Memories of old and new

John Taddeo · 07-06-2020, 10:08 AM

The last day of October, 2019 was a bitter reminder of how short our time is with our hunting companions. In the prime of the hunting season I lost one of my Shorthairs to cancer at 11 years of age. Ziva was no trial champion, she would never have been in a show ring but she inherited the desire and love to find birds at any cost. She was the dog that made you load your lightweight boots in the truck because when we got into birds, things were going to happen quickly. I will miss her dearly and as I return to my old covers her memory will be there.

This past weekend found me in Central City Iowa visiting Steve and Jodie Ries at Top Gun Kennel. I was there to pick up my newest memory maker. Steve and Jodie run a first rate operation and I am thrilled to have one of their pups. Going through this process somehow seems to makes us feel young again. I look forward to making new memories with Top gun Talon as she works the old covers while remembering Ziva and how she worked them the same.

Battue · 07-06-2020, 10:12 AM

Good Dog Ziva, you did great.....

C.O.B. · 07-06-2020, 06:33 PM

John I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I to have lost to many hunting companions but I can visit them every day as I laid them to rest on our small piece of property ( actually 3 are on our side of the line but Ilsa and Gunner are actually on the neighbor's side). I have two boys Ike who will be 3 in September and Duke who will be 2 later the same month. I love the white coloration except in the winter. Ike is white for the most part and Duke is liver and grey. The exchange orange vests as the season progressed LOL.

Thats a fine looking pup and I'm sure you guys will make many fine memories together. Condolences on the loss and congrats on the pup and moving forward all the while a occasional glance back is good also.

Hammer Gun · 07-11-2020, 05:16 PM

Ditto on what Rich said, Gary

davidboyles · 07-12-2020, 12:51 AM

As readership is aware I lost my pal of almost 10 years sweet companion Dessa and faithful hunter. Like you we are going to a Brittany kennel in S Tx where we will pick up a freshly born girl in Nov. I too am looking forward to testing her skills and enjoying watching her grow, learn, make mistakes and come right back for more adventure just as Dessa did through her lifetime. The tears are still there on mornings when I walk and see her beside me or out in front of me quartering like she prized herself in doing. I feel your pain too and at the same time wish you great hunting with your fine looking new pup.