blackliner

Today I had to make a decision that pains me as much as any I' ve had to make. My oldest brit, Remi, is no longer able to hunt with the other boys. He has severe arthritis in his hips, and all of the medication and supplementation in the world isn' t going to make it any better.

This is the dog that helped put me trough college, guiding for pheasants, sharpies and prairie chickens. This is the dog that taught ME how to hunt. This dog is my best friend.

He loves nothing more than to make huge casts through the high plains grasses, running bigger than any brits I' ve owned. Now, his arthritis makes him gimpy after a short morning in the CRP. His eyes still light up like torching trees when I grap the Filson vest or walk towards the gun cabinet. His little tail blurs at the mere mention of birds. His heart for the hunt is still there. Only his body fails him, now.

Oh, he' ll still go out with me, but from now on it will only be short hunts in the corners and abandoned tree rows. And he' ll watch with unguarded jealousy as I load his kennelmates into the crates for the long days afield. He never quit me, and now it feels like I' m qutting him...

I only hope he will enjoy his retirement, curled up on a plush dog bed in front of the fireplace.

Tree climber

I know how you feel,it is sad when they can' t hold up for very long.
just give him the love he wants and let him keep warm and comfy.
those short runs will still be a rememered time for you and him.hope he stays well for a long time for you.just remember the good times.
luck to you and him.[:-]

Nevada Jim

This is my 12 year old Llewellin Setter, Duke. He' s been retired for a couple years now but still goes out on short off-season training sessions with my yellow Lab when I use planted chukar. Duke' s nose and heart are as strong as ever, his legs and stamina just can' t keep up.



Here he was a a ten week old pup ... Wow have the years gone fast.



And here he was around age 7 helping train the yellar dawg on upland birds.


Duke and Cappy are gun dawgs number 7 & 8 in my lifetime. Here' s some words I lived bt and you might want to consider ...

Lend Me A Pup

I will lend to you for awhile
a puppy, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and to mourn him when he is gone.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years
or maybe two or three
But will you, till I call him back
take care of him for me?

He' ll bring his charms to gladden you
and (should his stay be brief)
you' ll always have his memories
as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise that he will stay,
since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn.

I' ve looked the whole world over
in search of teachers true
And from the folk that crowd life' s land
I have chosen you.
How will you give him all your love
Nor think the labour vain
Nor hate me when I come
to take my pup back again.

I fancied that I heard them say
" Dear Lord, Thy Will be Done,"
For all the joys this pup will bring,
the risk of grief you' ll run.
Will you shelter him with tenderness
Will you love him while you may
And for the happiness you' ll know
forever grateful stay.

But should I call him back
much sooner than you' ve planned
Please brave the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand.
If by your love, you' ve achieved,
in memory of him that you' ve loved,
cherish every moment
with your faithful bundle,
and know he loved you, too.

-Author Unknown

blackliner

Thanks for the pep talk guys. We all become so attached to our canine buddies that it is sometimes difficult to make them stay home. On the brighter side, my 10 month old pointed his first wild rooster today!