Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Companion Dog Excellent


Miles died today. He was only 13 and never had a sick day in his life. I found him this afternoon when I got home from work. I thought he was sleeping. He wasn't. He died calmly and without drama just like he lived. Always a gentleman.

Miles was my son's dog. His 4-H project that he bought with his birthday money. He wanted a Sheltie and I wasn't so sure I did. All that hair...and aren't they yappy?
We found a good breeder and went to see the only puppy left. He wasn't as flashy as his brothers and sisters so he was still available. My son signed the papers, handed over the money and named his new puppy Miles. We took him home and that night when we went to bed we put him in his crate and didn't hear a peep out of him until morning...always a gentleman.

That was one puppy that was lucky to not be so flashy. His puppyhood was spent being doted on by a boy and his enthusiastic 4H club. Although still my son's dog, I took over his training when the boy moved on to other things.
He was the first dog I clicker trained and he loved to work. Show him something three times and he had it. He loved obedience, agility and even dabbled in tracking one summer.

Miles was a cherished member of our family and will be missed but don't spend a moment feeling sad for him. He had the best life a dog could have had.

28 comments:

Julie Whitmore Pottery said...

Lucky Miles.
Beautiful tribute

Teresa said...

It's obvious Miles was a cherished member of your family. I am sorry you've lost a loved one and glad he had such a peaceful passing. Blessings.

@JDHealingTimeOnEarth said...

Sending you all a big hug, Wendy.

Brenda said...

I'm sorry that Miles passed so suddenly. It sounds like you have lots of great memories to keep him alive in your hearts and part of your family for many more years. Thank you for sharing your wonderful tribute to him.

Linda Foley said...

It's always hard when we lose our beloved pets... *hug*

Kathryn said...

Your tribute touched my heart especially after losing my shelties in the last 6 mths. I am sorry for your loss. Our beloved pets do hold special places in our hearts. They will always be loved and remembered.

Holly said...

Lucky Miles to have lived such a full and beloved life.

Cathy said...

I am sad for you. It is always a sad day when we loose a good animal. Miles certainly sounded like he fit the bill of a good dog.

Danni said...

And lucky Miles to have been your dog.
Hugs to you, Wendy.

Sheryl at Providence North said...

It is always hard to lose our much beloved companions. I am sorry for your loss.

Sandy said...

I don't feel sad for him at all but I know that hole he left in your heart will ache for a while. Thanks for giving him an awesome life and sharing it with us.

Terry Golson said...

I'm not sad for Miles - to have lived such a good life and to have died peacefully is a blessing. I'm sad for you. Even with all of your other animals, I'm sure your house seems empty.

Mom L said...

No tears for Miles - he obviously waited for the very best family and boy to take him home. My tears are for you and your son - it's hard to lose beloved companions.

Nancy in Iowa

Marigold said...

We are so sorry. How wonderful that he passed peacefully, though, and without having to make that agonizing decision. Peace to you and many, many Peanuts.

Christine said...

What a sweet tribute to Miles. My mom had a Sheltie. Smartest dog I've ever seen. I'm sorry you lost your family member.

Chai Chai said...

All dogs go to Heaven, guess Miles went from one dog Heaven to another.

Gone2theDawgs said...

Miles couldn't have asked for a better life! I'm glad you were able to spend such wonderful years in each others company. Hugs! Tammy

Kelly said...

we just lost our lab of 13 yrs right before christmas. I know how you feel. We all do our very best to give them a loving home and spoil them. They always manage to take part of our hear with them when they go. My thoughts are with your family.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear about your loss. He had a wonderful life from puppyhood to senior status. I am with a sheltie rescue group in Houston and have 3 shelties of my own, so I was amazed because this is the first time I have visited your blog and to see your beloved sheltie. Hugs and prayers to you and your family, and know that he is running free at the Rainbow Bridge, just waiting for you and his boy!
Jenny

small farm girl said...

I'm not feeling sorry for Miles, I'm feeling sorry for you for losing such a loved family member. I know he will be missed.

Verde Farm said...

Oh I’m sorry. I know Miles had a wonderful life-how blessed he was. I am sorry for your all as I know you will miss him. He sounds like a wonderful dog.
Hugs, Amy

Louisette said...

We mever can forget our pets, life is shirt for dog, but stay alway in our hart in memory,
Greeting from Beklgium, nice blog and fotos.

Heide said...

I'm sorry that your family will go on without Miles to help brighten the days. Every dog should be so lucky to score a life as good as he had.

goatgirl said...

Thanks to all for your kind words. I got to own the best dog in the world and anyone that met Miles would agree. He was an ambassador for his breed and the reason a couple of my friends got Shelties.
Over the last week I've been touched by friends telling me their favorite Miles story-I'd forgotten that I took him to school and had him demo scent discrimination and jump over children.
I'd forgotten that every time he saw my friend, the dog trainer extraordinaire, he would sneeze at her in delight.
Thank you old friends and new friends for taking a moment out of your day to let me know you cared about a little brown dog named Miles.

goatfarmer said...

Oh no. I have just heard about Miles. He was a gentleman and a scholar, without a doubt.

Glass Girl said...

I'm so sorry to hear of Miles passing. But in my heart I always thought if I was to die and be reincarnated as a dog I would want to be one of yours. He had the best life a dog could possibly have.

Julie

Rae said...

Sounds like Miles had about as good a life as a dog can have. He was a lucky pup.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry - there'll always be a Miles-sized hole in your hearts. And what a beautiful picture.