In Memory of Stuart

CH Kathben's Heart of Linea RN

2-12-2006 to 8-28-2017



Stuart

(CH Daisymead's Power Play X 
Ch Linea's Blonde Over Blue RE) 

Stuart (also known as Stewy, Stu Stu or, as a baby, "Crooked Spot") went to join his Mom, Blondie and his best buddy Herschel this afternoon after several months of declining health that had recently seemed to become an avalanche of weight loss.  Over all he had maintained his happy upbeat attitude and "I can chase squirrels anytime" spirit.  I am just grateful that he never appeared to be in discomfort, Only this morning when he vomited his water twice in three hours did he appear a little perplexed with himself and confused.  After some additional blood work, urinalysis  and x-rays today the vet and I agreed that it was time to let him go while he still seemed without discomfort and had his dignity intact.

*A special thanks to Dr. Rich and his staff at Four Paws Animal Hospital, especially the vet techs who shared some of their fried chicken with him. Their attention and care made his last day full of love and special attention.

Stuart started his life as just one of Blondie's boys.  One of six boys in an all male litter!  . Stuart was the one that caught your eye as soon as he was able to get up on four legs and move. He always stood up straight as if to say, you better look at me! And did I mention he knew how to move, too?  While the other boys moved on though, Stuart stayed.  

And now you know how he came by his puppy name "Crooked Spot".

Herschel took baby Stuart under his wing when it was nap time.

Stuart also had supervision on his early hikes.

And on his early water experiences.

Later Stuart quickly learned other water skills.

 

He had his pensive quiet moments when we really knew he was just waiting for the squirrels to think he wasn't paying attention.

And there were those dog shows. He earned his AKC Championship at about 16 months back before Grand Champion was offered. 

American Spaniel Club 2016.

Stuart also played in the UKC ring.  He went BIS Altered in all but one of the UKC shows he entered. 

Not too, too long ago he came out of retirement so his friend Savannah could show him again at UKC. Again he and Savannah took home both BIS ribbons for that day!

And he always fondly remembered the two 4-H seasons living with his girl, Kelsey, and trying to pass himself off as just another of the family's Labradors....(so that everyone had a dog for their project those two years.)

He liked to listen to the children read to him at the library.

And he loved snow!

Here he is taking is younger sister Izzy on a tour of downtown Lebanon.

And traveling.  He made it on many RV trips including the Alaska,  Baja and PNW road trips. Here he is checking out some of the "killer logs" along the Washington state shore line.

 

  

Keeping a watch on his Florida campsite at Silver River State Park.

Stuart was double checking to be sure he was allowed to explore Fort Davis.....

"Mom said we are stopping here for the night but it looks like a Walmart parking lot to me.  Didn't she get your memo, Remi, about our liking state parks best?" commented Stuart after a long day's drive.

Homer, Alaska's catch of the day.

That August day in the Grand Tetons in 2012 that he took on the position as chief navigator.

Out standing in the field in Mexico..... 

Stuart got to enjoy a last "camping trip" with his pack down to Josef's dog show in Kentucky this past weekend.  He seemed to appreciate that he was back on the road again even if he wasn't able to go exploring like he used to do.

The squirrels will rest a little safer tonight and though the other dogs will try, I don't expect any of them to achieve Stuart's level of "Squirrel!" alert. 

And my favorite memories of him will always be those of watching him do what he loved most. It always looked like the definition of "joy" to me.