Been over 20 years now:
 

Stumbled on an old photograph today. My eyes got wet the minute I saw him. This was my faithful friend of many years. Cherokee was his name, in the field I called him “Keet”. He was not only eager to retrieve but was proud to drop his feathered quarry at my feet. He still lives in my heart.

A seriously handsome setter!

Beautiful! I'll bet his tail would tell a story when he hunted.

Cherokee would approach the hidden bird in slow motion. When really close his hind end would quiver a bit in anticipation before freezing on point, nose down and his flag tail high, only then raising his right paw for his classic pose.

What a beautiful dog, Bruce, and how wonderful to have come upon the photo to re-remind you. My wife and I keep dog birthdays and records of their passing on our calendars. A toast to remember a pup, years after his/her passing, can bring back the best of those times together.

So glad you had time with your Keet.

Our last litter of Irish Setters was 1956, when I was 10 years old. I started shooting over Rusty when I was 12. I had many great days over that talented pheasant dog. Great picture you posted.

He was beautiful.

Very beautiful dog and great friend to his master