S T O R I E S
9-4-09
MKenzie was my daughter Lea's dog for her first 11 years of life. But LA apartment life was tough on MKenzie, so Lea sadly, but wisely, gave her to us.
After killing her first raccoon, MKenzie adapted to farm life very quickly!
I figured she was worth MY weight in gold, because she refused to let one of "Weld County's most wanted," get beyond the bridge over our seep ditch.
A combination of being 14 years of age and a bad abscessed tooth, threw her blood out of whack and slowed her down dramatically this past month.
Her most favorite things to do were: Sleeping in the flower bed with Seek the cat, hanging out with Aggie May (our other dog) and Chuck while he irrigated, and walking our woods trail with us.
My son Philip built her a cool carpeted ramp, so she could climb up to and ride in the truck bed.
Today she was trying to keep up with Chuck while he was loading branches in the truck. He's always careful to keep an eye out for her, but she was in a blind spot and he accidently hit her with the truck.
I didn't want to see her, so Chuck went out alone and buried her in the woods. Knowing "Pastor Chuck," I'm sure he gave her a wonderful prayer.
We'll take her big plank, make it into a cross, and put it on her little grave.
Most likely she's already tutoring other dogs on how to kill raccoons, and growling at any bad guys who try to con their way past the pearly gates, and smiling broadly at God.
Thanks for saving my life, bringing Aggie May and Seek friendship, and being a pal dog to Chuck.
Most of all, thank you for all your never-ending beautiful smiles MKenzie. Thanks!
Roni
The same exact accident that killed our Golden Retriever Murphy in 2000 at age 12 .
I am so , so very sorry for your loss and Chucks too.
Ryan and I wept like little babies as we wraped Murph in a blanket and burried him.
So, so sorry. Bob
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I'm so sorry to hear about MKenzie....it's always tough to lose a "pal". Guess that's the reason I have given up on having a pet cuz I've had too many heartbreaks. My first one after marrying was like my child until I had to put him down...this was all before Meri came onto the scene. Had a few after her arrival and growing up yrs and always there was this sadness of losing the pet. My old heart can't take it anymore as I age as I get so emotionally attached to them. I'm sure MKenzie is romping around having fun, has forgiven the accident and will be patiently waiting for you in the hereafter. She had a good long life doing what she liked best everyday she was here on earth. Judi
___________________________________________________I am sorry to hear about MKenzie. We had to put our last dog down because of cancer and we decided then that it was no more dogs.
We have several times thought about it, but we still are dog less at this time. Pauline
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What a lovely tribute for MKenzie. Sent me immediately into giving more attention to Amos. Our dog pals.......such blessings.
Darling photo. Thanks for sharing and being a terrific dog lover. Christie
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What a nice tribute to your dog. Our present dog, an Aussie Shepherd, is pressing 15 and still going, prior to her, our German Shepherd lived to 17. They become such big parts of our lives and return so much to us. So, I know where you are coming from. You captured that all so well in this eulogy. My regards to you and Chuck, Bart ___________________________________________________ I love dogs and wish that my lifestyle was such that I could have one. I know that it wouldn't be fair to the dog though.
Keep up the good work and I am sorry for your loss. Harriet
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Thank you so much for doing this email you sent. Very nice! MKenzie
did have a good life after LA! Thanks to Roni and Chuck Sylvester. Philp E
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Always hard to lose a best 4 legged friend....She was beautiful. Sharon
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I'm so sorry. I know you gave her a wonderful life. I'll miss having her greet me at your back door. What a beautiful tribute you wrote. Thanks for sending it.
Theresa
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Hey, sorry to hear about MKenzie. Pets ARE part of the family... Nobody knows that better than a farming family... Randy
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My heartfelt sympathies you, Chuck, Lea, and Philip. Such a sad thing to lose your best friend.
All dogs go to heaven. Mike
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That's very sweet. Hugh
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I am SO sorry to hear about MKenzie. Dogs do add such blessings to our lives, and she is obviously a super example. Becki
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I am so sorry to hear about MKenzie. She really does smile. I have a dog her age. His name is Bear Dog and he spends most of his time sleeping (right in the way of where you need to be) and barking at everything that will never enter the yard. He doesn't see or hear too well these days and it is a miracle that he hasn't been run over because he just doesn't get out of the way anymore. You sure grow attached to those furry things. Sorry for your loss. Tell Chuck I am sorry too.
Leellen
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My sincere condolances to both of you concerning the loss of MKenzie. I am sure sorry.
You gave her a great place to live these past years. Your friend, John
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Your love shows through in your lovely remembrance of MKenzie and is very touching. You were fortunate to have had those 14 years. I only remember MKenzie as a very voung puppy, before Lea claimed her. I know that she had found a grand home in LaSalle and gave and received lots of love. Dorothy
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So so sorry to hear about MKenzie. I know how special she was to you, Chuck and Lea. I'm sad for you. Verna
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I'm so sorry. It's so hard to lose a good dog. sharon
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I'm so sorry you lost a member of your family today. She was such a sweetheart! I can tell by her picture.
Dogs like her only come along once during our lifetimes and she'll always have a warm place in your and Chuck's hearts. Barb
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I'm so sad to hear this. What a sweetie she looks to be. I have a real hard time getting over losing my beloved pets... They are such loyal and special little friends, and love us no matter what. I send my sympathy. Love & Hugs, Leslie
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I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of one of your dearest friends, "MKenzie". The email you sent me, with the picture, was a very nice tribute to her. And I can't think of a better person to bury her than Chuck. She would be proud.
I think any dog would be smiling if he/she had the life that "MKenzie" had. You provided her a good, loving home. My warmest sympathy goes out to you, Chuck, and Lea.
Love, Mary
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I'm so sorry to hear that Roni - I know I would feel terrible if I ever lost my dog Lucee. Karen
Roni,
I am so very sorry for this accident. Dogs are such people and even though they are never able to talk in our language they are able to communicate to us so many deep and personal meanings. I know how hard it was back in 2001 for the loss of my Theo, I can understand the grief that you are bearing. Please let Chuck know that in some way that was probably the way God intended for her to go. You both mean so much to me, I just had to reply back to you.
May God's blessings, and the memories of MKenzie warm your hearts for a long time. And when the time is right, there will be someone new to share your love with. Have a blessed weekend.
In Sympathy,
Jim
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Hello Roni! It is very a pity to me! MKenzie was a remarkable dog and the excellent friend! I have finished one month ago university. I work as the veterinary surgeon on an integrated poultry farm. Very much I miss! How at you business? Send regards Chuck and Anita!
Love you! Oxana.
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Roni:
I had to postpone my response to this touching commentary on your precious dog. I went through the same thing in May 2008, right before we were going to leave on our 40th wedding anniversary trip. We had just 4 days' notice, so to speak. Bone cancer. Our Pasha never even seemed sick--and we were very careful and watchful. One day, on rushing out to get our paper for us, she collapsed in the driveway. She was 10 years old, brilliant, never caused us any trouble, learned quickly (and frequently didn't need to be taught at all, as in the paper retrieval). Attached are 2 photos.
Now we have two pups from the same litter. They are one year old today, smart, but nothing at all like our Pasha. They needed (and continue to require) some serious obedience training. Both Pasha and the foundling mix before her (Sheba) needed no such training and shocked us with their intelligence and perceptiveness. When Sheba died (she was only 5, but had a lifelong condition, megaesophagus), I wrote a short piece I never sent anywhere because it was too painful for me. I still have it.
Best regards, and so sorry for your loss,
Beverly Eakman
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