Saturday, May 19, 2012

RIP: Hawker's Dachs Diamond Lil, 1996- 2012

Lily the wire- haired dachs, aka "Diamond Lil, Born to Kill", whelped at Teddy Moritz's place in New Jersey and a long- time resident at Casa Q in New Mexico, died in Libby's arms yesterday at the ripe old age of 16. She had various cancers and a mouth infection and was losing weight and the ability to walk, but was still cheerful and eating and seemingly free of pain when she simply stopped moving while Lib was grooming her. We should all be so lucky.

She began her career as a working flush and hole dog for our team, helped raise any number of hawks and pups, sat up like a marmot to beg from both birds and people, and kept us laughing. She will be missed.

17 comments:

Chas S. Clifton said...

Sixteen! She was a spunky little dog.

Cat Urbigkit said...

What great images. So sorry you lost such a dear old friend, but what a lovely way to go.

Andrew Campbell said...

Steve + Libby: sorry for your loss, but as you said, she lived a full, happy life till the very end. I hope we can all die with such grace and in the company of those we love. I'm glad to have met her.

(And I love the picture of you holding her up to the stock tank to drink!)

All best
Andrew

Jess said...

I'm sorry to hear this. I have two oldies here now, 14 and 15. Hopefully they will be like Lily and go out on their own terms. It is so hard to lose them sometimes, I look around and wonder why I keep all these dogs.

dr. hypercube said...

My condolences - there is something about teckels - gusto dogs for sure.

Reid Farmer said...

We're sorry. She was a sweetie when we met her

Teddy said...

Nice tribute to a small dog with a big heart. Thanks for giving her a good life with you and Libby and your assorted collection of creatures.

Anonymous said...

I have Teddy to thank forever for introducing us to our long haired dachshunds, our Rocky is 14 1/2,,they are deeply wonderful dogs,,I mourn with you Steve and Libby..Maggie in WI

bill gilchrist said...

Tough time. Incredible memories. Such a part of your lives. - Bill

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear the news about Lily -she was alaways a "Hill favourite"- shame dogs don´t live as long as us.
As Libby told us when we were so cut up after losing Amber, She somhow guided us to Petra, so keep an eye out, sure Lily will!....

JohnnyUK

Lauren McGough said...

I'm so sorry to hear, Steve and Libby - Casa Q won't be the same without her - but wow she had a wonderful life!

Anonymous said...

Rest in peace, little Lily, but don't rest long!

I love the photo of her drinking from the water tank, short legs not a problem. :)

Shiri Hoshen

John Carlson said...

Has it really been sixteen years? Lily was the first dog that taught me small dogs can be "big" No bravado, just confidence in who she was. Wish I could have been around her more - and both of you too. Sweeter to burn indeed.

Mark Churchill said...

Glad we got to meet her, even if she slept through most of our visit. She obviously enjoyed a good life, so I'm not sure if condolences or congratulations are in order; maybe both. R.I.P indeed.

A. Lane Batot said...

Great life for a great dog--I always dread having to put one down--even if it is an act of mercy. I like to give them every day coming to them, and have always been very thankful for those in my pack that went peacefully on their own,. My old Black-And-Tan hound Notches, that I wrote about on this blog awhile back is quite old(at least 15) and very doddery now--I'm expecting her to pass on any day now(sigh).....Steve, did you ever see the artist Rien Portvleit's book "Dogs"? He had a Wire-haired Dachs that he chronicled in drawings/paintings that you could really relate to! He was one of my very favorite artists ever......

Annie said...

So sorry to hear of Lily's passing, but what a sweet last few minutes in the arms of her Libby. My lab (14+) is failing, but I hope he can wait and die underneath those western skies. My setter is 12. I am on the front door of Medicare. I am conscious of time these days. Anne on the road

Anonymous said...

Oh, sorry I missed this...glad she went peacefully.