A Love Of Hunting Dogs

I wrote an entry last winter about how much hunting behind a couple of bird dogs when I was 12 years old impacted me. Since that day, I've always loved and been fascinated by hunting dogs. I had my first when I was a sophomore in high school. A Christmas present from Dad, he was a mongrel, really -- half Lab and half Brittany. He looked like a yellow Lab with a docked tail. Sam and I had some great hunting and fishing adventures. How I loved that dog. Over the last 30 years, I've never  been without bird dogs -- Brittanys and Labs. Not only do they enhance my hunting experiences, they enrich my life. Our dogs are not kenneled but live with us in the house. I enjoy their company, and I never get tired of the unconditional affection and loyalty dogs display. Hunting birds without a dog for me is like fishing in a swimming pool -- what's the point? I thoroughly enjoy hunting with a few select friends, but I also enjoy outings that are just me and the dog. I've had several great hunts with my old Lab this fall and hope to have more. He also accompanied my wife and I to Colorado, helping me trout fish however he could. Living with and training bird dogs is just one facet of the hunting heritage, but it's a part that impacts the hunting lifestyle and makes life more rewarding. I can't imagine my life without either.