The tree cutter understood.

[Len]

Due to disease and age, I've had to plan on removing some trees in the back yard, and replace them.

When the tree guy came out, I admit I was a little embarrassed to make a special request.

It's under one of the trees due to come out that my dog Frank's ashes were buried ten years ago...with a simple chunk of concrete carrying his name and paw prints as a marker. [Frank is my avatar picture]

I wanted to ask the guy if he could go easy on the digging, and if the old tree could come out, the new one go in, without disturbing the little grave...but I choked up and kicked at the grass a little...trying to retain some semblance of maturity.

He looked for a while at the stone, then reached for his wallet, and showed me a picture of a little Brittany. "This was Frisbee," he said.

"We'll take care, don't you worry."

I guess I lucked out...the tree cutter understood.

Len

[gregintenn]

We understand!

[ralph7]

i understand, too.

my buckwheat (lab) is always out in the yard where he loved to chase the squirrels.
7/16/04

[PA Reb]

There's no better friend than a beloved canine. Its very easy to understand your concern and I applaud you for making your wishes known no matter how "mature" you are !

[doublesharp]

You and I would get along fine.

[IndianaDave]

I understand too. Three of my little friends are out in their backyard, watching squirrels forever.

[WC145]

Lots of us here would've done the same thing. Maggie's spot in our yard will always be preserved.

[Indiana George]

Originally Posted by Len

"I wanted to ask the guy if he could go easy on the digging, and if the old tree could come out, the new one go in, without disturbing the little grave...but I choked up and kicked at the grass a little...trying to retain some semblance of maturity. . .

He looked for a while at the stone, . . .

"We'll take care, don't you worry."

I guess I lucked out...the tree cutter understood."

Len

Baxter's ashes (my Yellow Lab) were buried 8 years ago beneath a particular pine tree where he used to lay in the shade, keep a watchful eye on the house and survey his domain.

The tree cutter is not alone in his understanding.

[NKJ nut]

Believe me' I understand. A good dog is one of the finest pleasures of life. He never expects a lot of you and loves you for who you are. If he displeases you and you get upset at him he wont hold it against you.

How much better could it be? Well a dogs life is way too short.

[nogoodnamesleft]

You're certainly not alone on this one, Len ....

My avatar is my dogo ...

[mpi]

Amen brother!

[Joni_Lynn]

You're my kind of humans!!!

[Fishslayer]

We buried our beloved mutt Shovelhead in the yard & planted a tree. We helped him to the bridge in July of '04 and not a day goes by I don't think about him. We have other dogs but Shovelhead will always hold his own special place in my heart.

[raven818]

Raven left me many years ago. I've kept her with me, everywhere I go on the internet, we go together. Constant reminder ( not that I need it )
Raven818

[jdh]

If only I could get a good pic of this. Sam (125# of black lab) has dug a pit big enough to lay in with just his head out on the ground so he can see they deer when the come to the feeder.

[Snapping Twig]

We understand.



I still miss Felix.

[jkc]

Originally Posted by Len

Due to disease and age, I've had to plan on removing some trees in the back yard, and replace them.

Len

I hate to break it to you, but I don't think this weird tree-removal ritual is likely to help with your disease and aging problems. Nice story about the sympathetic tree removal guy, though...

[pineappleshooter]

I understand. I have a playschool picnic table in my front yard that my daughters outgrew 3 years ago - it's still there because "Princess" (my 5 year old Vizsla) sits on it to survey her kingdom.

[Black_Sheep]

I understand too...

[dmar]

Nothing like a Lab to keep you 'choked-up' ten years later... My chocolate, "Dude," died about a year ago. I may get another dog some day, but he'll never be replaced, a once in a lifetime kind of dog.

I actually keep his ashes on top of my gun safe, as I just haven't been able to reconcile having him leave the house. I guess I like him close by, like he always was...

Nice post Len, thanks for sharing.

[Len]

Originally Posted by jkc

I hate to break it to you, but I don't think this weird tree-removal ritual is likely to help with your disease and aging problems. Nice story about the sympathetic tree removal guy, though...

JKC, I actually thought about changing the grammar a little after I posted, but figured no one would call me on it!

It was worth leaving it there for the laugh!

All the replies remind me that we are all members of a privileged group...those who have experienced a once-in-a-lifetime dog friend.

FWIW...any friends I have who considered me a sappy owner all changed their tune when they got "the" dog.

Thanks, everyone, for the kind words and personal stories.

Len

[Fishslayer]

Originally Posted by Len

All the replies remind me that we are all members of a privileged group...those who have experienced a once-in-a-lifetime dog friend.

Thanks, everyone, for the kind words and personal stories.

Len

We understand.

[tom turner]

Understood. These two very special ones are at rest in the back yard, each below special markers.