My mate Mitch

[towman]

I thought I would post a story about my best mate Mitch

Summer 2006 I visited Glenys at the rescue centre to see a young chocolate bitch that had come in, while I was there a "middle aged" (8yr) black lab called midge kept relentlessly fetching me a ball to throw! He was as fast as lightning and was often waiting at the bottom of the garden or in the stream before it even landed!

Glenys said he had taken a "shine" to me, I'd never had a male dog before and was wanting one a bit younger but i loved his enthusiasm and energy

On the way back home to north wales he snored all the way on the back seat
Absolutely worn out!!

He soon made himself right at home & loved our daily walk in the woods chasing sticks, when on one of our long walks another dog owner made a big fuss of him and asked his name "Midge" I said   "Oh Mitch that's  a lovely name, it really suits him" the lady said,  I agreed......so from then on he was known as Mitch!

I was single and living on my own when Mitch chose me, we soon became the best of friends and he came everywhere with me work, local pub, family party's the lot

A couple of years later on I met my now wife and we moved in with her and her two girls then 10 & 5, to be honest they were more excited about Mitch moving in than me!

He really took to his new family and loved all the attention & walks not to mention the cuddles from three adoring girls!  Oh and all the food they leave lying about!!

In 2008 another little two legged addition to the family came along, another girl!  Mitch took it all in his stride and was quite protective of the new arrival
Under the crib was his place and any strangers that came were watched very closely indeed!

Mitchy moo (as he was know by now!) fell I'll in January 2011 and went down hill very sharply. It's nearly twelve months since we lost him & I don't think a day go's by that we don't talk of him and his escapades,    like chasing a squirrel up a tree............Yes really!!

He is greatly missed.


What I am trying to say here in my rambling way is thank you Glenys and your team for letting Mitch come in to our life's and for the great work you do 

& if you are thinking about giving a home to one of these lab's please don't rule out the older ones, they have so much love to give!

Paul

P.S. If I can work out how I will post a picture

[towman]

[Willow]

What a fabulous story, Mitch was quite a character. Stunning photos; you wouldn't even guess he was an oldie with not a trace of grey. I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiments about adopting a more mature lab, they have sooo much love to give
Thanks for sharing your joyous experience. I'm glad you have so many precious memories of your dear boy Mitch to treasure xx

Joanna x

[Mad Maisie]

What a lovely story and tribute to Mitch who was obviously very much loved.

I have to agree that adopting a slightly older dog is what we did when we got Maisie back in Oct 2007 she was 7 yrs old. She has been amazing and enjoys life to the full. She is now 11 in fact she will be 12 on March 1st but other than her grey muzzle you would never know.

Gill, Meg and Maisie

[janhind]

what a lovely story, mitch certainly didnt look his age what a beautiful boy he was, no wonder you all miss him so much, he will be in a little corner of your heart forever.

jan xx

[Lindsay2011]

Hi Paul,

Mitch was a stunner, like the others have said, he certainly didn't look his age on your photos. I also lost my lab in Jan 11 so I know what you mean about how they are constantly mentioned. My 4 year old son got a photo frame in his christmas cracker and insisted on me printing a picture of her out so he can see her when he wakes up in the morning!

I think its lovely to keep them alive through stories, they certainly move right in and take over don't they!

Lindsay x

[Glenys]

Hi Paul I am sorry you lost Mitch he was a lovely lad and had a wonderful time with you and yes he chose you really didnt he?
Best wishes to you and the Family

Glenys

[Ann Mee]

What a beautiful boy he was, i'm so sorry for your loss. Glad you had lots of fun together which make for happy memories

Ann x

[rhoda4]

Lovely to read about Mitch and his wonderful life with you. He was a stunning boy, living on in your hearts forever.

Ann, Paul & Zac x

[my bobby]

What a stunning boy

he sure landed on all four paws when he chose you. (Always a thought away )

Carol and My Bobby

[Johndale]

Hi Paul,

Thank you for sharing your 5 wonderful years with Mitch.

Sometimes fate has such a hand in our affairs....he certainly chose you.

Wonderful memories & he'll always be with you in spirit.

Every good wish.

John & Teddy.

[mollie]

What a gorgeous boy. He must have chosen you because he knew what a lovely life he would have. We also adopted an older boy, Blakey, in December 2008. He had the most wonderful retirement with us, and even though it was only for 15 months, we would have done it again in an instant, had it not been for a 'special case' little lady coming alon. So incredibly rewarding giving an older dog a home.

Lovely memories!

[Lins]

What a stunner Mitch was. He no doubt loved his life with you and your new family. I agree, the older ones do seem to have a lot to offer.

Thanks for sharing your story with us.

[Emma T]

Mitch was utterly gorgeous, your photos capture him beautifully. I don't doubt you have so many lovely memories of him, it is just so hard to lose something you love so much x Hope you find another friend to share your life with soon, it will be a very lucky dog!

[Melliott]

Wow Mitch was a stunning boy, you must miss him greatly. Mitch certainly knew what he was doing when he picked a life with you, I bet you have some wonderful memories.

Thank you for giving him a fantastic forever home.

Love Michelle X