They say that there is one special dog that you are privelaged to have in your life. I guess that I am luckier than most, as I have had two. Both Irish Setters. I lost my first one, Michael about 1984.I had decided at that time that I would not get another Irishman, as his passing was just too painful. Well, I guess that time heals all wounds and I got Ryan in Dec. 2000. He was the most beautiful puppy that I had layed eyes on, and a real character. It was love at first sight. He was right at home from day one. He was also the most loving dog that there ever was. Smart as a whip also, had me wrapped around his paw. When I would come home for lunch, his mom would tell him that "pappa is home" and he would almost run around in circles, grap a toy and run to the back yard to greet me with a great big grin on his face. If you have ever seen an Irishman grin, you know of where I speak. Ryan loved everyone to the point it was sometimes almost embarassing. I remember the first time that we went on vacation since I got him, my son and daughter-in law stayed at the house to take care of him and the horses. He loved to take almost anything that was not tied down and play catch me if you can. Ryan had gotten ahold of my DIL's fancy underware and had them spread all over the yard, needless to say, she was not real happy. When we got home from vacation, he was in the back yard being brushed for our arrival. When he saw me, I have never experienced a welcome like that in my life. He dearly loved his truck rides. Almost everyone in town knew Ryan and he loved everyone. Unfortunately he developed a high protein unbalance, tried antibiotics, change of food, etc. Did not help. Vet recommenmded an ultrasound to try and determine if there was any other cause than diet. Results from the ultrasound did not determine the cause, but did show a tumer by his stomach and recommended surgery. We immediately had the surgery performed. During the operation, the Dr. came out to give us the bad news. The tumer was the size of a lemon and was wrapped around the artery that goes from the liver to the heart. He told us that there was a 20% chance that we would lose him on the table. We had to make a quick decision to take the chance or sew him back up. We chose to have him sewn back up as I could not bear the thought of losing him right then. The Dr. said that he could live another 1 1/2 week to 1 1/2 years. Well he made it about one and 1/2 months after the surgery. His last day was June 12, 2010, he was only 9.5 years old. Way too young. His last day was at least happy for him, as he had three truck rides and got a couple of cookies at his favorite places to visit. He seemed perfectly normal that day, happy as usual. The next morning, we could not find him until my wife looked in the small bathroom. He was gone and so is amajor part of my heart. I still see him everywhere and the tears do not stop. I miss my beloved Ryan so much, I can't describe the hurt although I know that he is in a better place. I will always love you Ryan.