On the first day of his fifteenth hunting season, Farley died in his sleep. This dog inspired many of our close friends (and friends we have never met) to acquire their own gun dogs and return to the land to source their meats and satisfy their souls. His work ethic and composure in the field
Robert and I married quite young and we grew up together and Farley grew up with us, too. We ran our household with a true canine pack order and asserted ourselves in alpha leadership positions over our dogs (which is how we still run our pack and household), but I think we also considered Farley to be a peer because we worked alongside him in the field. And maybe that’s what makes a partnership with a working dog so special, it adds complexity to your humanity…it makes your human heart half-dog…I’m not sure this happens when a dog is simply a companion. If you know what I’m talking about, then you know.
I’m taking his death pretty hard but there’s a lot of comfort in knowing that he could not have lived a better life or died a better death. He was one of my best friends. He is buried at the south end of the farm along the fence line between our property and BLM land with
I have collected a batch of imagery in this post for you because I know some of you met this wonderful dog and loved him, hunted behind him, or simply came to love him because I spent fifteen years sharing him with you in this space. I also collected this batch of images for Robbie to look through — he flew fire out of Moab, Utah the day Farley died and wasn’t home to bury him or caress his face one last time or speak words over freshly shoveled dirt or weep for the loss. The only time I have seen my husband cry is when his dogs die. So Robbie, sit down somewhere quiet and look through these images and remember this pup of ours and think about how lucky we were to have him in our
We loved you, Farley, and we’ll never forget you.
So sorry for your loss – what a good boy and a good buddy, dogs are one of the best things in life! I have to say, from these pictures it’s obvious that Farley had a wonderful life thanks to you guys! ‘Til you see him again, happy hunting little buddy!
Your words….those photos……I am weeping as I scroll through, having met Farley a few times and knowing how much you and Robert loved him and cherished his abilities.
xx
Oh man! Farley! Tears and tears and I never met him. I could just see the love and respect you had for each other. Why oh why can’t our pets live forever, at the best time of their lives, forever loved and happy.
Your words and images are absolutely beautiful. Loosing a great dog is one of the hardest things. They’re a steady presence in our everyday lives. Your working relationship with your dogs is inspiring. I wish you both comfort during this time. Thank you for sharing.
I know….
Love you all. Feeling your heart hurting, missing him.
Hi Jillian, I am a fellow Canadian who has admired your work for years. I’m not the sort to write, but as a major major lover of dogs, I know what it is to lose one, and I was moved to tears by your tribute to Farley tonight. I am so sorry for your loss. I look at your beautiful photos of this wonderful dog, and it is so obvious how much he was loved, and more important – that you gave him the life that he was destined for. You could give him no greater gift. I extend my deepeste sympathies to you and your husband, and Farley’s animal friends, and also, congratulations for loving him well. – Cee Em
I’ve read this post twice and each time through tears. I’ve been reading your blog for a long time. I rarely, if at all ever commented. I would visit weekly and always enjoyed the hunting posts. Your epitaph for Farley is a masterpiece. The last pictures of your husband holding a Farley pup shows just how precious time is. Rest well Farley, you lived such a full and beautiful life. And while you slept the angels came for you….
Looking at those pictures I see too the gorgeous life you gave this dog, what a happy life he had. And what a happy life he gave you in return, because boy do they give a lot back too! We buried our cat a month ago under the tree she loves scratching and I still go and talk to her, they take such a huge place in our lives, they are there all the time, every where and when they go the house feels empty, so empty. Especially when we come back home, there are not here anymore….so sad….He was a lucky dog and he was also lucky to die in his sleep if I may say. Those pictures are beautiful…so much emotion out of them. Thank you.
What a beautiful tribute to Farley. I am weeping. So sorry for your loss, but what a good life and yes a good death he had. I love the very last picture the best, his soul really shines through!
Dogs are special teachers & Farley was one of the best! Hugs to you & Robbie! Beautiful tribute!
I’m deeply sorry for your loss, Jillian. Much love to you and your family of critters. Wondering if they sense his absence and are also grieving in their own way, Tater in particular. <3
Tight hugs and so much love to you both as you mourn your best friend.
What a life you gave that pup, which I am sure he knew how blessed he was and loved. Oh-so-loved.
Sherri <3 (from Canada)
Dear Jillian, I did pretty well as I began to scroll through your wonderful photos (thank you for sharing.) My heart became full with that awful feeling of joining you while you were share something precious that had been lost. When I see your dogs I remember my own that I have lost. Tears fall, the heart heals but memories endure.
Oh my dear. Farley was such an incredible beast…to grow up with such an incredible companion and partner is a blessing. To give them a peaceful passing is truly a gift. Rest in peace, Far Far. And to you and Robbie, know that you are being held in love.
I just want to tell you all THANK YOU for popping by and remembering this wonderful dog with Robbie and I. Appreciate you all so much.
Love,
J&R
Beautiful tribute to your beautiful Farley. “… a working dog …adds complexity to your humanity.” My heart just grew. Sending love. xx
What a life he lived! Probably better than 99% of all dogs. I am truly so saddened by and sorry for your loss. How are Tater and Penelope taking it? Much love to you guys!