First the bad.
He would never be told what to do by some inferior two-legged bloody human; no way!
He moulted for France, leaving a thick beige carpet behind him wherever he went.
He would eat all day long if allowed. Horse manure, rotten animal carcasses, my fingers, etc. Anything would do.
He knew every local compost heap by heart, and would inspect them every day (given the chance); and with certain neighbours putting their excess pasta and meat bones on their compost, this was fraught with danger.
As soon as one's back was turned he would run off; headstrong and devious in the extreme. Luckily we were able to keep this to a minimum.
He loved swimming and had two favourite indoor spots where he would later attempt to shake himself dry; in front of the TV, and in front of our nice new ivory-coloured kitchen units. Need I say more?
Now the good.
He was a beautiful looking dog, with a very strong individual character.
He loved everyone; especially children. He got on with all other dogs, and never uttered a menacing growl.
He was a real pleasure to have around.
He was a 'person dog', he thought just like a human. He would look, analyse, and act; no differently to you or me.
He was single-handedly responsible for us 'adopting' our other dog Bok.
Monty was never what one might call 'affectionate', but during the last month of his life he suddenly began to lick my chin and neck quite vigorously; he would do it several times each day. I keep wondering if he wasn't trying to tell me something.
We miss you baby! Papa xxx
28 comments:
He certainly was a handsome dog! I know how much you must still miss him. How is Bok handling everything? I feel bad for him too, poor fellow. He must miss Monty terribly.
Most of that, especially the moulting and eating, sounds just like Doug's labrador, Sophie.
He will have left an irreplaceable hole in your hearts.
Strangely he seems completely oblivious to the loss. Maybe he's just hiding his emotions, or maybe he's just pleased to be No 1 dog. It does seem strange, as they were so close.
I fostered a lab for a few weeks, and my god you're right about the eating. Everything and anything! And the moulting. Labs make up for it though with their sunny loving temperament and the sheer fun of their company. Monty certainly was a beautiful dog. Of course you miss him.
What a dawg (as Peggy Lee would say). Irreplaceable.
How is Bok coping?
I was very sorry to hear about Monty when I caught up with your blog Cro. You've given us a lovely insight into his personality. I was still a bit of a mess after a month... it takes time.
My previous " mutt" had a labrador type of coat ( same colour as Monty's) and the only thing I miss is the moulting! I now have a mini schnauzer, having specifically chosen a non moulting dog. I can still cry at the very thought of the old boy and it is nearly 2 years since he was peacefully put to sleep aged around 16 plus.
Yes, labs lose their hair all over the place, but we lose our hearts to these beautiful, kind-hearted, loving dogs.
Oh, poor old Monty. It's funny how people miss all the negative traits once they are no longer there.
This post is heartbreaking.
This post is heartbreaking.
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?
Kipling sums it up so well
He was a lovely boy. I'll bet Bok is missing him sadly.
I miss all of my dogs who have gone before - they are buried in a line in the paddock quite close to the house and sometimes in the summer I scatter a few flowers on their graves - it makes me feel better.
My little terrier, Teddy, is four, the same age as Monty . So young. I have had six dogs to live their lives with me and I will gladly give my love to more. I think you have a generous heart. Monty was fortunate to have you as a loyal friend. You were lucky to find each other to share so much for those four short years with long memories . P
There are in our lives certain animals with whom we share a special bond.
I'm so sorry for your loss Cro. We lost two of our dogs last summer due to advanced age issues and feel your pain. It does lessen a bit with time but gobsmacks you on occasion still. Hugs to you all.
We invest so much of ourselves in our animals.... no different really to our children.
We've been doing the same.
Dr Mr M and the Lovely Lady M,
My sorrow for both of you, as I have dealt with this many times as a foster and hospice care for pets. It is never easy for any one of them.
My blessings to both for healing.
How could you not miss such a sweet soul.
Devastated whenever a dog leaves. Here is a poem I love by Edna St. Vincent Millay
"Parrots, tortoises and redwoods live a longer life than men do;
men a longer life than dogs do;
Dogs, a longer life than love does."
So sorry about Monty's passing.
How heartbreaking. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Monty, a dog.
I grieve for my furfriends for quite a while after they pass. Just last week I happened across a photo of the late, great Jim and got teary-eyed.
Sigh, this is what happens when I get behind on blogging. I am so sorry you lost your wonderful Monty!!! I know how special he was to you. Condolences to you and Lady Magnon. It's never easy. xox
I am very late to be commenting on Monty's loss but my condolences are very heartfelt none-the-less. I've cried over the loss of dearly loved dogs my entire life and know all too well how you both must be feeling. Monty's life, although so short, was pretty near to perfect, and that must surely be a comfort.
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