Harold: Sorry to hear. We are the lucky ones who have had a good bird dog adopt us. They leave us so much richer than before our time with them. Jack

Harold I'm sorry to hear of your loss. We have all been there, it's the price we pay for the undying love and friendship they give us so freely. To have to say goodbye to one of our canine companions is one of the hardest things we will have to do in this lifetime.

When you return to the Grouse coverts in the Upper Peninsula next fall rest assured Shiner will be there also.

Rich, Matties gun is nearing completion, cannot wait it has been almost three years since started, What a pleasure it will be to be in the woods with my old companion in my hands, Gary

Harold, sorry to hear about Shiner. I met him last spring, a fine gentleman he was. I'm not sure where I heard this but I hope it is the truth. "When one of our best buddy hunting dogs leaves us, a piece of our heart goes with them. When it is our turn to cross over we will join with them all and our heart will be whole again." I'm sure I didn't get it exactly correct, but you can get the idea. Best to you.

I know how you feel. We had two Wirehair Pointing Griffons, a male and female. Just last year the male, 10 years old, went blind, couldn't hear or taste. I had to put him down. I took him for one last ride on the golf cart for about 10 minutes around the yard. He seemed so happy. I think it was the worst thing I ever had to do. We still have the female, and now a new pup, a German Shorthair. It's eased the pain, but I still sometimes call him by the others name. The first one was Remington, now it's Parker.

Having owned and trained my share of setters and labs over the years, I am unashamedly moved to tears reading all these posts.

Sorry to hear this. Wish they lived forever