Valley

The sun has set in the Valley.
A tribute to Valley from Penny Woodward.

Today I said goodbye to my dear friend, Valley. The cancer had finally taken hold and her spirit was so tired. She passed peacefully in my arms and is now running and playing at rainbow bridge.

She had a profound impact on my life. More than anything that I can ever remember. Because of her I’ve met so many wonderful people and been new places I never would’ve gone. She introduced me into the world of dog sports: conformation, obedience, rally, field and agility. She was our best hunting companion. She could find a duck that no MHR Lab was able to find and was persistent hunting the cover and riverbank, sometimes almost too much.

Our house is very empty without her even though we have 3 other dogs. She was such a presence in our lives, seeing the dark liver coat always near me. Even in sickness she would follow me wherever I went. My shadow now looks down from the heavens.

God bless my dear Valley. Until we meet again, wait for me so that we can cross the rainbow bridge together.

– Penny Woodward

SR Allegro’s Free Valley Sunrise, CD JH RA WC CGC
February 14, 1998 – October 13, 2008

If you bury her in this spot she will come to you when you call,
come to you over the grim, dim frontiers of death
and down the well remembered path and to your side again.
And though you may call a dozen living dogs to heel
they shall not growl at her nor resent her coming
for she belongs there.

People may scoff at you who see no lightest blade of grass
bent by her footfall, who hear no whimper,
people who have never really had a dog.
Smile at them, for you shall know
something that is hidden from them.

The one best place to bury a good dog is in the heart of her master.

– Anonymous