Remembering Abbott

It is with an extremely heavy hearts and lots of tears that we pass this news along to let you know that we had our big buddy and best friend Abbott put to sleep.

Three weeks ago Abbott lost his ability to walk.  Two different vets felt that Abbott had a small stroke and possibly lots of therapy could get those hips working again.  For three weeks we worked and worked and nursed him to the best of our abilities, moving him in and out of the house and around the yard in a blanket sling. 

Never did it appear that Abbott was in any pain.  He ate and drank well,  he adapted to using the bathroom while sitting down and still keep himself clean.  He was very talkative and would let us know when he needed a change of scenery, the sun was bothering him, or it was time for him to go to bed.

He got very emotional the past couple of weeks and would bring a tear to your eye with all his noises when we got home after being away for a hour or two.  Each day it seemed we saw small steps of progress.  The front legs recovered in time and he was starting to use the back legs a bit.  But when we walked him in his sling those back legs just didn't seem to be getting any control back in them.  So finally we drove him down to a vet clinic with the X-ray machine capable of examining his spine.  The X-rays showed arthritis had set in rather heavy between his vertebrae and was pushing against the spinal cord.  The likelihood of surgery being successful on our 10 year old was very minimal. He would never walk again.

So we brought Abbott home and took the steps to prepare for his final day.  We feel good that we had a good last night with him and had proper time to give him a bunch more love and to say good-bye.

He gave us everything we wanted in a pet.  He sure had his own way of doing things and certainly did them at him own pace.  He showed us his love daily.  He's going to be really missed around here.  Deer Park Lodge was his home and to a lot of people who visit the area Abbott was more a part of Deer Park than we were.

We remember the day well when we went and picked up Abbott.  We were just getting ready to leave the breeders house so I put little Abbott on the drivers side floor while we said our goodbyes and within seconds he had deposited a full size Abbott dump in the car. What a way to start a relationship. Got to admit, though, that he never again took a dump in the car. He was a woods man. Even when the snow was four feet deep Abbott would somehow trudge his way into the woods to do his business daily.

When Abbott was about six months old his first venture with water was enough to convince him that he indeed was not a water dog.  After putting the dock out for the summer Abbott decided to walk out to the end and check things out.  Not sure what was going through his head at the time but when he got to the end he just kept on going.  Poor guy sunk like a rock and in Mike went to pull him to safety.  He never did care to get past his knees in water after that adventure. Now, snow was a different story.

Then there's the time when Abbott was about 2 years old and not yet smart enough to know his strength. He was playing tug-a-war with one of the neighbors sons who was probably five at the time. Well, Connor's sweatshirt was the object both parties were pulling against and unfortunately for Conner he was still wearing it. Abbott wasn't about to let up, which in turn cause Conner to start laughing hysterically and then fell down.  This just gave Abbott the momentum he needed to start dragging this little boy around the yard by the arm of his sweatshirt. Us adults got a great laugh out of it too!!!

Of course his very best friend was always Mocha.  They protected each other, loved to walk on the beach together. They shared the water dish and whatever one wanted, the other had to have, too. In the past couple of years they both seemed to take comfort in resting while being very close or touching one another. It never seemed to bother Mocha, but Abbott could snore like you wouldn't believe.  There was been plenty of nights in which we were awakened by his lumber jack snores.  More times than not we'd laugh ourselves back to sleep.

 

Abbott's size certainly wasn't a reflection on how brave he was.  A few years ago we had a group of horse back riders come up to the store and they tied up the horses across the street.  We got Abbott out to take a look at them to see what he might think.  He wanted nothing to do with this large creatures and ran back to the other side of the house. 

One time though, he stood his ground and sent a very clear message.  Late at night we had a bit of a confrontation between a couple. The gal came up to the house for some help.  We were at the door talking with her, when a truck pulls up front and out jumps this guy. Not sure why or how Abbott got in front of us, but when I told the man he should stay were he's at, Abbott let out this deep, mean and definitely loud bark!!  The guy got the hint and decided to stay put.

 

But Abbott was certainly a lover and not a fighter. What a cool and beautiful dog he was. We sure will miss him!!!!! Keep him in your thoughts.

Sincerely,

Mike & Monica

p.s. If you were fortunate to have known him, please share your memories with us in the comments section, below.

 

Comments

[Bill & Gale Ritchie]

Abbott was always at or near the store. He was a very big and gentle dog. When Gale and I were camping up there in Sept., I did wonder where he was but didn't think he passed...

Rest in peace Abbott. We'll all miss you!

Bill and Gale from Fremont, OH.

[Carol Brown]

In Honor of Abbott
(Waiting Family and Friends)
As I look into your eyes your beauty I behold
You are my lifetime friend and I will love you past the end
There have been many of you before and many more to go
I hate to see you leave me but know you all will go
You can not speak words to me but through your eyes I know
You love me as I love you and will past the end
I will met with you again one day
And together we will walk across the Rainbow Bridge
I know you are waiting there for me so together we can all go
The ones still here with me and the ones with you also
Some people call you pets
But to me you are family and my best friends
The cycle with us will not end
The best for us is yet to come
I love you my family and my best friends

[Marie Sutton]

Mike and Monica and dear Mocha ,too:
Margie and Keith, Kyle,Connor, Bill and I will miss Abbott terribly.We have known him since his 1st day at Deer Park. Connor still talks about Abbott dragging him around the yard. The first thing we always did was come over to see the "pooches".
Abbott always liked to "woof" at me but always let me hug him. We will sure miss his paw prints coming down the road towards our place but will always look for Mocha and you guys.
See you soon.
The Suttons and gang

[Chris and Dianne]

We're sorry to hear about Abbott. All of his family and those that have ever visited DPL will miss his gentle welcome. He had lots of heart and had the ability to make young and old alike feel welcome to share his piece of heaven. Well Mike, Monica and Mocha might have something to do with it too.
We're thinking of you.

[Jeri & Jerry Chesney]

We were saddened by your news of Abbott's passing. He was such a gentle soul. We'll miss him sauntering over to say hi and to get his backside rubbed. You always knew when you got it right cause he leaned right into your hands. Our warmest thoughts to you both, we hope your memories will ease the sadness in your hearts. Jeri & Jerry, Judy & Kevin, and Jim & Debbie.

[Amy Domas]

My favorite memory of Abbott was when we went fishing for Abbott, hooking a tennis ball on the end of a fishing poll casting it out and then reeling it in watching him chase it.....also when my dad used his remote control car, and watching him chase it while barking at it......i have never seen him move that fast!!!! He was a great dog!! He had all the qualities that you look for in a dog....loyal...gentle....good with people, etc. It will definitely not be the same coming up there... but he is in a better place and no longer has to suffer....can't wait to see you guys the week of July 4-11 You had better have a stellar weather week waiting when we get there...lol Is that too much to ask???? See you in a few weeks.......

[Taylor Morrison]

I remember when Zach called Abbott "Rabbit". I miss Abbott a bunch. I wish I could have been there to hug him.

[Zach Morrison]

I liked Abbott, he liked playing with me. And I will miss him. I hope you guys get a new one.

[Mary & Joe]

Mike & Monica
It is so sad about your buddy. He will be miss by all that have had the honor of knowing him. How is Mocha doing it has to be hard to loose your best friend.
take care
Joe and Mary

[Dave & Maggie]

Mike and Monica,
We are so sorry to hear about Abbott. What a great dog he was. It just won't be the same sitting at the picnic table or on the bench in the store and not having him there to pet while talking. We certainly understand what trying times you are going through right now but time does help and you have to be happy for the great ten years you had with him. All of us that stayed at your place enjoyed his presence and will miss him greatly. RIP good friend. Mike and Monica we are thinking about you. Dave and Maggie

[James]

Good ol' Abbot. A gentle seeker of some quiet adventures, he always had a curious eye. He had the roam of the land there at DP. Sitting in the living room, by the fire (in or out), giving him a good rub down I always found stray sticks, knots, sand that was grubbed up in his hair. Evidence of his daily rompings about the yards or whatever mission he was on.
I got a real kick of how Abbott liked to dance and bark at Santa, or any other noise activated motion doll.
The relationship of master to Abbott always got a rise out of guests who saw them both in action. Some comments from Mike to Abbott, and the eyes that would look upward with annoyance but satisfaction, all still while laying still on the floor.
One memory that lives on is Abbott's desire to help. Follow you to the garage, drive the van, and carry a mitten. Anyone who has ever walked with Abbott has probably had to walk with one bare hand tucked in their pants, as Abbott took it upon himself to seize and then carry your mitten.
I recently got a dog. A Greater Swiss, a cousin to the Bernie. This winter when I took him for a walk down by the river, we were trodding along and I felt a gentle touch of the dogs mouth grab my hand, then give a soft pull.
My mind took me straight to Deer Park, as I am sure many do when they think of that big ol' gentle galoot, Abbott.

[Debbie Francies]

I only met Abbott once, but that is all it took to know you met a magnificent dog. Everyone should have a dog like that in their life at least once to know having a dog in your family is a true gift. I am so sorry for your loss.

[Tom Matlock]

Monica and Mike, I am so sorry. He was just so much a part of Deer Park.

[Doris Michelson]

Lezlee is out daughter; we had the privilege to spend a week (twice!) at DPL with the family. Abbott was a WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL part of your family and so kind to all of your guests. I know how you miss him and how very much you enjoyed him for so many years. What sweet memories you must have with him!
Doris & Andy Michelson

[Becky]

Abbott was the gentle giant of the dog world. He loved me from afar and would move his massive body to be near me. I was always on the alert because he would walk between my legs at any opportunity! I have only smiles as I think of him now. Rest in peace my beautiful friend.

[Vicki]

Yes, he was where he was meant to be. DPL and your home provided a wonderful, reciprocal environment for a life lived well and loved well. Until you meet again, hold on to the memories. Thanks for sharing Abbott with us.

[Tom Bennett]

Mike and Monica,
It brings a tear to my eye to hear about good ol Abbott. He had a way to lift your spirits by just sauntering up and having a look or walking between your legs for a deep scratch! He was a great dog and will be sorely missed by all who ever had contact with him. He was a way cool dog! My sympathy.

[Lezlee Spreeman]

Mike and Monica,
Emily, Mason and I are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Abbott. Every year on our drive up for the week the kids would talk about him and Mocha saying they were so excited to see and play with them again. He definitely was a great dog and friend!! Lezlee

[Therese]

So so sorry!!I know he always waited for Brenton to show up so that Brenton could hit his happy spots. He was the kind of dog that everyone should have once in their lifetime. Just a good old boy! He will be truly missed by the Stover family. We love you Abbott. Rest in Peace.

[Bruce]

Abbott was the most poised dog I ever knew. No false airs, just a solid, trustworthy soul who seemed to command the world around him, but with no need to impose his will.

Clearly, he was where he was meant to be. And he knew it. And he was happy.

Rest in peace big guy.