Some sad news

I have some sad news to report - Since Jeanne doesn't post anymore on her blog I asked her if I could let her friends know and she said yes.  She lost Riley yesterday, June 1.  I know a lot of you know Jeanne and her dog, Riley.  He was a Sheltie, a rescue dog, and a beautiful boy.  We called him Mr. Chill because he was so low key, nothing bothered him, and he was so well behaved.  Everyone loved him. 

Riley at Ridgway State Park in Colorado

I've got one quick story to tell you about Riley that was pretty funny. He never caused any problems that I ever saw except this once.  Jeane and Riley and Katie and I were up in Camp Verde a month or so ago boondocking on National Forest Land that was open to cattle.  It was late afternoon and I was in The Palms and suddenly heard Jeanne screaming at Riley to STOP!!!  COME HERE!!!!,  @#*!#&!!!!!  I ran outside to see what was going on.  I've never seen Jeanne so upset.  She was running frantically across the campsite, and across the road to get to Riley.  Yelling all the way.   And there went Riley, running across the road on a mission - he was going to "herd" three LARGE cows who were standing there, grazing.  Talk about an Oh, My, God situation!

At first it looked dangerous, but it turned out to be so funny - not the Jeanne/Riley part, but the cow part. The closest cow was the biggest, and when he saw Riley racing toward them -  he was almost tap-dancing, trying to get out of Riley's way, running into the other cows to get behind them.  Then Jeanne grabbed Riley's collar right before he got to them.

I can still picture that scene and it makes me smile every time I think of it.  Jeanne was worried about Riley getting hurt, and it turned out the cows were afraid of HIM!

Of course, Riley was a herding dog, and that was probably his first chance to test his skills.  And he was looking pretty good!  And pretty darn happy!  Jeanne grabbed him and brought him back to her campsite.  Even though he was in big trouble, I'll bet Riley had many wonderful dreams of that evening.

And honestly, those of you who knew Riley would have been surprised at him.  He's always so quiet, lays down and waits if we stop and talk on a walk, or waiting for another dog to pee.  And here he was - Herding Dog Riley.  I was proud of him.  

Jeanne with Riley in Katie's stroller.  He was always so agreeable, and sat nicely for this photo.

Riley had been having seizures and on Wednesday Jeanne brought him to a Vet, who did what he could to treat him, but the seizures wouldn't stop and Jeanne made the only decision she could for Riley.  He was 14 and had a good, long, loving life with Jeanne. 

Not all my friends believe in God, but I do, and I believe He loves the animals He created.  I'm sure Riley is young and healthy again in pet heaven, playing with Bennie and Jake and all his other friends, and hopefully herding some cows, too. 

Such a beautiful boy.  Rest in Peace, Riley.