Yesterday my new puppydog Scout and I visited La Garita, by camper van. Nope, sorry folks, it's not open to fly in, although it appears that someone has flown in relatively recently. The upper smooth part of the runway is still plenty usable, although the lower rough part is really grown over with "native grasses". The windsock is still there, too.

We were there to scatter my old Molly dog's ashes along the runway. For those of you who camped along with us, you remember Molly as part of everything I did. During each of our visits, we walked the runway, looking for potential problems, but especially checking the halfway mark each time to recall what was alongside to be sure we were at 70% of flying speed by then--although always, even with a quartering tailwind one time, we were in the air by the halfway mark. What most of you didn't see, though, because we were often the last to leave, is that she never wanted to leave. I would be packing the airplane, I'd look around, and "where's my dog?" I would always find her on the porch of the lodge. One time, I had to go back there 3 times, before I finally got her into the airplane.

So it seemed fitting to scatter her ashes there. As many times as we camped elsewhere, she seemed to love La Garita the best. I got ahold of Mike Spearman, the manager, soon after I put Molly to rest, and he graciously gave me permission. But weather and life got in the way of doing it sooner. Meanwhile, Scout came into my life in early May. He has become a wonderful companion in those 3 1/2 short months.

No dog could ever replace Molly, who was my faithful and loving companion for more than 14 years. Her last year was pretty hard for both of us--lots of health issues, although until her last couple weeks, most of the time she still got around well and was a happy pal. In all those years, she went everywhere with me, whether by car, or boat, or airplane. As she became older and more frail, there were a lot of adjustments--a ramp to help her into the car and airplane, many trips to the CSU Vet Hospital, some as emergencies, changes in diet, and lots of expense. But it was all worth it. Only fellow dog lovers can know how much. So yesterday wasn't easy, and nothing ever brings complete closure to the grief of losing a loving pet. But I'm glad I did it.

Cary

Sorry to hear about your loss, Cary. To lose a 14 year companion and family member has got to be painful. She can run around with our Annie at the rainbow bridge until you’re ready to meet up with her again.

Holy cow, I hadn’t thought about our Annie much since our son came along. That hit me right in the feels.

You must have loved your companion and took the best of care of her to be with you so long. Your new companion will help fill that awful void.

Will Rogers said it all about our faithful companions in the following quote:

"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."


Hawk