Originally Posted by
bronko22000
I had labs for almost 40 years and enjoyed hunting over them. Properly trained they are great hunters and companions. Although I used mine mostly for waterfowl when I hunted it I also used them for upland birds (grouse and pheasant). Labs are easy to train, smart and can be used in a variety of situations. I had one chocolate female lab that was the best dog I ever owned. I swore that dog could read my mind. The only thing I don't like about dogs is that they don't last long enough. My little Rajah broke my heart when she past and I never got a dog to do what she could do.
I still have labs but I don't hunt them anymore.
You've confirmed what I've been thinking on this: the OP's situation sounded like it begged for a lab. My knowledge of dogs is too limited, though, to be making any recommendations.