They become a part of us...

I had to put down my beloved old English Setter, Jenny, year before last, as she had breast cancer. She and I went for a walk down the irrigation ditch that always holds a covey of valley quail; I carried my old Stevens 311 sxs 410 with slugs this time. She went on a rock solid point, the kind that made her famous around here with those who had the privilege of seeing her work birds. It was her last point...ever...she and the Stevens are burried below the Russian olive grove where the quail congregate. I still cry when the new puppies and I walk there.

Thank God that your cousin had the love and strength within him to do the right thing...the right way. No finer and truer companion has there ever been, than a man's dog.