Some of you may have noticed that I've largely disappeared from the Leatherwall community the last few months. Part of what's been going on is too much responsibility. Family responsibilities, work responsibilities, chores around the house, all suck the fun out of our lives. I've been lurking on the sidelines of the Wall, posting a comment occasionally, but usually looking at the thread titles and moving on. Here lately, I've been pretty despondent about the loss of Diesel the Wonder Dog. Do a search on my handle and you'll find the vast majority of my posts are about roving North Georgia hills with Big D,. another of the things I called him (I'm sure I can't post some of the other things I called him). Yes, this is another "My dog died thread", so if those don't appeal to you, please feel free to close this and move to the next. Diesel came into my home accidently; he was found by my son on the side of the road while still a young puppy. I remember coming home to find another Lab type puppy in the house (we had a VERY large English lab with us at the time who had also been a foundling) and vehemently refusing permission for another dog in the house. Diesel was to be Anthony's dog, but I knew what would happen, since Anthony was in the delayed entry program and about to leave for five years' active duty in the Marines. I knew who was going to be left with the responsibility for a large dog. Diesel started out a real problem dog; he wouldn't stay with me on evening walks with other people around; he ruined hardwood flooring and wall trim; he'd get up on the counters to steal any food left out. Over time, he turned into a great dog and awesome roving partner.

Angus, our enormous English lab, was no fun on a rove. He'd walk with me, but would get bored during the shooting phase, especially if a long search for an arrow became necessary. Once he got bored and wandered off and I found him outside the woods, on the county road, trying to get back to the car. On a walk or a hike, he was great, but on a rove, not so much. Because of this experience, it was quite awhile before I took Diesel with me. He loved people, and on evening walks would rush at strangers, think that there was a pair of hands that needed to be petting him. Strangers that hadn't met him, however, only saw a big black dog coming at them and it was pretty unnerving. As time went on, though, he learned to stay with me, and if unleashed, would come back to me and wait to be put back on if somebody came along. All he wanted to do was be with me. He couldn't stand it if I left without him in the evening. He knew what it meant when I started to gear up. Putting on boots, filling water bottles, packing a fanny pack would get him excited, but grab a walking stick or bow and he'd go nuts!

Angus, our enormous English lab, was no fun on a rove. He'd walk with me, but would get bored during the shooting phase, especially if a long search for an arrow became necessary. Once he got bored and wandered off and I found him outside the woods, on the county road, trying to get back to the car. On a walk or a hike, he was great, but on a rove, not so much. Because of this experience, it was quite awhile before I took Diesel with me. He loved people, and on evening walks would rush at strangers, think that there was a pair of hands that needed to be petting him. Strangers that hadn't met him, however, only saw a big black dog coming at them and it was pretty unnerving. As time went on, though, he learned to stay with me, and if unleashed, would come back to me and wait to be put back on if somebody came along. All he wanted to do was be with me. He couldn't stand it if I left without him in the evening. He knew what it meant when I started to gear up. Putting on boots, filling water bottles, packing a fanny pack would get him excited, but grab a walking stick or bow and he'd go nuts!

very sorry for your lost of your dog. very fine looking dog

Sorry to hear this Ralph. Always enjoyed your roving posts

Deno

Lost my buddy 4 years ago. He made it 19 years (yes, he was very old), and we grew old together. I truly know your feelings and so sorry for your loss.

Jerry

Sorry about the double post and sideways photo. Thanks Grizz. He turned into quite a dog, lots of personality and tons of fun. He listened really well, unless left alone in the yard, in which case he'd wander off on a walkabout. Here he is on a local ridge. I'd went to go on a short rove after work and climbed this ridge several hundred feet higher than I'd intended. He didn't care, just wanted to be along for the fun...

So sorry, I enjoyed seeing Diesel on your roves.

Very sorry for the loss of your dog. I had a yellow female lab named Sunny I lost so I know how it feels. When you are ready for it, a new pup sure helps heal a heart broke over the loss of a old friend.

Ken

There family and will be missed as one it's hard I've been there I feel your pain

Losing a companion like Diesel is a big deal. I have a black lab who will be 13 in January. He has some arthritis and don't move so well anymore but is still going. I hate to think about losing him one day but it is inevitable. God only gave them to us for a little while, but man..they sure do fill a spot while they're here. So sorry for your loss.

There's a ridge here in the local WMA that D and I spent a lot of time in. This ridge is several hundred feet high and has a cell or TV tower on top. I'd tried to get up it a few times, only made it to the lower elevations. I went out once (without Diesel)to just wander a few hours, but it turned into a marathon. I found some roads that lead to a ghost road that led to a dry waterway, that led to the top. I found a path on top, and went the wrong way, naturally. I walked away from the tower to the end of the ridge. I knew where I was and where the car was, but there was no trail from where I was to it. I had to descend the other side of the ridge and walk back via logging roads. It turned into a nine hour day, and towards the end it wasn't much fun... Anyway, while out stumping on the other side of the ridge, the one I'd descended, I found a creek running up the ridge that I was sure would take me where I wanted to be. On New Years Eve Day 2013, Diesel and I tried again.

Well, I will try and finish this tomorrow, I guess. I keep getting server error messages when I post pictures.

Suffice it to say for now, thank you for the kind words. Part of why I feel bad is because back in June, I took Diesel for a rove, as always, and he came out of the woods lame. I don't know when on the rove it happened, but we took him to the vet and found out he'd torn an ACL. I didn't even know dogs have ACLs. Big D had some arthritis, as George mentioned, and had cancer, I think. He had lumps forming under the skin. The ACL surgery would have cost thousands, and the vet said that with his other issues, Diesel would have only had a year or two more at best. In July, Diesel went on his last car ride, to the vet. Thanks everyone for looking at this. Like I said, I hope to post more tomorrow.

Well, that picture went, so let me continue. You guys might like this. We went up this ridge, next to this stream, most of it vertical, or nearly so. I didn't think any dog could climb these rocks and things, especially Diesel (he was never the most graceful of canines), but he went up like a champ. He'd go anywhere I did, with some coaching... This stream went up the side of the ridge, into a bowl on the ridge. This bowl (I'm sure there's a name for it, but I don't know what it is) was big, maybe ten acres, and was a really pretty forest. We veered away from the stream at this point, to the left, and went up the edge of the bowl, which led to the top of the ridge. Beautiful piece of woods. This is the cool part. We got to the top of the ridge, and it was in the clouds. The ground and the foliage was covered with some kind of white, snow/ice precipitation. I can't do it justice with words. There was still snow ice crystals in the air, but they weren't really falling, just kind of floating, drifting to the ground, because we were IN the cloud. Surrounded by white vapor, with sunlight filtering in, white ground, glittering plants, it was amazing! We followed the ridge, in the correct direction this time, and found the tower. By then the cloud had dissipated and we had beautiful sunshine. The crystals on the ground and foliage were melting fast, but it was cold up there. Coming back, we found where that stream started out as a trickle at the top of that bowl. We followed game trails down through the bowl, then had to climb back down alongside the creek, and then hike back through the woods. The fire in the fireplace felt really good that night!

Very sorry for your loss

Best part of my day is spending time in the woods with my dogs

When my last 2 died with in one summer I couldn’t breath

You never forget a great dog but it is easy to fall in love again

When the time is right find a new friend

Here are my new two coming out of the woods in the dark with me getting caught by a trail Cam

Diesel loved cold weather. He came alive in the fall. He'd go out with me in the warm months, but he really got active in the cold. After a chill romp, though, he'd lay as close to the fire as he could get. This is Diesel in the snow here in Georgia last winter.

I'm torn about getting another large dog. We have two more dogs, little ones, that my wife acquired and brought home. One, Daisy, in this picture with Diesel, is pretty good, she's a rat terrier mix, we think. The other one, Tater Tot, (we didn't name him) is a Italian Greyhound mix, I think. He's the size of a Chihuahua only with really (relative to his size)long legs. He's blazing fast. Daisy is ok, but she doesn't stay close to me and I think she's too little for a really long rove. Tot is afraid to get in the car... I said no to both of them too, for what it matters. I'd like another large dog, but I'm looking to retire in a few years and, for now, at least, the plan is to get into an RV and travel. Don't know that three dogs in a trailer is a good idea.

So, I've not been roving or shooting much. I had no idea I'd miss Diesel this much. I still expect to see him in his corner of the landing when I get home from work. Diesel, Daisy and I used to go for a walk almost every day, usually around the ballfields at the athletic complex a few miles away. Sometimes we'd go out into the woods, sometimes on a short walk. Daisy does fine, but she's so little. I took her to the ball fields once since Diesel's been gone, and it wasn't the same. I've been on a couple roves, but its not as much fun alone. Yeah, he was a dog, but he was someone to talk to and be with in the woods. I used to plan rove locations based on creek access. Not only so Diesel could drink, but because he totally LOVED jumping into water, and then swimming or walking out, as the case may be. Here we are in a spot I call Diesel Gulch.

So, any thoughts or comments are welcome. I've worn out a lot of shoe leather following big black dogs through the woods, although Diesel is the only one who ever went on a rove. Thanks for looking, it was a help to me to post this. Here's a last shot of Diesel on the ridge on a rove.

Dammit Ralph, I got blurry-eyed over the past couple posts. I'll miss Diesel as well and I'm sure most here will feel the same.

Dogs are family...period. I'm sorry for your loss.

My little beagle's getting up there...I dread the day! She's the sweetest dog I've ever had. Stubborn, obstinate, bull headed (well, she IS a beagle...lol) but a wonderful dog.

I read once...if you want to find out who loves you more...your wife or your dog...lock em both in the trunk of your car for a couple hours. When you open it, see which one is happy to see you. :^)

Sorry for your loss. Hang in there and hang on to those memories.

My dogs are truly my best friends....to the point your family and wife makes comments about it...lol. I would much spend the day with my dogs than most humans.

You will find another....and they will all waiting for you on the other side.

Loosing a friend is always hard. I feel for you...

We lost our happy dog Joey exactly two weeks ago today. He was fine one day, stopped eating the next day, and a vet visit showed he had cancer. He made it only a few hours when I brought him home from the vet. He was more than a dog, he was a member of the family. We miss him so much. It's hard to lose such a good friend and shooting buddy. Our four legged friends are huge family members.

So sorry to hear of the loss of your roving Buddy Ralph. I always enjoyed your posts as well.

Sorry to hear of the loss of Diesel. I always enjoyed your pics of him. I know how you feel. Due to cancer, we had to put down our previous dog. That is a terrible experience. I now have a chocolate lab who is pushing 15. She is a great dog, but she clearly won't be with us too much longer.

I hope to see you roving again soon.

Sorry for the loss of another Mann's best friend :-( JF

Ralph. This news saddens me to no end. With every one of your roves I felt that I was there with you and Diesel. I hope that your days to come are filled with nothing but good memories of him and that your sadness will eventually subside. Lance

So sorry to hear about the loss of your partner. Some folks just don't understand the bond between man and canine, how deep it runs, and the deep emotional void that happens when you loose a faithful dog. I always believed that God will provide you with another partner if you just ask, he always has for me. I'm on number 6 now, Rusty, a funny little guy that has really brightened up our lives. He arrived a few weeks after we lost my beloved Springer Spaniel, Harley who was faithful to the end. Richard

I was looked forward to your posts ... Mainly because seeing you guys rove with your dog knew made us kindred spirits ... roving with my dogs is one of my life’s great joys ...

I am very sorry for your loss ... my big fella has the same journey coming very soon. I have an ache in my chest just thinking about it.

My condolences...he seemed like he'd be a good roving buddy

Loosing a good friend is always hard, sorry for your loss.

As a former k9 handler and trainer my family and I understand your loss and emotions. They are not just “family pets” . They are a part of the family. Their passing however, is like ours, a part of “the circle of life”. Cherish the memories and look forward to the day when you will meet again and “rove” new fields and forests.

Sorry for your loses guys.Dogs are like part of the family.I was an avid rabbit hunter at one time,and buried,and mourned over many a Beagle.Also cried like a baby when a had to put my weiner dog Chopper down.Just try to remember all the good times you had with them and i think dog lovers are happier people than most.LOL

Sorry to her it. Dogs are great companions.

Sorry to hear of your lose. Seventy years ago I also found a Beagle pup that someone had turned loose in the woods. I had SPOT for over 15 years. I STILL MISS HIM !!

Very sorry for the loss of your dog, partner, buddy, family member.....all those terms and more apply. Ours is 12 1/2 (large black lab). He has slowed considerably and we know we are buying time.

Funny you mention RV'ing. Our dog has traveled tens of thousands of miles with us in the cab of our truck while RV'ing, including an 11,000 mile jaunt to AK. His passing will be a huge blow to our family.

Rejoice in your memories with Diesel and be comforted by the fact that you provided him with a TERRIFIC life, the best life any dog could ask for.

I feel your pain.. I to lost my best friend, 15 years we share the good times and bad. It is very hard to deal with for me. As I know it will be for you also . I hope you grow to love another someday..

So very sorry for your loss.

I’ve always enjoyed your Diesel Roves. It hurts to hear of your loss. You may not see him, but he’s still with you. He couldn’t have had a better life. You will see him again.

Sorry for your loss.

I know your pain. I lost Remington in 2016 and a year later lost Kodi. Rowdy has come along to try to fill the void but is definitely not my Remington. The special ones will always be in your mind and heart but it does get better with time.

You always spoke of him, still do, as a companion more than as a dog. That's the most we can hope for.

My condolences on Diesel's passing.

Enjoyed your roving threads.

He will be missed.

Sorry for your loss also . My chocolate Lab chucky is 12/1/2 now and is slowing down .but I take him swimming every day .he loves it . I got a lump in my throat reading this post . Love are dogs ????

Sorry about your loss of Diesel who I'm sure became a great friend. I've lost many that I will never forget and currently have a 12 Y.O. Shepard that we love dearly. Joel

I am sorry too, DaGunz. Jawge

sad day

Sorry for your loss. I had a dog that made it through the rough and finally got to enjoy a little in her old age of settled life. It was about 5 years ago when she passed. I now (as of last December) have a new 4 legged companion. The real troopers are hard to replace and the unfortunate crime of time. Remember your best bud, but don't stay there. Lots of life to experience.

-Bones

Sorry about that man. We all are only here for a little bit. I enjoyed seeing your posts with ole diesel in them.

Just saw this

Ralph; feel terrible for you; know from Diesels past posts ,that you and I feel about exactly alike towards out Dogs (like a blessing from GOD showing what unconditional love really is)

When I lost my last stump shooting Buddy (Do anything buddy) I was so down for months that my Wife said "you aint gonna make it- either you get another Dog or I'm getting you one )

Was the best thing I could of done- (don't forget the first but heals the void quickly)

Sorry, and best of luck finding a new Buddy

DAMN! It DO hurt to lose 'em! "CHILDREN OF A DIFFERENT FORM..."

Mans best friend for sure, they're definitely family. I still miss my blue healer, she was a great dog.

read here awhile ago, ' in the end , the price of a good puppy is a broken heart'

So sorry to hear of Diesel's passing Ralph. He will be missed. I don't thin Demon is far behind him at this point. :(

You guys have done me a lot of good. I appreciate all the posts. I'm really beginning to rethink getting another big dog. It really took me by surprise how much Diesel's loss affected me. I'm not sure what that would look like, because the best dogs I ever had were rescues and foundlings. Don't know how to arrange that finding a really good dog... A big thank you for all my friends in the Leatherwall community. I knew you guys would help, it just took a while to face it. Thanks again, and by all means, get into the woods with a bow, guys. Take your dog if you have one.

Losing a trusted pet is more than the loss of a friend and companion. It’s losing a role model and mentor.

I sometimes think God gave us dogs to show us what unconditional love and perfect submission looks like. It’s one hard lesson that is easier to learn when it’s seen in practice.

Our last two dogs came from a rescue shelter. In many ways, they ‘found’ us during a visit. Can’t explain the strong attraction. It was just there. So you might consider visiting local shelters and give one of the deserving dogs a chance to find you.

Sorry for the passing of your friend and companion. Any dog can be a good buddy but in terms of a rescue dog.....THEY KNOW. The know what you have done for them and how much better their life is with you. I have a yellow lab that I found at deer camp one winter. He will not let me out of his sight.

It is tough losing a friend but you will find another.

As so many others have posted, I too can feel the emotions that you are experiencing. My last dog was a Rottie who was dropped by unkind people almost on our doorstep. She was six months old the vet said, and came to us a few months after having to put our lab down due to cancer--she had come from the local shelter. Maggie, our rottie, was nothing but love and devotion. It's been 2 1/2 years now and there are times it still hurts a lot.

Sorry for your Loss I too one day soon am staring down the gun barrel myself with my Setter.

My thoughts are maybe one last hunt to hunt her to her death and we both go at same time. She goes doing what she was born to do and I let her go the way she came to me a gun dog!

Sad day when a man losses his dog. Dave that was a purty dog with white patch on his chest I liked that.

Whats even sadder is for those who never experienced the deep relationship with their dog or a dog for that matter they missed out I think.

Its explainable.

Ralph, so sorry for your loss. Beautiful pictures and memories.

Very sorry for your loss Ralph. I always enjoyed your Diesel roving posts and photo's. Please know you are not alone. Those of us who have gone through it understand where you are at right now. It is different for each of us. I lost my best buddy in 2014 at 13 years old and it left a huge hole in my heart. I was in a serious funk for quite awhile dealing with that. It took us 2 years to be ready for another but she sure has brightened up our lives. Time heals and a new pup keeps your mind otherwise occupied. Jeff

I always enjoyed your roving threads.

Sorry to hear that Diesel is gone.

He is certainly not forgotten. He was a great companion and he's buried in your heart, where he belongs.

I think another dog will come your way as it just fits with your walks.

Again, I thank you all for the kind thoughts and words. You all are right, the best dogs are rescue dogs and foundlings. Years ago I went through an amazingly trying time in my life and I’m certain that I owe my continued well being to a daily walk with the dog. I had a pit bull/laxity names Spike that was a pound puppy. He was so great with people that neighborhood kids would knock on the door and ask for Spike like any other playmate. He and I wandered from the Pacific beaches to the Anhles Crest mountains. Angus was a foundling, someone dumped in on our land in Texas. Best dog ever. Enormous, probably 140 or better. Gentle, sweet, never in a fight, never chewed anything, never an accident in the house. His only passion was playing fetch. We wore out those heavy rubber Kong toys. I swear he knew he should have been coyote meat and was just happy to be here. And then Diesel the Wonder Dog. He was found on the side of the road here in N GA. All different, but all good dogs. You guys have really made me rethink getting another big dog. Maybe around Christmas time. We’ll see. Thanks again.

They take us just the way we are, and all they want is our love in return...can’t ask for anything more than that.

DaGunz,

Those best friend dogs of yours were never in better hands than with you. I"m sure they knew that, and when the time is right they would want you to share that again with another.

TLM

Sorry for loss. When I lost my Brittany I was done with dogs for good. Got rid of everything, the kennel, dog boxes, etc. Made it about three years till I got another, and it was a great decision. Only problem is he's 16 now.

Having to say goodbye to them is the price we must pay for having them be such a special part of our lives and the joy we had during those precious few years they share with us. I've buried my share of them and every time I do a little bit of me goes with them.

Sorry for your loss Ralph.

Have gone through it several times, my condolences.

we are close, If you are a Dog person will need another buddy, but right now I know its rough

Diesel was a people person, too. He always wanted to be with us.

He didn't get to get on the bed, but he would nap on the couch. I'd watch TV with my head on his rib cage. He snored-badly-but the rhythm would put me to sleep.

You guys are definitely swaying me towards another dog eventually.

Sorry Ralph, Diesel was a cool dog. Time will help you my friend, Diesel has etched a place in your heart forever. Just remember that day your son brought him home along with your first thoughts. Who knew what a blessing was staring up at you back then.

Our Belle hit 10 last May and she has gone from working/ hunting machine to a house dog. She's a Catahoula with those blue eyes that can stare right into your soul. God knows we love her :)

RIP Diesel

I watched this after reading your post and had to share it. I know how it feels loosing a hunting, roving buddy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOEz5_GAR74

I remembered your past posts roving with Diesel.Sure am missing that already. A really good dog comes around once in awhile, Seems like that's what Diesel was to you. Hope you get past that real soon the best you can.

Ralph, My heart is sad for you, because I know how that feels, losing your best roving and hiking/hunting buddy. I truly empathize with you, and pray you are comforted with the wonderful thoughts and memories you have had with Diesel. Those were great threads you posted with him. It takes time to heal from this, and it took me about the same time to get another dog, as it was that I had Kayak (16 1/2 yrs). I am glad I finally got another fog though (Trapper). Someday you will too - don't wait as long as I did. The next dog is going to be a blessing too. This is Kayak at around 11 yo. The first 'shed dog' I ever knew about.

Pic won't post.

Sorry for your loss Ralph. Had to put my lab down 10 years ago. Still miss her.

I'm so sorry Ralph. I know what you're feeling.

The Power Of A Dog

THERE is sorrow enough in the natural way From men and women to fill our day; And when we are certain of sorrow in store, Why do we always arrange for more? Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware Of giving your heart to a dog to tear. Buy a pup and your money will buy Love unflinching that cannot lie Perfect passion and worship fed By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head. Nevertheless it is hardly fair To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits, And the vet's unspoken prescription runs To lethal chambers or loaded guns, Then you will find - it's your own affair, - But ... you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will, With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!), When the spirit that answered your every mood Is gone - wherever it goes - for good, You will discover how much you care, And will give your heart to a dog to tear!

We've sorrow enough in the natural way, When it comes to burying Christian clay. Our loves are not given, but only lent, At compound interest of cent per cent, Though it is not always the case, I believe, That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve; For, when debts are payable, right or wrong, A short-time loan is as bad as a long - So why in - Heaven (before we are there) Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

Eventually a puppy will smile on you and warm your heart.

Being a dog lover I feel your pain of loosing your best friend. It took us a year last time to fill our void. I swear the wife and I give this one more attention than we give each other. You do need another big dog.

Sorry for the loss. I feel your pain two weeks ago Molly, my tracking dog and friend, took her last ride to the vet. Came home one day and her left legs didn’t work anymore. At 13 years old surgery was out of the question. Prayers for your healing a broken heart. My daughter and her were same age. Too bad they age so fast.

Sorry to hear about Diesel, very sorry for your loss.

Our old rescue Aussie/Mix, Strider, crossed the rainbow bridge June of this year. Can't stop missing him. Thank the Good Lord, we have his younger rescue 'sister' a Gordon Setter/Mix, hard to believe she's 10 now.

Hope Diesel and Strider get to meet, they sound like they would get along just fine.

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