Nestle – Chessie/Lab mix, summer 1998 – April 28, 2008

You didn’t have a registered name. You were born of ‘lower’ class parentage. But what did we care about such nonsense…You were born a hunting dog, a family member, a guardian, and wonderful companion… …..You made every visitor smile when you picked up your food dish or water bowl… “What’s the matter girl?” they’d say, “are you hungry, need some water?”..And I'd have to explain that no, you got plenty to eat and drink, in fear they would think you were not well cared for…Little did they know that it was neither food nor water you wanted, but their undivided attention; to have them grab a bumper to throw for you or come over to get slobbered on by your big wet tongue.

While you did not inherit the wavy coat of a chessie, you certainly inherited just about everything else the breed is known for. Your incessant ‘rooing’ when we came home, your loyalty and devotion to your family. And yes, even your desire to do things ‘your way’. You are the dog that was responsible for me ever wanting a ‘brown dog’. I am not sure whether I should thank you or scold you for that. Because now the breed is in my blood.

Regardless of your 'low class' heritage, you were a true retriever at heart. Whenever you went into the house, the first thing in your mouth was a shoe, or sock, or glove…anything. And you would walk around with that item for several minutes, eyes bright and tail beating hard. If nothing was immediately available, your tongue quickly found one of the kid’s cheek or someone’s hand to kiss. You would lay down for hours holding a bumper in your mouth. Even to the point of falling asleep.. Bumpers were your prized possession in all the world, except of course, for birds.

I never did get to take you pheasant hunting, though I am sure that now you are happily chasing some wily rooster through a field of green. Leaping and catching the ‘ol man by his tail…his raucous cackle inspiring you all the more. But I am so thankful for the days I spent last fall grouse hunting with you. I will hold those memories in my heart forever. How incredibly enjoyable it was, even when you got too far ahead and put up the birds before I could see them to shoot…You were so happy and full of life during those hunts, your eyes bright and eager, tail beating wildly when you watched me bring out the shotgun. If I had known those would be your last days to hunt, I would have taken you even more.

You were the first dog I ever took to a hunt test. You were 5 or 6 yrs old by then. Life in remote Alaska had prevented us from being able to enter any tests until then. We worked together just enough to get one meager intermediate pass in a NAHRA hunt test - with at least 3 other failed attempts - to go along with a couple of started passes. I wish we could have done more and gone farther. Perhaps down the road we shall.

Thank you Nestle – you will not be forgotten.

Beautiful old pup and eulogy, Juli. You and all who loved her have my condolences.

Juli..........

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your Nestle....I know how
much she meant to you and your family....

"Not the least hard thing to bear when they go from us, these
quiet friends, is that they carry away with them so many years
of our own lives! ~ John Galsworthy

Norene & Dom

Hey Julie,

Well said and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!

Paul

Juli,

I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute. And she looks to be all chessie.

My heartfelt thoughts are with you.

Kathy

Juli,

I'm so sorry & had hoped Nestle was okay. What a treasure chest of memories you have, even though that never takes the place of the real thing. With a long distance hug,

Karen

Juli I,m so sorry, my condolences. to you and your family Marvin Calhoun

So sorry for your loss Juli. And your family too.

Keith

So sorry to hear about Nestle...we were hoping for the best...


Jeff and Joyce

Juli, I'm sorry to hear of your loss I can't read what you wrote it hits too close to home, know you are in our thoughts.

Juli I am sorry to hear for your loss.

So very sorry for you and your family's loss.

CREATION

When God made the Earth and sky, the flowers and the trees,
He then made all the animals, and all the birds & bees.

And when his work was finished, not one was quite the same,
He said, "I'll walk this earth of mine, and give each one a name."

And so he traveled land & sea, and everywhere he went,
A little creature followed him, until it's strength was spent.

When all were named upon the earth, and in the sky & sea,
The little creature said, "Dear Lord, there's not one left for me."

The father sniffed and softly said, "I've left you till the end,
I've turned my own name back to front, and called you Dog,
my friend".

Juli,

Sorry to hear of the passing of a wonderful companion.

Juli,
Very sorry for your loss! "Nestle" looks as if she was a great companion you both must have been lucky to have had each other!
Many Sympathies,
Dave