airbear Posted June 29, 2016 Report Share Posted June 29, 2016 Keen-Eye Lou: March 5, 2002 - June 8, 2016Lou crossed peacefully to the Big Field on June 8. I hope that Wick and Bear were the first to greet him, followed by all of his relatives and friends that went before him. It’s the end of an era; the last of my condo dogs from my city days has passed.Lou was my first working border collie, and he literally put me on his shoulders and taught me how to work sheep. I had never run in anything more than a fun arena trial when I bought Lou, and after just a couple of weeks of working him, we went to the post for the first time in Pro Novice. I think we ran in two PN trials and then I moved to Open the next trial because I didn't want to run on the Monday. He was such a natural dog, the sheep loved him, and no matter how many wrong flanks I blew, no matter how many times I misjudged the panels, or got in the way in the shed, he would put everything back together for me. I never knew what to call that quality he had until recently. My mentor told me "He has mental fortitude." The rare time a sheep tried to biff him, he stood his ground, neither threatening nor retreating. He only gripped off twice, both times at the Calgary Stampede. He had a sense of style. He took care of me on the field, and all he asked for off the field were the crusts from my sandwich. If I wanted to share my sandwich, that was cool too. Because of Lou, I met great people from all over North America. He was infinitely more popular than me, and a favourite under the tent. You could often find him in the concession, making sure that nothing went to waste. Off the field, Lou was the most chill, unflappable dog. Almost everyone who met him loved him. He enjoyed staring at cats, having his mullet groomed, playing with the hose, and napping. He was ridiculously popular at agility trials, given that he never really did agility. He came to work from time to time, which he enjoyed because everyone had food. He loved my family, most especially my niece, and was endlessly patient as she braided his ear hair or painted his nails. He has been my shadow for so long and he took an enormous part of my heart with him when he left. He truly was the most perfect creature to ever walk this earth and while I did not deserve to have such a great dog, I am so glad he drifted into my life. I hope to see him again one day on the really big field. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrecar Posted June 29, 2016 Report Share Posted June 29, 2016 (edited) I am so sorry for your loss. Run free, Lou. ETA: What a great dog! Loved reading his story. Edited June 29, 2016 by terrecar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz P Posted June 29, 2016 Report Share Posted June 29, 2016 Run free Lou. Each dog changes our lives, so each one stays with us forever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted June 29, 2016 Report Share Posted June 29, 2016 I am so sorry for you, Kristi. Lou was a very special dog. That was obvious from your writings and photos. I will miss seeing his handsome face in your posts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvw Posted June 29, 2016 Report Share Posted June 29, 2016 What a beautiful tribute. He sounds like an amazing dog. I wish I had met him. So sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rolf Posted June 29, 2016 Report Share Posted June 29, 2016 What a big loss for you, airbear. I am very sad, too. It is never easy, when the very best dog of the world has gone for ever. I wish you much power to overwind this desaster. Lou must have been an extraordinary BC. I like his story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GentleLake Posted June 29, 2016 Report Share Posted June 29, 2016 I'm so very sorry for your great loss. Lou was obviously a very special dog, and beautiful both physically and in his awesome spirit. roxanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D'Elle Posted June 29, 2016 Report Share Posted June 29, 2016 So sorry. Having just had to say good bye to one of my dogs I know how hard it is. Lou sounds like an amazing dog. You were lucky to have had each other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beach BCs Posted June 29, 2016 Report Share Posted June 29, 2016 I am so very sorry. What a wonderful tribute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurelin Posted June 29, 2016 Report Share Posted June 29, 2016 Oh damn. I didn't realize what sub forum this was on at first. I'm so sorry to hear of Lou's passing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildFlower Posted June 29, 2016 Report Share Posted June 29, 2016 I am very sorry for your loss. That'll do Lou. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rushdoggie Posted June 30, 2016 Report Share Posted June 30, 2016 I am so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSmitty Posted June 30, 2016 Report Share Posted June 30, 2016 Magnificent, your Lou. I know what a hole he leaves behind, but what a fantastic life he had with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShoresDog Posted July 1, 2016 Report Share Posted July 1, 2016 I'm glad I got to meet Lou. He had charisma, big time. I'm very sorry, and I'm sure you're missing him like crazy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippin's person Posted July 2, 2016 Report Share Posted July 2, 2016 The end of an era for sure. I hope you see him on that big field, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urge to herd Posted July 4, 2016 Report Share Posted July 4, 2016 I'm so sorry, Kristi. Thanks for sharing him with us all along, he was a magnificent boy. You'll see him again, somehow somewhere. Ruth and Gibbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMSBORDERCOLLIES Posted July 4, 2016 Report Share Posted July 4, 2016 Kristi, Lou is with you still. He is in your heart, your mind and your memories. They never fade. I remember from the start and to the passing and I remember him helping you out throughout your early years. He is what we call "steady" and consistent, courageous but not aggressive, willing but not needy and BIG! Don't fret. Enjoy the memories and that part of your life with him. Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airbear Posted July 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 4, 2016 He is what we call "steady" and consistent, courageous but not aggressive, willing but not needy and BIG! LOL, that he was! He was one of the few dogs bigger than your Turk! Thanks for the kind words. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcv-border Posted July 6, 2016 Report Share Posted July 6, 2016 I have been away and just read Lou's tribute. It really captured him as I can get a good feeling as to what a wonderful dog he was. I am so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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