This past Sunday was normal. We loaded the current old 4x4 up, Doc last as he would get a bit hyper if loaded first, and off to the fields we went. Doc always hopped out, and went straight to running rabbits. I`ve had Bassets and a few mixed- breeds, but Doc`s rabbit running qualifies as unique. He never killed one. He`d sneak around, pause and hop about two feet in the air, coming down on a poor rabbit, grabbing it up, tossing it in the air several times, the seat himself and watch the motion sick rabbit regain its wits and run off. Then, time for a new bunny, and off in another direction. He got six this past Sunday, and was quite content. He came back to me and became my shadow with the occasional nuzzle to have his teddy bear ears scratch and a ``Woo`` now and again (Moots seldom bark, and then only for the benefit of lesser breeds which don`t attempt speech as Moots do). He knew we`d ramble a bit longer and then head home where he could enjoy his regular Sunday feast and climb back in his wicker chair, one just like all the ``Great White Hunter`` movies had back in the fifties, and enjoy watching the evening set in.

As we got back to the Bronco, Doc sat and started to hop in when my son opened the door. Instead, he trembled, and fell on his side. I was shocked. He`d shown no signs of any ill health and had passed his annual June checkup with flying colors. He got up in just about 15 seconds, but seemed dazed. I lifted him into the Bronco in spite of my back and my son`s offer to do so, and then headed straight for the emergency animal clinic. He sat on his rump just behind the console, arms from the elbows forward out straight and laid his chin on his crossed paws. That`s the way he liked to ride once he figured out I would never let him drive, so it was back to normal, in a way. About five minutes from the Vet`s office, he quit breathing. On arrival, the Vet rushed to him, and the Vet and his assistant got him right in side. There was nothing to be done; he`d had catastrophic heart failure.

Doc had herded my son around our property since my son was six, insisted on going on my daughters` first date with her when she was sixteen, and in general been a complete member of the family. One local Dominos` that I regularly call has a note on their wall to always add a half-dollar to my bill and an extra slice for Doc whenever I order. He was a huge pizza fan, and the Dominos` folks always billed for the extra slice but brought him several. Since my grandkids and daughter moved back, he was so watchful of them that at times his large size was a hazard to them. That`s why he was spending a lot of time outside on his throne and in his fallout shelter (tastefully decorated to his specs, I might add). It`s a crap world for the most part, but that`s not God`s fault, it`s ours. At least that’s the way I see it and it’s why I`m extremely grateful to God for each and every gift He sees fit drops off for me, however minor that gift may seem to someone else. I thank God for one last Sunday with Doc, and for Doc ever existing.

Sorry for the sentimental, personal, stuff, but I wish I could be 1/2 the man that Malamute thought I was. He`s been a lot less active since his female partner Bamboo died a few years ago, but he`s never failed to be immediately present at even my most faint mention of his name. Like I said, sorry for the personal stuff, but Gawd Damn, it`s tough being Mootless. I`m taking a break until I can get another editor like Doc to proofread my posts and nuzzle my elbow for an ear scratch from time to time. It just doesn`t seem right to read and post on this particular chat board without Doc helping me out. He`s been reading this board as long as I have and was always quick with a comment.

I`ll post when I`m finished loading up and ready to let the price rise, just to keep the conspiracy folks in fodder, and til` then good luck, folks, Especially good luck and best wishes to the hard-core oldtimers, you know who you are.

Regards

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Rash....  Just want to let you know much you are missed here.  Seriously.  I hope you are well into training your new Moot in the art of editing.. have that book near completion.. and are close to topping of all your acounts... Perhaps it has been yourself buying all these shares from Swartzy & Lincoln.. hmmm?  :)

I look forward to your rejoining us here hopefully in the not so distant future.... At the very least I hope you are well.

Continued good fortune to you Sir...