You get very attached to the animals in your life.
We've had several working dogs over the last forty-odd years...all they ask for is your company, a feed, a warm place to sleep, and a kind word.
And for that they'll work their hearts out for you.

They take retirement hard too...when they get too old to work they still want to come and help.
You finish up carrying them in a box on on your motorbike while the young 'apprentice' runs alongside.
And when you get to where you want to shift stock you've got to hang on to them to prevent them from getting out there and 'helping' and very likely getting trampled because they're just too old, deaf, and slow.

And then the day comes when, as you had to, you've got to take them on that final ride.
You feel like a murderer.
They loved you and worked hard for you all their lifetime.
And this is how you repay them.

Yep, I'll admit, I've shed a tear over them.
Got a lump in my throat right now just thinking about them...Ben, Butch, Ivan, Galin, Dale, Roy, Chip...

I feel for you mate.

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