[mistermullens]

The best dog I ever had was also an English Springer Spaniel. He was also my first. I remember my Mom and I going to the pet store at the mall and seeing him there in the cage. We took him out to play and he was so great and happy to be out of that cage. Mom and I both wanted to get him, but we put him back, walked around the mall, and Mom decided we just couldn't afford him. He was $400 and my parents didn't have the money. I think I was 10, and I was so upset we couldn't get him, I started crying right there in the mall. The next day, my Mom and I were doing something in the garage with the door open, and Dad pulls up with our first dog. We named him Beau and he was just a great dog. Very smart and friendly. We had him a little more than 15 years when my Mom called a few days after my birthday and said they had to put him down. He could barely move, couldn't stand on his own, and was in a lot of pain. I left work and drove 60 miles so we could bury him in the back yard. My Dad dug the hole, and as soon as the shovel went into the ground I completely lost it. Here I am, a 25 y/o man at the time, and I was crying uncontrolably. We buried him with his favorite football, and I can barely type this thinking about him. That was about six years ago and I still miss him. It was one of the sadest days of my life. I've got some great dogs now, but he was the best. Wish I had gotten another Springer, but we rescued another great dog instead.

Wish I had some pics I could post but they're at home.

RIP Beau