Thursday, June 2, 2016

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. 

25 comments:

  1. Riley was a lovely boy and will be missed. He had such a great life with Jeanne. Thanks for posting this sad news though; I know Riley has a lot of friends out there.

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  2. I'm so sorry to read this news. I have never met Jeanne or Riley, but I have had 3 Shelties, and they were beautiful, intelligent, faithful dogs. I know Jeanne will miss him so much. My heart goes out to her.

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  3. So very sad :( He was sure a handsome boy, and like you I believe he's happy and running on the other side now. My deepest condolences to Jeanne.
    Nina

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  4. My condolences to Jeanne. I know how much it hurts. :(

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  5. So sorry to hear this. It's always hard to lose a beloved pet.

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  6. So sorry to hear this. It's always hard to lose a beloved pet.

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  7. Run free dear Mr. Chill ..... we didn't know him but we know what it is like to lose someone so dear. Please let Jeanne know that we are thinking of her and sending loving thoughts!!!!! Charlie and Mum, Lynn.

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  8. So sorry to hear of your loss, now he can run free.
    I am sure you have many great memories to cherish.

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  9. I'm so sorry for the loss of this beautiful dog... I know exactly how she feels I've been in that position... prayers for Jeane can help her in her grief...

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  10. So very sorry to hear about Riley crossing the bridge. Just such a sad time. Scooter is also 14 and is doing 9kay. It's just so hard to have to say goodbye. I know the Lord loves His animals and we will be reunited with them.

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  11. So very sorry to hear about Riley crossing the bridge. Just such a sad time. Scooter is also 14 and is doing 9kay. It's just so hard to have to say goodbye. I know the Lord loves His animals and we will be reunited with them.

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  12. Awww....I'm so sorry for your friend's loss. It is NEVER easy losing a beloved animal companion. I've lost 3 great horses and 4 German Shepherds in my lifetime, as well as 4 wonderful cat companions. Riley looked like such a nice dog...sigh...

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  13. Sorry to hear about Riley, he will be herding in heaven now.

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  14. Thanks, Barbara, for posting this nice tribute to Riley. He was such a sweetheart. Jenne had emailed us yesterday morning to tell us the sad news, and then yesterday afternoon while we were hiking, a beautiful Sheltie that looked just like RIley came towards us on the trail. It was kind of eerie.

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  15. I can just picture the scene! When I lived in Ireland I loved to watch the sheep herding dogs and they were so beautiful in action, as I can picture Riley would be. It's so sad to lose a beloved pet - I still mourn my last two dogs .

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  16. Such sad news indeed. But a very nice tribute. I never saw "Mr. Chill" run, so that must have been quite exciting for him. Those pictures of both Jeanne and Riley are very sweet. My heart goes out to our friend...

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  17. I've never met Jeanne or Riley, but have followed their adventures, first on her blog, and then through others' offerings. This is such sad news. I have had two full-sized Collies, so I guess one always feels more strongly about some else's loss under those circumstances. My heart goes out to Jeanne.

    Virtual hugs,

    Judie

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  18. It's so hard to lose our best friends. It hurts so much. It did for us when we lost our Duchess.

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  19. Oh I'm so sorry to hear this. I often thought of the great life he had, being a full time RVer and a sheltie too! I have a sheltie, but she isn't as CHILL as Riley was. He was a great dog. Please send my condolences to Jeanne. Huge hugs to her. It's so hard.

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  20. What a beautiful dog! Your story makes me think that our dear Molly, partly Sheltie, is filling 14 this coming Christmas. She's gone deaf but still has this great interest in watching squirrels in the trees.

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  21. I met Jeanne (and Riley) at the Lazy Daze women's shindig last fall. I'm so very sorry for Jeanne and the loss of her beloved Riley. May her beautiful boy rest in peace...

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  22. Tears right with Jeanne. It's so hard loosing a best friend. I LOVE the story of Riley and the cows and I had to giggle at poor Jeanne running after him to "save" him. We have run like insane people after the big escape of our three. I also believe God has him right there. After I lost my Heart Girl Sophie, I actually had to go to a Medium and ask where she was. I know, crazy. The woman told me Soph missed her bed but was right next to me like always. Sheila x

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  23. It's so heatbreaking to lose your dear furry friends...and, it's not at all crazy to seek the help of a medium. They can be so helpful in easing the grief and worry. Bless that beautiful, Riley. And love Jeanne who gave him a wonderful happy life.

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