Sunday, September 18, 2022
The header photo captures Louie, in my arms and riding back to a trailhead.
He had lived a while with me, and the picture is from his first time following my horse on a trail. He was hesitant starting out but with encouragement came along, but only slowly trailing. While guiding my horse, I knew that Louie was following because a bell was attached to his collar.
This outing had several riders, all aware that Louie was a novice follower and carefully remaining aware of the newbie. For about a mile all went well. At some point, as we riders chatted, I suddenly realized, No Bell! I stopped my horse, and looking around didn’t see Louie. I yelled, “Does anyone hear a bell?”
We all stopped, looking around, hearing nothing, and not seeing Louie. One rider, Linda Hanson, reacted quickly, by turning her mule and thundering backward on the trail. The rest of us followed and shortly came upon Linda. She was standing on the ground and holding my little fellow. She’d discovered Louie fast asleep next to a pile of brush and twigs. Linda handed him to me, and Louie, still half-asleep, returned to the trailhead in my arms.
That was the only time Louie wasn’t a perfect trail partner. From then on, Louie faithfully has followed my horse paths everywhere. Months later, a young hound dog puppy showed up at my house. I advertised and nobody claimed the pup. He became “Ranger.”
For years afterward, Louie and Ranger followed my horse on trails. We rode everywhere, in mountains and forests, scaled heights, and crossed waterways. The dogs were constant companions.
Louie wasn’t easy. He was so cute that people always wanted to pet him. His marble eyes could stink-look at would-be petters and frighten them backward. In truth, anyone unafraid of Louie’s stink-eye became his great friend.
Unfortunately, yesterday happened, and I had to say goodbye to Louie. Soon after turning thirteen years old, he noticeably began failing. My awareness was sudden; there isn’t any telling how long his problems weren’t noticeable.
I wish to remember that the little guy was bigger than life. Louie filled a hole in my heart and losing him feels awful. I’d love to repeat with my two trail buddies many past activities and adventures.
Ranger is turning twelve years old. He has lost some hearing and I’m keeping an eye on his aging process. Like Louie, he will cover his problems well, for so long.
This ending is a reminder that some of us connect deeply to our pets. We allow ourselves to participate fully in a two-way commitment. That’s a miracle of true companionship.
Dear Louie, RIP. Love, Diana
Diana's Morning Blog 
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and Louie.
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Thanks, Rachelle. I know you understand the sadness of losing a beloved pet. We do invest ourselves!
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I remember meeting Louie shortly after you got him. You were walking together at Big Sky Park. He was still a bit shy but, obviously, overcame that. What a wonderful life you shared together. I know memories of those times will always bring you joy. For now, though, I am sorry for the grief you have because of losing him. Thank Heaven for our animals. They keep the world in balance for us.
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Who is the caring & wise person who said, “The price of love is grief?” This seems to be especially true when we lose one our beloved animals. I hope that someday soon the memories of the happy times with Louie will be healing and bring you joy again.
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Hi Cat: Thankfully, our pets mostly don’t outlive us, but it’s a tough journey to recognize when it’s time for them to cross the Rainbow Bridge. Louie is as memorable for his quirks as for his courage. His life buddy, Ranger, is showing aging signs, too. Yes, love and grief are intertwined, we learn and relearn. Hope all’s well there, Cat, it’s always good to hear from you.
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Dear Cathy: I remember, too, our first meeting, but don’t recall having Louie along. You were getting to know your own young dog and excited about her potential. Yes, we became immediate soulmates. I have followed your successes in the agility world, and appreciate how you actively share your dog experiences and wisdom. Thank you for remembering cute young Louie and a (relatively speaking) younger me. Yes, our animals help to keep us active, balanced, and happier. When the pain of loss diminishes, I will enjoy recalling fabulous times with Louie.
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*hugs* so hard to lose our friends. He had a wonderful and adventurous life with you. I’m sorry for your loss.
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Louie had a fabulous life, he transformed from Mr. Couch Potato to a Roadrunner Toughie. I’m keeping an eye on my now-elderly hound dog, Ranger. Miles and Osix are only three years younger than him. What a wonderful group those four were. Why does time fly!
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So, so sorry Diana,
You gave Louie an amazing life, he was blessed to have you.
Hugs
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I love the photo of sweet Louie in the snow. I know you miss him terribly.
Sent from my iPhone
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