K9NW Memorial Page

Past K9 Nose Work Partners,

The amount of time we have been given to spend with our K9 Nose Work partners, both human and canine, is always so short and always less than we would want.  However, the memories that we have of our K9 Nose Work partners will remain with us even after they are gone.  To honor the work they did, to the lives they touched, and to their loving memory, we dedicate this page to our Past K9 Nose Work Partners, both human and canine. We can only hope to spend more time with them in eternity.  Please see the tributes below.

“A good dog never dies. He always stays. He walks beside you on crisp autumn
days when frost is on the fields and winter’s drawing near. His head is within
our hand in his old way.”   Mary Carolyn Davies

“It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with
them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their
heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I
will become as generous and loving as they are.”    Unknown

K9 JEEP

(Partner in Life: Dorit Vanderwilden)
April 26, 2004 – April 29, 2013

Jeep was a king among dogs and, having been in the dog world for, what is decades now, I know that there are some dogs, who are so large in our lives that they take us to our knees at their deaths. I know that Jeep was such a dog for Dorit and only time will make the pain of his passing more manageable. But, Jeep was that kind of dog for other people as well. As an instructor, it is a privilege to have a dog like Jeep in a training class – Jeep had such natural focus, such spirited engagement, such gleeful desire that he was just a delight to work with. Jeep was a hunting fiend and he absolutely was the perfect K9 Nose Work dog. And, people that never ever worked with him, but who had the honor of even watching Jeep work, knew what a great dog he was. To this day, people still mention that “fantastic dark German Shepherd” that participated in Amy and Jill’s initial “Introduction to Hunting” Workshop here in Massachusetts. All who watched Jeep all wanted to steal him from you and take him home and make him our own K9NW dog. And so, what a privilege it was to have you register him in my K9NW classes. I just so enjoyed working with you both.

So, please know that people honored and respected Jeep tremendously and that we mourn for Jeep along with you. Having lost my forever dog, Bacco, I am keenly aware of the pain that goes along with losing a dog with such greatness. Someone once told me you don’t get over a dog like Bacco, or like Jeep, you just get through the pain. Well, please know that other folks know and understand the pain you are going through. Your loss is our collective loss as well.

With the deepest of condolences — and I believe that Jeep is now waiting for you at the Bridge with all of your dogs, and my dogs, and all the other good dogs that have given so much of themselves while alive.

Gail McCarthy