Had a bit of a moment today

[barry581]

I started field training with a small group with Bruce last June. When Bruce passed I set my mind that I would keep going with Sophie, even though she really isn't what you would call a motivated retriever. So every Monday since mid April we go to field training. After all the dogs are run, I'll work with Sophie by myself, as I don't want to waste everyone's time with a dog that just won't get with the program. I'm completely at peace with this, and I work with her every day hoping the switch will flip.

We had done a series of water retrieves, and I was tossing bumpers for everyone. As we reset to another location I worked with Sophie and she did several water retrieves which in the grand scheme of things were really not that great. I dried her off and got her in the car and headed to the next spot that we were going to run from.

I tossed bumpers for 3 dogs, and we were swapping out throwers and those running their dogs. The lady who runs the show has two dogs, and she calls me over and tells me I'm going to run her senior dog on 3 marked retrieves. I was like, wellllllll oooookkkkk. The first mark was a land/water/land/water/land/water/land retrieve that was about 80 yards. I called for the mark, and sent the dog. As I was watching him, my mind wandered back to last year when we were working the same spot, and I sent Bruce on a similar mark, but with one less crossing of water. Bruce pretty much nailed that retrieve, and it was that moment I knew that boy was something special.

The dog I was working today nailed the retrieve. As he was returning all I could think was if Bruce was still here, how far would he have come. Would he have nailed this retrieve too?

There are no words to describe how much I miss that boy, and how bad my heart still hurts.

All I can do now is thank Bruce for how much he taught me, and how much the new pup will benefit for what I learned. I can only hope Bruce is up there smiling down on me.

[sparky]

We never lose the pain, we just learn to deal with it. Grief pops up when you least expect it. The glimpse of a dog, a toy, a smell... We just deal with it. I'm sure Bruce is smiling at the Bridge.

[Berna]

Bruce is nailing retrieves in Heaven, I am sure of that.

[Rosy]

Sorry for what happen to Bruce, I know he's always watch you over there.

[Macy]

Bruce was a very special boy.

[soberbyker]

[BaconsMom]

My heart aches for you thinking about Brucey Boy. We all loved him here with you. Bruce was an absolutely amazing dog, and I know he is smiling down on you because you gave him the best life a dog could ask for.

[Snowshoe]

I know, it's the same with people. Some common experience repeats but the dog or person isn't there and for a moment you're just overcome. Teddy was an outside dog and when I'd come around the corner of our house I say "Hi Ted". One day I did that and it was two years after he'd gone. Gets you.

[Annette47]

Yes ... every so often I still have those moments even with Scully, who will have been gone for 5 years on Thursday. More frequently with Mulder who has been gone a little over a year. Even with Jolie occasionally, who wasn’t with us for all that long. I suspect (and honestly hope as it means I haven’t forgotten them) that I will always have those moments ... just fewer of them as time passes.

I think it must be harder though, with having lost Bruce so young. (((HUGS))) to you, my friend.

[Blackboy98]

I am with you Barry. My Cracker's anniversary of 5 years gone is coming up and very time I look at the calendar-it's difficult not to beak down and cry.

I am absolutely sure Bruce is watching you and wagging that big, beautiful tail and saying "throw it Dad, I'll bring it right back for another and another'.