Maggie's Farm

From my grieving, but wine-comforted Connecticut and Ducks Unlimited pal Rick today, re his Lab Buzz, with whom I have hunted - but not often enough. Buzz was an aggressive dog, a true bird dog, but not a natural family animal:

The world lost another four legged soldier yesterday.  At 3:00 in the afternoon yesterday a fine hunting companion whose earlier years of strife were washed away with lots of love in the remaining 4. Buzz lost a battle with Cancer which was unexpected and only found yesterday. I had to put him down immediately  Though he was only in my family for 4.5 years he was a valued and loyal companion. He learned that he could love and be loved in the last 4 years and developed a very nice relaxed way about him after coming to me from the Texas Penitentiary.  A convicted felon who had truly been reformed. He passed in my arms with dignity and never let me know he was sick until this weekend. He will be missed.