July 16, 2009

Goodbye My Old Friend

"Dreyfus" Best Dog ever, passed over the rainbow bridge yesterday. He was the best livestock guardian dog I have ever had. He was a wise, patient and quiet old soul with a fun, quirky personality. Dreyfus, you took your job seriously, but you could be silly too. Affectionately called "the leaner" because he liked to sit and lean against your leg and as soon as you quit petting him he would throw his head back and lean harder. I remember the time the rather "fussy" lady came to look at goats in her flip flops and you dripped drool on her foot. Classic Dreyfus! My boy, this place isn't going to be the same without you. You were a valiant protector of your flock, a beautiful soul and a good friend. I am going to miss you.



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32 comments:

  1. Esther GarviJuly 16, 2009 at 5:24 AM

    Oh Jennifer! I'm so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful guarding he was! The picture says it all. Love the attitude! Thinking of you,
    Esther

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  2. AnonymousJuly 16, 2009 at 5:30 AM

    What a pretty dog. bye sweet Dreyfus :-(

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  3. Twisted FencepostJuly 16, 2009 at 6:41 AM

    So sad! So sorry to hear about your beloved Dreyfus.
    I've never read the Rainbow Bridge story before.
    Brought tears to my eyes. I wonder how many are waiting for me? I have had many critters than meant the world to me.

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  4. Mary HumphreyJuly 16, 2009 at 7:10 AM

    I am so sorry, Jennifer. I know how much you loved Dreyfus.

    Losing much loved animals stays with us for a very long time, forever in many cases.

    Dreyfus, good boy, rest in peace. Please say hello to those that we have loved, look after them too.

    Dang it, now I am crying! Love you, Jenn.

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  5. AlisonJuly 16, 2009 at 7:56 AM

    Awww, you poor thing! Lucky you, knowing such a perfect dog. Love them working dogs; they've got good heads on their doggy shoulders. Plus, he looks like he was a handsome lad.

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  6. AnonymousJuly 16, 2009 at 9:11 AM

    Hugs to you sweetie!

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  7. Joanna@BooneDocksWilcoxJuly 16, 2009 at 10:04 AM

    I've never even had a working dog but maybe one day. I'm so sorry Dreyfus has passed. He will be remembered fondly on your blog.

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  8. barefootchefJuly 16, 2009 at 10:33 AM

    Oh Jennifer, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Words just aren't adequate! Big hugs to you. Know that you are in my thoughts...

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  9. MoonshadowJuly 16, 2009 at 10:36 AM

    Another blogging friend recently lost her longtime companion also, http://kansasa.blogspot.com/2009/07/annie.html. I am on my way to her blog to share with her your Rainbow Bridge story.

    I still feel my departed companion's presence in places she waited for me, like at the top of the stairs when I was in the basement doing laundry. :)

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  10. brokenteepeeJuly 16, 2009 at 11:00 AM

    I am so sorry.

    There are just too many farm animals dying right now.

    Goat hugs

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  11. AnonymousJuly 16, 2009 at 11:19 AM

    I'm so sorry. What a wonderful companion.

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  12. Nancy M.July 16, 2009 at 2:00 PM

    I am so sorry about Dreyfus! He sounds like he was a wonderful friend and great protector!

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  13. A.C.EJuly 16, 2009 at 2:13 PM

    I'm so sorry, Jennifer!

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  14. lisaJuly 16, 2009 at 2:50 PM

    I am very sorry for your loss :(

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  15. Boozy ToothJuly 16, 2009 at 3:57 PM

    Awwww Jen, I am so sorry. The loss of a faithful and treasured pet is just as hard as losing any loved one. I myself have a little pooch who is 15 and is inching ever closer to the rainbow bridge.

    My heart is with you. Take comfort in knowing that Dreyfuss will be patiently waiting for you at the pearly gates one day.

    I love you.

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  16. audrey yJuly 16, 2009 at 6:43 PM

    My first visit to your site. Although I live in a small apartment and don't even have much room for flowers...I still love to hear all about you ladies who are fortunate enough to live in the country. I enjoyed what I read and saw. I'll be back.

    I am also not good with the pictures yet, but am an ex-columnist still doing some writing.

    Audrey Y

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  17. audrey yJuly 16, 2009 at 6:46 PM

    so truly sorry your grand dog has passed over the bridge

    Audrey Y

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  18. Bears FanJuly 16, 2009 at 7:29 PM

    Oh Jennifer, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Dreyfus. Hold those memories dear to your heart,
    hugz
    tracy

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  19. StatchJuly 16, 2009 at 7:32 PM

    I'm so sorry to hear about Dreyfus. Thanks so much for sharing the Rainbow Bridge story. I've lost a beloved cat and a new goat recently, and the story is very comforting.

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  20. dianeJuly 16, 2009 at 8:20 PM

    i'm so sorry jennifer! dreyfus was so beautiful and looked like such a sweet boy.

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  21. BeckyJuly 16, 2009 at 11:15 PM

    Sorry about your dog.
    (((hugs)))

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  22. AnonymousJuly 17, 2009 at 7:04 AM

    Jennifer, I am truly sorry - it hurts so when we lose our companions. Dreyfus was beautiful and gave you his heart, as you gave him yours.

    Emma (cat) and I will soon be writing from Iowa.

    Nancy - still in Atlanta

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  23. Joanna JenkinsJuly 17, 2009 at 11:48 AM

    So sad, I'm sorry for your loss. He was a beautiful dog. xo

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  24. JenniferJuly 17, 2009 at 3:46 PM

    Thank you all so much for your kind words. They are very much appreciated. Things don't seem the same around the farm without Dreyfus. His daughter Bayla seems a little lost without her Dad's company on fence patrols. It kind of feels like the farm lost it's Grandpa.

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  25. CoriJuly 17, 2009 at 8:23 PM

    Jennifer,

    I'm so sorry. Dreyfus sounds like such a wonderful dog.

    My heart hurts for you.

    Cori

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  26. KathyB.July 18, 2009 at 3:01 AM

    Jennifer, what a noble looking dog, and what a wonderful tribute. I am sorry for your loss of a good and loved dog.

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  27. StatchJuly 18, 2009 at 6:03 AM

    Jennifer, thanks so much for stopping by my blogs and the nice comments. It's so nice to know we're not alone in the parasite issue; we just feel terrible for missing the first signs. I was also so interested to hear of your 'volunteer' cat who likes the goats too. Animals are so much fun! It makes the pain of their eventual loss worth it (even when it doesn't feel that way at the time).

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  28. Magaly GuerreroJuly 18, 2009 at 9:31 AM

    Poor baby ;( May the gods welcome with endless legs to lean on--and a few hands to rub him too. I'm sorry for your lost Jennifer. I know the pain of losing a four legged friend. They leave you with an emptiness that is hard to fill.

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  29. Girl TornadoJuly 18, 2009 at 6:05 PM

    Jennifer, I am so very sad for you - I well know how hard it is when we lose our animal friends. They become such a huge part of our families, whether they are in the house or outside.

    Hugs to you ~ Susan

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  30. Hidden Brook FarmJuly 19, 2009 at 7:19 AM

    Am so sorry Jennifer.

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  31. Summer GypsyJuly 20, 2009 at 8:38 AM

    This is my first visit to your blog. I am sorry for your loss. I have a work dog, a Border Collie. Though we don't live on a farm, he has his chores. Since I work at home, one is to meet and greet my clients when the doorbell rings. Then, he quietly tiptoes to the kitchen with his companion Suzy, and he is at peace with the world until he tells the folks goodbye when they leave. It is a simple job for such an able dog, but he WILL NOT tolerate Suzy greeting or saying goodbye to anyone. I know that someday I will miss those times. So, I can certainly understand the loss you feel. Dreyfus was a beautiful, loyal companion. His spirit is still there for you. I honestly believe that. By the way, I love your blog, and I will be returning regularly. Matter of fact, I'm gonna follow you!!
    Blessings,
    Marilyn

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  32. DayPhotoJuly 21, 2009 at 11:33 AM

    Oh, Jennifer, I am so sorry about Drefus! Losing a family member is so hard, there are really no words anyone can say. Please know that I care, as do everyone else here.

    Dogs and animals just don't live long enough. They just don't.

    Linda
    http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

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