passed under the big oak tree out in my front yard guarding my property. That was over ten years ago, still haven't run into the right one for me.
Both still bring tears to my eyes, I feel your pain. I wish I could say it gets better but, it doesn't. Be thankful for the time you had with him and remember all dogs go to heaven.

 

[Spikey]

Been there and done this too many times. I know how you feel. I know it was probably hard to get the son home from school but glad you could ! Trust he's doing well !

 

[ThatOtherGuy]

View attachment 1239488 View attachment 1239487

Warning. If you are not a dog lover move along... nothing for you here.

Actually, maybe you should stay. To learn the joy and sorrow that makes a dog a man's best friend.

Hobo, the family dog died tonight in my 17 yr old sons arms. He was 11 years old. He waited till my son came to get him because he didn't want to die alone. We got to hold him one more time while he was still warm....and say goodbye.

Hobo's story begins with being born in the wild to a starving but beautiful German Shepherd looking mom. She was not a pet....living in the wild. Abandoned maybe?

He was one of a large litter of pups that were sucking the life out of mom till she was skin and bones. Our paths crossed one spring day in 2006 when my wife and I were looking for property in rural Morgan county. We were in the Jeep with the top off.
All of a sudden my wife yelled "Stop!". She had seen mom and the 8 puppies crossing the road behind us. I slammed on the brakes and she hopped out while we were still rolling. She caught the last pup going up the ditch. It was Hobo.
He came home with us and immediately became a beloved part of the family.

He grew into a beautiful German Shepherd looking dog. He was kind, intelligent and loving. He survived the day he chewed my gun case left on the porch while I was packing for a hunting trip...it was my new favorite and expensive rifle. He had dragged it across the yard...into the rain. I wanted to shoot him...literally. But I couldn't .

He also survived when my wife came down the driveway too fast in the Tahoe. He went right under the right rear tire. I saw it all...expected a dead dog and a devasted wife. He yelped, rolled over and ran to me. Little skinned place on his belly. We took him to the vet expecting internal injuries and death. He lived 7 more years.

He loved me, my wife and all of our growing family of 6 children. All of us thought he loved us best. He was that kind of dog. He made friends with my horse, my wife's Maltese puppy and our baby grandchildren. Even my wife's pet squirrel Jeffrey. He instinctively knew who was part of the family. The only person he ever bit was a county deputy who banged too hard on the front door when he came to talk to us about putting an "Elect Sheriff xxxx" sign up in the yard. Good Hobo.
I only heard him growl in anger a few times...and it was always in defense of us, his family. It would make your hair stand up on the back of your neck. He was a fierce protector.

He loved riding in the truck. Preferred the front passenger seat. Fearlessly rode in the Polaris Ranger anywhere you wanted to go, He just wanted to be included.

He was even a good tracking dog. When my son and I shot our first deer with a bow they both ran off the property. After losing the blood trail I told my son... Go get Hobo. He found them both. What a dog.

I think God made dogs to show us humans what unconditional love, loyalty and happiness looks like. It took so little attention and affection to make him completely happy and content. Not many humans are better people than Hobo was...if any of us.

RIP Hobo. I'll see you in heaven or I don't wanna go.

I know what you mean about why God put dogs here. Humbling to see that unconditional love. So sorry for your loss.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

 

[BeefMaster]

As heartbreaking as it is they do live on in our hearts and minds. I can still remember my bird dog Lucky. They are memories that can make you laugh and cry at the same time.

 

[Lionheart]

Nothing like a good dog passing to make us grown men into sentimental crybabies. Thanks guys, it's obvious I'm not the only one who has enjoyed a faithful four-legged friend's devoted companionship. Maybe that's why as boy some of my favorite shows were Lassie, Big Red, Rin Tin Tin, Old Yeller, etc.
I still can't hardly stand to watch the movies "Old Yeller" and "Big Red". Breaks my heart every time.

I do appreciate all your kind words.

 

[WLhunter]

You didn't add Where the red fern grows..