RIP Sunnyview's Captain Cork
aka Cappy
1-8-1999 / 4-2-2012

Cappy crossed the bridge today at 13 years, 2 months and 3 weeks of age. He spent all but the first 7 weeks of that time as my constant companion, best bud, and hunting partner. Carol called him my "yellow shadow" and he was the very personification of what a "Yellar Dawg" is supposed to be; loyal, loving, devoted and always anxious to please. He never seemed content unless or until he was at my side.



Cappy didn't have a mean bone in his body. In fact he actually seemed to have a sense of humor and loved to play with children, other dawgs and he even welcomed cats into our home. He generously shared his food, treats and toys with them without a complaint or growl. He has been a wonderful mentor to 7 year old Remi and 2 year old Rusty as they joined our family. As an example, Cappy was patient and affectionate with his new little bro, Rusty ...even following an obviously painful surgical ordeal.



For eleven of his years Cappy was an outstanding waterfowl retriever as everyone who ever hunted with him would tell you. Sadly, he was stricken with both mast cell cancer and laryngeal paralysis in February of 2010, at age 11. The surgeries ended his hunting career. However, he still went out with me virtually every morning for the next two years and watched Remi and Rusty go through their morning training drills.

Following his last surgery, I promised Cappy that he would not have to endure any more, and that he could fully retire and stay with us as long as he was physically able, as long as he wasn't in unreasonable pain. He put up a valiant battle over these last twenty six months but his health steadily declined. Finally, with muscles weakened by atrophy, growing difficulty breathing and with failing bodily functions, he told me several times ... "It's ok Dad ... I'm ready now." It was me who wasn't ready.

Grammy gave him breakfast and their usual ration of bananas before we left the house today.



Carol and I stroked his head and massaged his eyes and ears (he always loved that) as he took his final breath at the Vet's office. I told him that we loved him very much ... but he already knew that. I'll always be grateful for his devotion, the many great experiences we shared and a wonderful life together. Remi, Rusty, Grammy, Mommy and I will miss you more than words alone can express. Be patient "son", Daddy will join you one day and we'll be together once again in a place where there will be unlimited numbers of ducks to hunt and it's open season there all of the time.



A few links below ... this one is from his very first live bird training exposure as a 4 month old pup. Look at that prey drive and hard charge ... a trademark of Cappy's for years to follow:



Next one is of him at age 6 and in his prime, enjoying a short training break:



Early last January, Cappy and his favorite pals on his 13th birthday:



Finally, we took Cappy to our wetlands after our morning hunt on the last day of season, January 29, 2012. It was one of his favorite places. I planted a duck shot earlier in the morning and allowed him to make what we knew would be his final water retrieve. If you look closely ... you can almost see that he's smiling through the feathers. Yellow dawgs have a way of doing that.

sorry to hear this

if a man can make it though this post without welling up there is something wrong with him

Jim - He was a great dog and you were a great owner to him. rejoice in all the wonders you two got to see throughout the years and celebrate his life.

Sorry to hear about this Jim are prayers are with ya.

Im sorry to hear.

x2

Man, I have a big lump in my throat right now and it's hard to breathe. RIP Cappy
Will Rogers I think said it best, "if dogs don't go to heaven, I want to go where they go."

Jim, I'm so sorry to hear this and I know it is a very rough day for you and family. Prayers up for all of you.

The trust us to do the right thing at the right time...We all "know" when its time.They have that look in their eyes.....The least we can do it be by their side while it happens...Ive done it twice and dread the day I do it again...13 years and hundreds of ducks is a great life!!!!

Sorry to hear that Jim. Thoughts and prayers sent!

It never gets easy losing your dog. Sorry to hear Jim.

Well said G...

sorry for your loss.

Jim, I've enjoyed seeing all your adventures with Cappy over the years. Thank you for sharing them with us.

I'm very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sorry for the loss

Sorry for Your Loss Jim.

Sorry for your loss, RIP Cappy

Sorry for your loss. RIP

Always tough to lose a 4 legged companion. Sorry for you loss.

Sorry to hear about the loss of one of your best friends. I know you had great times together.

this,, well put

So very sorry to hear this. Thoughts and prayers sent your way.

Sorry for your lose, obviously he was a great friend and companion.

Sorry for your loss