Lab Lost to Alligator

As requested from the other thread. On May 31, 2015 I lost my HRCH/MH to an alligator 25 foot in front of me.

I was at my camp with only my dog, wife and kids were out of town. I was remodeling and working outside. She was outside with me milling around as usual. I hadn't had sight of her for 5 minuets or so, frankly this is where I went wrong. I was concentrating on what I was doing and had tunnel vision. She was 6 years old and had been to the camp hundreds of times, literally since the day she was six weeks old, she did not need constant supervision. I called for her with no answer. Second mistake, I didn't have a whistle. I started to worry so I got in my boat and rode around the corner, she heard me and came running.

She was 10 foot or so off the bank when the gator started after her. He grabbed her from the rear and she turned around to bite him back, then he pulled her under. I was right on top of them at this point and had one of those moments you see in the movies, everything was moving so fast but yet slow. A thousand thoughts ran through my mind. If I dove now I could get my arm around his neck and try to poke his eyes. Guessing he was in the 8 foot range I'd have to get ahold of his front leg full nelson style. What kind of shape would she be in? I'd be in the water with a pissed off 8 footer without anyone knowing where I am. His back legs would probably cut my thighs up pretty good. What if he caught my femoral artery? My wife and kids are out of town, no one would know to look for me for at least a day. All of that and more went through my head in a split second, crazy how the brain works.

I sat there bawling and yelling "NO" over and over...

I sat there for two hours waiting for him to come up. He never did.

That was the worst boat ride on my life.

She was a 40# ball of brains, personality and heart that every other dog now and in the future will be measured against. I don't tell the ridiculous retrieve stories anymore because people think I'm lying, no dog could do those things while sleeping in the bed with your kids. She was one hell of a dog.