Reviews from

Duke

Dogs and Life

29 total reviews 
Comment from Rdfrdmom2
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

bhogg:

When it is your pet, a dog is never "just a dog." I was very moved by your story - not only about Duke but also the part about your father. I was with each of my parents at the end of their journeys and know how bone-tired one gets as a caregiver. You never mean to be short with your loved one but sometimes that part of you that is so human takes over.
thanks for sharing
love,
jan

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 24-Jan-2015
    Thank you for reading Jan and for your kind and very generous feedback. I still have my mom, 87 and mother-in-law, 87. Of course, the mother-in-law is mean as a snake and will probably live to 130. Bill
Comment from Dopeless Hopefiend
Excellent
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A very powerful and moving story that you told extremely well. It would appear you have a wonderful gift, and are able to convey these tales to us in an engaging and wonderfully descriptive manner. A very sad ending, I almost had a tear in my eye.

Well done,

-D.H

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 25-Jan-2015
    Thank you very much for reading and for your kind comments. I appreciate both. Bill
Comment from JW
Excellent
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This is a well written story - albeit a sad one.

It really struck close to home since I own a Lab-mix whose celebrated his ninth birthday last Christmas. Recently, I have not been able to help but notice his aging - and more than once it's been on my mind how it's not that long of time that he'll won't be in my life anymore.

The thought is quite depressing.

Then, on top of that - in slightly more than a week it'll be the seven anniversary of my mother's passing.

Sigh.

Thanks for sharing this. JW

BTW - What part of NC do U reside?

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 25-Jan-2015
    Thank you very much for reading and your kind words! I live in Rocky Mount, NC. Bill
reply by JW on 25-Jan-2015
    Really? That's interesting. I'm currently looking at properties in and around Burlington. JW
reply by the author on 25-Jan-2015
    Come further East. My house is for sale.
reply by JW on 26-Jan-2015
    A year from now, I might would consider it.

    However, for at least another 12 months I have to stay within a driving distance of my job in the "don't blink your eyes or you'll miss it" town of McLeansville.

    After 2015, I may or may not retire - and be able to live more or less wherever I want.
Comment from adewpearl
Excellent
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My grandparent's - drop the apostrophe
They were in to organic farming - into
mid-west Georgia
great use of specific examples to describe how they were green
love the description of Pappy
Hunched back on his legs, - add the comma
Come here, dog
excellent dialogue when Pappy explains having to shoot the wild dogs
a tender moment when he adopts their orphaned pup
We visited grandparents frequently - my grandparents
love the humor in Duke's weight minus the golf balls :-)
What is it, Dad - add comma for direct address
I'm having an Old Yeller moment with Pappy's shooting of Duke
A moving closing
You are so good at combining the tender and even sobering with the outright funny in your stories - this should get a six, but it's Friday and they're all spent
Brooke

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 23-Jan-2015
    Brooke - I truly do try and spot spag. I hope I'm getting better. I certainly appreciate you taking the time that you take to make my work better. As far as sixes .... I could always post on Sunday, but have a habit of writing whenever the must strikes. In this case, it was a wonderful story that Jeffreystone wrote called Scotty.
Comment from MSJVClarke
Excellent
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This was a heartfelt and wonderful story. It's alway a treat to read the accounting of someone's relationship to their grandparents. I liked the way you described your grandfather and showed what a truly gentle man he was. The story flowed smoothly and I liked the way your correlated the death of Duke and your father. Good story!

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 23-Jan-2015
    Thank you for reading and for your kind feedback. I appreciate both. Bill
reply by MSJVClarke on 23-Jan-2015
    You are welcome.
Comment from ravenblack
Excellent
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Beautiful writing. I was with you with Duke, that look in his eyes one I know far too well from having beloved dogs put down when it was they're time. They know. And your father having the same look- devastating. I know someday if I become incapacitated, it would not be fear of death that would haunt me, but a fear of living. Powerful and poignant essay.

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 23-Jan-2015
    Thank you very much for reading and for your most kind feedback. I appreciate both. Bill
Comment from Cat of Letters
Excellent
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You have a very powerful way of telling these stories about old time folk. I read your story 'Robert White' before reviewing this one. I found that one most moving.

You raise a good point in this story, that our society allows us to give our pets a kinder and more dignified release than we can provide for our terminally ill and or elderly relatives.

You characterization is excellent, as is the sense of place you convey.

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 23-Jan-2015
    Thanks for reading Cat and for your kind feedback. I appreciate both! Bill
Comment from daeneam
Excellent
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My condolences for your father's death. I'm sure he's happy in the loving arms of our Lord. He is looking over you and he may not be able to say it, but he is thankful for having you as a son.

We got tired taking care of our sickly parents, but somehow, we will still long for their guidance and words of wisdom when they are gone c", Mae

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 Comment Written 23-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 23-Jan-2015
    Thank you for your kind thoughts and observations. Just this morning I saved a newspaper story I thought my dad would enjoy. Still hard to realize he is gone. Bill
Comment from c_lucas
Excellent
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Death is a give me over time. Living can be the worse choice. This is very well written with a smooth flow of words, making for a very good read.

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 Comment Written 23-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 23-Jan-2015
    Thanks for reading Charlie and your kind words. Bill