Hunter's Bark

Labrador Retriever Purebred Toronto • Canada 🍁 Senior pup <3 [PrideBites Discount: HuntersBRK] [PetBox Discount: HUNTERSBARK] CEO of huntersbark.com

[huntersbark]

Thanks #PawsWay for the awesome experience! Remy played in the 3500 sq ft indoor dog park, dined with me in the dog-friendly café, and brought home a furry friend from the #PawShop. Another great day in #Toronto! -- Via huntersbark.com #huntersbark .

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Hunter aged very gracefully. #huntersbark

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Today, I lost one of the closest things to my heart, Hunter. After 15 years of fun memories and unconditional love, it's truly haunting to process the thought of her not greeting me when I get home at night, or strolling with me and sniffing every grain of grass in sight. I was fortunate enough to lose her to old age, not a sickness of any kind. I've never quite understood the overwhelming gust of sadnesses. My home feels empty. I woke up to a dog who couldn't walk, eat, drink, go to the bathroom, or wag her tail. There is absolutely no winning. If I allow Hunter to continue suffering, I feel guilty. If I end her suffering, I feel guilty. Coming to terms with the inevitable is one of the most difficult times in one's lifetime to surpass. A piece of my heart is missing, yet my unconditional love for you still remains. Hunter, I hope you are in doggy heaven with grass to sniff, lots of friends to play with, and endless T-bone steaks. I hope you reunite with your mom and dad and siblings, and assure them that the last 15 years with me have been memorable and adventurous, and that we took great care of each other. I was once told that Earth was only a temporary place for animals and their owners, a prerequisite to a world unlike any other. A place where injuries are cured, sadness is forbidden, and dreams become reality. One day, you will stick your nose up in the air and smell me coming your way. We will meet at the gates of heaven where you jump into my arms and we rekindle our friendship. We can than go into a place where pets and their owners will spend eternity together, happily and in harmony. I will never "get over it", nor will my heart become mended. Just know that my unconditional love for you is real, and loyalty doesn't describe the last 15 and a half years of friendship, but trusting in one another, knowing that everything will be okay. I love you Hunter, and I'm glad to be sure that I have a beautiful, healthy angel looking over my shoulder. Rest in peace, Hunter. Your forever best friend, Alexis.

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Best friends raise 100's of dollars for animals in need for local shelters :)!! -- Remington (right) & King (left) walked in the @ontariospca #friendsforlife #walkathon, 2015! Lots of hot dogs to munch on and new butts to sniff! Thanks for the great day! Will you be fundraising for your local shelter next year? -- #ontariospca #huntersbark

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It's funny that they're the same age!! #puppyproblems #isitplaytimeyet #meetcharlie #toronto #huntersbark

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This is one of many times we've had to explain our troubles with Hunter, needless to say our situation isn't getting any better. After keeping our stories confidential the last little while, I've planned to euthanize Hunter 2 times, this being the third. Last Monday, I made the call to the vets', the call you dread for their entire life and finally realize it couldn't have approached any sooner. We arranged Hunter's departure for Tuesday, being crippled and having no state of well being or enjoyment. The next day, I woke up to that beautiful bark of hers at 3:45 am. Hunter runs her own breakfast schedule! We endured on our daily routine as I sobbed and poured my heart out about the most incredible 15 years she provided myself and so many others with. I told her all about her puppy memories, from courageously hopping on top of sleds in the winter and gliding down the hill to proudly romping in the bush to go for a hunt. I went to the food room, prepared her meal and her half a dozen meds, and took her outside to indulge. As I looked into her chocolate brown eyes, my heart melted. Was this really the day I say goodbye to the most incredible companion? For the longest time, I wished Hunter passed on into God's hands in her sleep, peacefully and without a gesture that seemed so inhumane to me, euthanasia. I broke down, hardly able to contain myself. There was some kind of rage or fire that just poured out of me with screaming and crying. I slowly gazed up and watched as Hunter completed a full lap around the backyard without any assistance. My eyes widened, this hasn't happened for an entire year. She trotted, sniffing every grain of grass, every flower in sight. She returned to my side and rested her head on my lap. When people say "stop and smell the roses", this was one of those moments. She was telling me, "God might want me in heaven, but I'm not ready to leave yet." I called the vet later that day and cancelled the procedure. Anyone who owns an old dog may understand my difficulties. This being my first dog, it's so gut-wrenching to let them go. I wouldn't ever traded any moment with her for the world. I love Hunter. Her legacy lives forever. #huntersbark

[huntersbark]

Only cool dogs can wear @pridebites sweaters 😎🎢. -- Mom is finally back from a 2 week family reunion in the always beautiful, Greece! We shared a fun day with a picnic and a few sweet new toys. -- HuntersBark for 10% off at @pawpack || pawpack.com 💸. HuntersBRK for 15% off at @pridebites || pridebites.com 💸. -- Via huntersbark.com & Hunter's Bark associates.

[huntersbark]

The slide is where it's at 😏🎢. -- Mom is finally back from a family reunion in the always beautiful, Greece! We shared a fun day with a picnic and a few sweet new toys. -- HuntersBark for 10% off at @pawpack || pawpack.com 💸. HuntersBark for 20% off at @pridebites || pridebites.com 💸. -- Via huntersbark.com & Hunter's Bark associates.

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This is Mr. Quack. I like Mr. Quack. #🐥 HuntersBark for 10% off at @pawpack // pawpack.com.

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You know what makes my paws and nose super soft 🐾? Natural Dog Company of course ;). @naturaldogcompany #naturaldogcompany (at ad)

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When mommy has French toast, we ALL have French toast. #happysunday #🇫🇷

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One day I'll be big and strong and just like my sister :)). Hunter is officially declared cancer free, we are proud to have such healthy, beautiful, intelligent labs. #proud #bestfriendgoals

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It's unfortunate to now find out that my sweet little baby may have cancer. Hunter's face has been bulging out on her left cheek and the tissue is purple/black. Her vet has determined cancer of the skin, or melanoma. We really hope the biopsy comes back negative. #prayforhunter

[huntersbark]

One puppuccino please - light on the espresso, heavy on the whipped cream. #☕️ #starbucks #puppuccino #pridebites (sweater by @pridebites) #moustache

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"I'm just a puppy trapped in an old dog's body!" Many of you have been asking about Hunter. Hunter's walking has improved so drastically (in a good way) and I couldn't be happier. She has developed quite few cysts/tumours all over her body, two in which we will be checking for cancer tomorrow. So far, all is well with Hunter. I'm counting my blessings and saying my prayers! She has far exceeded the vet's "2 weeks left to live" 5 months ago. This [almost] 16 year old is going strong! #strengthcomesfromwithin #perseverance #gohuntergo (at update on hunter's health)

[huntersbark]

I was asked to share my most favorite thing about Remington, which without a doubt are her eyes- loving, big, autumn-hazel eyes. She was born with them and they have remained this beautiful color ever since! They add great character to her boastful personality. What's your favorite thing about your dog? #playingfavorites #structured #remington #weeklyfluff

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This little ducky is going to be shipped to one special dog! So are some other great prizes. Enter #4thofJulywithHB for your chance to win :)) #huntersbark #huntersbarkgiveaway #🐥#🎁 (at only two days left)