Trigg although we have never met there is always a bond with men who enjoy a fine gun and a good dog. They go together like wiskey and a splash of water.
I also have GSP's and have lost one to cancer at age 9 and one to epelipsy (where is that damned spell check?
) at 13 just two years ago. Gunner is nearing up on 13 and has a far off stare some days and he has me concerned. It was his mom that had the siezeures. Gunner is a first rate dog just as I'm sure Dodger is. Rich F has hunted with Gunner on a couple of occasions and I think he would bear witness for Gunner.
Dodger will always live in your heart but please let Shine become his own dog. He won't be Dodger he is Shine and no dog no matter how great will ever be able to compete with your Dodger just as none can compete with Sturm, Elisa or Gunner.