Yesterday evening I lost my best friend, Junior, at  almost 11 years old.  He was that most important thing in a dog, the perfect pet.  Never a show dog or a stud dog, but always my beloved companion who impressed almost everyone who met him with his charm, friendliness and adorability.  From the moment he was born I fell in love wiht him, and knew I was keeping him.  He was also adored by his Mum, and his Aunt took one look at him, clambered into the whelping box with her sister, and cared for and fed him too - this was one puppy who never cried for a feed, or anything else, as he had 2 Mums to attend to his every wish, and me too of course!  As a singleton pup he was very special, but instead of becoming spoit and a brat he was simply the dog with the most straightforward, sunny nature I have ever met. 

As an ambassador for the breed he was one of a kind.  So photogenic that he appeared not only on our calendars but was also picked to be one of the "Headline Pictures" on the American Spaniel Club website in the USA - his personality shone out in his pictures.  He took part in several seminars on the breed - featuring as the "worst dog", showing judges that with all his conformation faults a dog could still exude breed type - in fact one or two judges were unwilling to believe he was actually the worst specimen present, simply because he was so cute!

Junior adored puppies, liked to be present during the birth, and willing took over from any Mum who was not keen on the whole puppy washing process (sometimes he sneaked in a quick wash for pups even when Mum was happy to do it herself!)  He guided pups on their first steps outside to play,  and was the one to bring them back to me on their first adventures off the lead in the wide world.  He shared his home with a variety of dogs and bitches and never had a cross word with any of them, greeting any newcomer with joy, making them welcome, willing to share toys, sofas and walks without jealousy.

The American Cocker description "above all they must be merry" could have been coined to describe Junior.  I am unlikely to ever own such a dog again, and will miss him more than I can say.

Gwen, what a fantastic tribute to an obviously much loved and adored dog.
May you be comforted by the wonderful memories you have of him.
Run Free Junior at the Bridge,
Thinking of you Gwen,

(((hugs)))

Gabrielle xxx

sorry to hear this gwen. he sounds like he was quite a dog! my thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Gwen I am so sorry. You've painted such a vivid picture I really wish I'd met Junior.

Gwen, so sorry for your loss, such a lovely tribute!!

So very, very sorry that you lost your special boy.  Jean

So very sorry for your loss.
Thanks for sharing with us your loving memories of Junior.
Karen

I'm very sorry for your loss Gwen, he sounds wonderful.

I am very sorry to hear of your loss, Gwen.  I recall reading your affectionate posts about this chap and know how much he meant to you.

What a lovely and moving tribute.  Some dogs are just so very special aren't they, and that sets them above the rest.  I have one such sitting beside me right now.

I'm so sorry that you have been parted from Junior.  I can understand how you must feel.

Sending moose magic to heal your broken heart.

Ness
x

so sorry for your loss.
he sounds like one hell of a dog.
run free Junior.
xxxx

Nite Nite Junior run free at the Bridge. Gwen so sorry to hear of the loss of your 'heart dog' (((Hugs)))
Angela

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Gwen}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
I cant believe I have logged in to find this I am so sorry.
I know how much you loved Junior, and loved the pics you have sent me of him over the last 5 1/2 years.
I dont know what to say.
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Lea and Beano
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Oh I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  Take precious moments, as you remember Junior.  Take Care.  My thoughts are with you.
Run Free at the Bridge, Junior.

(((hugs)))

Oh Gwen, that's awful news. I'm so sorry to hear this. Having met Junior a few times I know he was always a perfect gentleman.

God bless Junior.

Dawn R.

Thanks to everyone for all the comforting thoughts and words.

What a lovely tribute to a truly special dog Gwen. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Reading your tribute I started thinking of the young pups that have been lost recently, Junior will have a a ball at the bridge looking after them till you meet again.

Oh Gwen,
My most heartfelt thoughts go out to you tonight at such a sad time. It is testament indeed, to what a shinning star Junior was.. that even though I read with brimming eyes.. I'm smiling and chuckling to myself as you have painted such a wonderful picture of Junior with your words,what a character!
A very bright star in the sky the night Gwen..... xx
       (( Hugs ))

So sorry for your loss Gwen, run free at the bridge Junior god bless x

{{{{hugs}}}} yes he sounds like a wonderful beautiful boy ...run free junior and keep helping all the little was there that will need you xxxxxxxxx

A lovely tribute to a very special boy, I am so sorry, you must be heartbroken

Run free at the bridge Junior xx

I'm so sorry to hear about Junior.  He sounds wonderful.

Thinking of you

x