Ankle Express & Bullet

[Smiley]

Stephen thank you for letting me know that bullet ( and Jr. ) got killed. I am glad you enjoyed hunting them . I had a lot of fun starting them they were a blast, with great tools and super character.
I am glad that they got hunted and went out doing what they were bred for and that is catching bears .
Sorry for your loss and hopefully those pups you have out of him will make him and their grandaddy proud.

[Doogie]

Those are the two I took to NC right?

Sorry to hear that AE

[Smiley]

Yes Doogie those are the two you took from me to Steven to N.C..
Both went down to bears within 2 weeks
I guess Eddies can breath easier now.

[Ankle Express]

You know I came in to work today and found this and let me tell you I have shed another tear. Its took three times to actually be able to say something. Still not sure what that will be other than this is an amazing life we live as hounders. Its got to be something special when folks on opposite ends of the country can become friends and share in memories and share in the joy that only a good hound can provide us. Its been a strange trip with these two particular hounds. The finishing wasn’t easy but the end result was more than I bargained for. Shane you know I knew what I wanted. I won’t lie, I had my doubts but they proved me wrong. I got a little burnt out one day and let Jr go to one of my closest friends. Looking back it wasn’t a mistake on my part either because they touched somebody else and made their hunting days more enjoyable. They liked it as well as I so we bred an old female of theirs to Jr’s brother Bullet which was mine. They got Jr banged up about two weeks ago and he made it a few days but couldn’t pull out of it. So I made a tough call to Shane. Bullet had got his back leg broke last year. A year ago this month in fact. He laid in the laundry room for 4 monthes. We would watch TV together at night. He loved TV. I started hunting him again in August. Its been on like donkey kong. He was a little to rough but I loved it. He got a little sign every time he hit the ground. Toughest and roughest single little hound I’ve yet to see. Sounded like a cat getting mashed just as soon as he laid eyes on a bear. Made everything else get another gear. No quit or back down in him. Well I found him Saturday laying about fifty yards from a big oak tree with a bear in it. He was bit around both arm pits and brisket. Not bad at all. Wouldn’t have required stitches or anything but it must’ve hit an artery or something because he had just bled out. Treed him a bear in the worst place we have to offer here after a good run. Got weak and wandered down below the tree and bled out. Had to zoom the gps up close to tell he was just over there. I seen his maze on the screen and got a sick feeling in my stomach. I’ve tracked them up by blood trails before but this one didn’t make it. I’m crushed. Hes burried right there next to that big tree way up in the Plott Balsams. I’m sure knowing the history there hes in good company. I was going to breed my female last week and just didn’t get it done. That makes it the worst emptiest feeling I think I’ve known. Meant to do it had it planned but let myself get tied up and aggravated at work and just didn’t get it done. Dumb move. For the folks that don’t know Shane Raber is a good honest humble genuine man and better yet hes a bear hunter and my friend. Shane thank you very much its been my pleasure. Bullet thank you very much again its been my pleasure lil’ buddy. Thank you too Doogie even though you are a short bus cur man. The stars just aligned on this one to bring us all in contact. Pretty cool. But why in the end does it leave you still wanting more? After all I guess the show must go on and maybe this hole will fill pretty quick. Thanks

[Smiley]

Stephen , I am also glad to call you friend , not so sure bout all the other stuff though. Nothing like a great dog with lots of character .
Again sorry for your loss take care. Your Friend Shane Raber.

[B&T man]

Sorry to hear that Stephen. Really Sorry

[The Ole' Guy]

Sorry to hear of your loss. Many of us share a similer experience,and shed a tear along with you. But the sun always shines from behind the darkest of clouds.