John, That's sweet. I know how it feels when it all comes together. There's (almost) nothing better. Congrats for you and Briahana. Fred

I have been looking forward to introducing the newest member to the family so here she is; Pinecoble Tess who has been with us for the past two weeks. What makes her truly special to me is her lineage. Two years ago we lost a beautiful setter named Feather to a tumor on her spine. She was 10 when we adopted her from the breeder and in the two years she was with us we grew to love that dog. The thought of her still brings a tear or two. Tess is a grandaughter of Feather and hence, very special to us.

It is pretty early to tell but I have a feeling that Tess is going to be a helluva grouse dog. Already birdy and bold, taking no guff from the older dogs. I am looking forward to introducing her to the grouse woods this fall but this year will all be fun and games.

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n..._2006/Tess.jpg

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...2006/Tess2.jpg

For any of you who have not yet met John Dunkle I can only say I wish he had told us this story in person. If you think he seems excited here as you read his words, you should be in his presence when he tells a story. He is one of the most delightful, animated people I have had the pleasure to know.

John, I am so glad for you!

Here is my pack:

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...24_2008021.jpg

They are all French Brittanys.

This is my shooting student Joe Wood with Dubya (left) and Molly. Joe is the one in the middle. We took this on Joe's family ranch.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...DSCF1610-1.jpg

Molly is 26 pounds and two and one half years old. She won a NSTRA field trial Memorial Day weekend.

Dubya is big for a French Brittany - 44 pounds.

Best,

Mike

John, congratulations.. there is no better feeling in the world than to see a young dog bring it all together. I wish you many happy years with her.
Ben

Hi guys!

Fred, Dean and Ben - thank you for your comments! (As well - Dean - I turned over a new leaf..? I've decided to be "quiet, shy and reserved" from now on.. I'm not sure it will "take" - but, well.. ;) )...

As well.... Jay - congrats on adding Tess to your family!! :cheers:

And Mike??? If I'm not careful - that's what the back of my station could look like and I *AM* jealous!! Honestly - I really love working with my French Brit.. She is as wonderful in the house as she is in the field.. What a tremendous breed..! BTW - are you a breeder, by chance?? If so - maybe we can chat, OK??

My best to all and thanks again!

John

John all five of mine are house broken. Depending upon the mood of my wife we usually have three in the house with a couple living outside in the "doghouse" (after they have displeased the Alpha female). My friend David Mays says French Brittanys are "out of the box hunters" and I certainly agree with that.

I switched to French Birttanys eight years ago because of their house dog qualities. I found them to be excellent hunters and haven't regretted the change. And I think it is great that you rescued that beauty and she is living the life she was designed for. She looks a lot like my Belle, the second dog from the left in the pack lineup.

I am not a breeder. Most of my dogs are out of or from Fred Overby's kennels of Montana and Georgia or Glen Raef here in Amarillo. But I always like to talk about birddogs. I will try to PM you.

Best,

Mike

Elizabeth on left Bridger on right Now 13 years 4 months. Both have cataracts, what are you experiences on having them removed? I was told that only the University of Ga. Vet School is the only one in Ga.,that will do it. Cost $1800 per eye

Just thought I'd bring this back to the top.
Here's a couple pics of my new setter pup Sadie.
I hope to pick her up from Bill Bolyard next weekend.
She'll be in grouse camp the following weekend with two other setters, and a couple of those short haired GSP's. :rolleyes:

She's a fine looking girl Dave, one anybody would be proud to be seen with.

Destry