‘Simon’

DOB: December 4, 2001 – January 5, 2012
PRA Affected

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Everything about Simon is big. He has big heart, big drive and big personality in a big package.

Simon was an outstanding dog to work with. He had superb drive and determination and in the last year of his competition training, I was unaware that he was suffering from debilitating elbow dysplasia. He began missing marks off the launcher and became reluctant to go down stairs when the lighting was poor and I knew it was PRA. We tried to finish his MH and OTCh but his elbows became sore and he had to be retired.

Simon now terrorizes puppies and makes certain I never drive anywhere without him in the passenger seat (especially if I’m going to the dump) but I know his heart will always belong in the field. Despite being completely blind, he can still do fantastic fronts and finishes and blind retrieves.

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“He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds.
He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea.
He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.)
When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive.
When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile.
When I am happy, he is joy unbounded.
When I am a fool, he ignores it.
Without him, I am only another man.
With him, I am all-powerful.
He is loyalty itself.
He has taught me the meaning of devotion.
With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace.
He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.
His head on my knee can heal my human hurts.
His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things.
He has promised to wait for me… whenever… wherever – in case I need him. And I expect I will – as I always have.
He is just my dog.”

Gene Hill

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