In Memory of "Ben" CH Sharpmtn Air Force One
Jan 4 2002 - Sept 20 2008
Ben was shown at the GSPCA Nationals for the last time in April 2007 by his proud dad Greg. The judge made the comment "he sure is banged up" for which Greg replied, "Ma'am this is a REAL bird dog". He was just that....a real bird dog....
How do we find a way to mend our broken hearts from a companion taken too soon from us....we just keep breathing and tomorrow comes another day...rest well our friend...We Will Miss you forever....
My Old Bird Dog
By Dave Jones
It's the first day of season,
He knows it for many reasons.Up before first light,
He always begins to excite, looking for clues,
he carefully studies what I do.
Is this a false alarm? He watches my pick,
YES! It's the thunder stick!
Another year gone by,
he anxiously begins to cry.
A new year and the first day,
many birds to find, we pray.
I see his face so well, as headlights reflect a guard rail.
In the truck while its dark, I glance at his face, so gray mark'd.
His eyes wide fill'd with pride, my old huntin' buddy by my side.
Ridin' with his master, can we get there any faster?
Down the road we go, memories, they begin to flow.
Cherishing hunts of the past, thoughts of great times, forever last.
My buddy is old and his days are few. My eyes water as I don't know what to do,
without my buddy, so loyal and true.
Though his body tires easily from years.
We will hunt with joy and shed no tears.
We hunt as one.
'til life says, you're done.
I'd like to think that the man upstairs, has a bird huntin' place, the answer to our prayers.
There we hunt in perfect autumn weather, so many birds, still together.
Please take time to remember Ben with us and celebrate his love for his best friend Greg...
16 comments:
Greg & Martha,
Words can never express how sorry I am for your loss. I truly know how much Ben meant to you both and I know you are devastated.
I have never been more glad that I stood in the cold and pouring rain in Smyrna to watch Greg and Ben work. That was true teamwork at its best.
I love you both and hope you know that I am here if you need me.
XOXO,
Stacy, Jeff, Stoops & Livie
(Godspeed Uncle Ben)
We are sorry to hear this news. I remember Ben and Greg at the 2007 NSS, and Ben's "flying ear" agiilty picture is one of my favorite GSP pictures -- our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Dave and Karen
Martha & Greg,
What a wonderful tribute to a friend gone way before his time. I never knew Ben, but thank you for sharing his life with us. He was truly a champion in all sense of the word, but more importantly, your best friend. My heart is heavy for your loss.
Kim
Dear Martha and Greg,
I cannot put into words the heartache that I feel now for the loss of your wonderful Ben!!! Martha,I remember you calling me after you got this incredible boy -telling me that I needed to go and get his brother "Overdrive" - I couldn't believe ALL the great qualities that these puppies had.
Remember when we took "our boys" to the Confirmation Match at Pup Scouts when they were about 6 months old - Ben and Overdrive "immediately" ran to each other and fell on the floor - rolling and playing - they were Best Friends even then!!!
Greg - my heart is broken as I know that Ben was NOT only your Best Friend but your hunting partner - the Love that you two shared was apparent when ya'll were together - riding in your truck or out in the fields - ya'll were the "Dream Team" and beautiful to watch. I am so very proud Greg of ALL your accomplishments with Ben - he was LOVED by us ALL and will forever be in our hearts and NEVER forgotten!!!!
We love you,
Angie and Overdrive
Greg,
I am so sorry about Ben. I know that words won't heal the hurt but believe me we will all miss him. I used to watch you and him together at trials and the look of devotion from you two would make me jealous. You two were truly a team that belonged together. When I would have to argue with him to be able to sit in the front seat when we went places, was really neat. He didn't like sharing you with anyone. The photo of the "Kentucian's" will hang in my living room for a long time, one great memory. Take care and remember all you have to do is call and I will be there for you.
Jim
Martha & Greg, We are so sorry to hear this terrible news. No words can ever express how sorry we are to hear about your loss.
Ben was a beatufiul boy with lots of talent. He had a great life, becasue of you,although way too short.
Rest in peace dear Ben.
Sandy, Sid, Shania & Lacey
Martha & Greg,
What sad news about Ben. You have our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. He was a good boy!
Sonny & Rhonda Laughlin
Nartha & Greg,
What sad news about Ben. You have our heartfelt sympathy about your loss. He was a good boy!
Sonny & Rhonda Laughlin
Oh I'm so sorry, Martha and Greg. I hope the hole he left in your hearts fills quickly with his smiling memories.
hugs-
Patience
Greg and Martha,
Was so sorry to hear about your loss. I know how special Ben was to you both.
I feel fortunate to have been able to see Ben and Greg work together at the GSPCMTN trials. No matter if it a was a good day or bad, it didn't seem as tho it mattered to Ben. His devotion to you was obvious.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Kirsten, Tip and Tess
Greg and Martha,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. I can't imagine the pain you are feeling right now but I know how much he meant you both. He was Greg's best friend and no one else could touch that. I remember at Nationals, that he was carrying around one of Greg's shoes in the room and happy as could be. He had the happiest life that any dog could have asked for and more. I know that I can say no words to help the pain go away but hold on to all of the memories you had with him and remember that he had a great life and that he was loved and will be missed greatly. Because of your love and memories of him, he will never die. He will be missed but never forgotten. If you need anything or if there is anything we can do, please let us know.
Caitlin and Lynn Facciolli
So sorry for your loss. I'm all snivelly now after watching the video. It was lovely.
Lisa and Bumble
Martha and Greg,
I am so sorry to hear of this tragic loss of your special boy, Ben. Martha, I remember seeing you winning "Best Puppy in Show" with Ben at the St Jude Showcase in Memphis when he was just a pup. You were nervous about your show handling, but you and Ben both performed beautifully. And Greg, I remember walking your brace at the Hunt Test in Middle TN where I was so impressed with how hard Ben hunted for you and the teamwork you two displayed. I know nothing I can say right now can ease your sorrow, but know that you gave Ben the best possible life, he was well loved. Hold his sweet memory in your hearts.
Martha and Greg,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Ben was taken away from you way to early. I know that Ben will be waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for his favortie people to show up. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Beth Harless
Thank you to everyone for all your wonderful words of encouragement and fond memories of our Ben. We appreciate all the emails, posts and thoughts for us during this very difficult time in our lives.
Greg and Martha
Hello. I just found my way here from Madison's blog. It hurts for a long time, losing a friend for whom "reason" was not an option, doesn't it. I think often, if I could have just TOLD Booker that he had to CHILL OUT about the stolen food, and the coveted toys, and the dogs he didn't like, then he would have lived to have years and years and years stretched out on the leather sofa where he looked so elegant.
He was a rescue - and each day made it more obvious that he was a well-trained, highly effective coondog - lost, not DITCHED -- he was merciless and we would laugh as he killed his stuffed toys. RAGE. But he turned that on us, too, and it was not controllable.
Sadly, there is no place for angry dogs ...
We certainly did give Booker a really good year.
We are so sad for your loss too.
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