From my point of view, Brittanies have trained me, at least as much as they can. Good ones love to hunt, have a great heart, and want to make their master happy. There are plenty of good dogs of all breeds, but in our mountains a good one is hard to not like/love.

Little did I know when I wrote the quote above that today might be that day. As I was coming out of the woods tonight from an uneventful bow hunt my cell phone rang. It was my wife noticeably upset saying the dog was run over by a car and she was on route to a 24 hour veterinary hospital. I was in my truck and cruising and almost beat her to the vets. Between the tire marks across her mid section, the lacerations to her head and back legs, and the dried blood she was not looking good at all. After about an hour the doctor showed us the xrays and even he was surprised that she suffered no broken bones or any visible internal injuries. I will pick her up in the morning and take her to our regular vet as she will need some miner surgery before coming home. I just thank god that today was not our day to say good bye.

Larry, Glad to hear this prognosis. I sure hope it holds up.
Mike

Larry, I am so glad to hear that Brooke will be okay. My heart was pounding reading your post.

Larry I sure hope you hunting partner makes a full and speedy recovery. We live on a busy road and the first thing we did when we bought the house was to fence in the back yard. When the dogs go out to get in the truck they are always on a leash. A car/dog encounter isn't something I want to deal with.

In regards to breeds I have been fortunate to have been adopted by four very good GSP. I currently have two hunters with Gunner at 14 still haveing the heart but the hearing is about gone and Crazy Daisy who I'd put up against any dog. At the end of the day your not combing burrs out of them like you would a long haired dog. This may all change in a year or so as I have a friend with wonderfull English Setters and he is bound and determined that I'm getting a dog. It will be started and have a idea of whats going on is the only way I'd even consider it. We have four GSP now and three are over 11 and one is insulin dependent diabetic. The crowd will need to be reduced in number befor any new additions move in.

Rich - There is a man near Grayling who has developed a line of grouse hunting GSP's. Mild, easy-going. Perfect for the foot hunter. PM me if you'd like to get his contact information. Doesn't always have pups, but has litters occasionally.

Larry ,I am just getting back on line since yesterday ,and just read your post ,I am sure glad that all looks well with Brooke ,when we all start our days ,we just never know which direction they will go ! Please keep us all updated ! Russ

I just heard back from the vet and everything is looking good and I may be able to bring her home tonight. She is going to be one very sore dog for a while but with a little TLC she will be back in the field before long. Obviously measures will be taken so this dose not happen again. One night without a dog in the house is one night to many.

Mr. Frey,

Your dog, wife, and your self are in my thoughts. I am glad things were not too bad. Hope all stays well and she recovers fully.

Larry, I don't envy you that call from Deb... it would certainly make my heart skip a beat.

Brooke is a wonderful Lab and I know what it would do to your family to lose her.

Luck was on your (her) side this time and that's a very good thing.

Best to you and Deb,
Dean