Old dog's still got it

[7mmfan]

Got out duck hunting for the first time in 3 or 4 years. Pulled the old lab out of retirement for some easy pond swimming I was curious how she would do, and was thoroughly impressed.

We arrived and walked into our spot right at hours. As I walked up to the brush line I could hear them on the pond. Jumped the pond and knocked 2 drakes and a hen down. About the time she was finished bringing them in, the next flight came in and I dropped a hen and a drake. Almost immediately a single drake came in and I knocked him down but he made it into the woods. I got the dog to the right area and her nose went to work. I could hear her busting brush and scent trailing, followed by tell tale wing flaps and quacking. She came out head up and proud as could be with that drake. We sat for another half hour but no more birds showed up so we headed home 1 bird short of 15 minute limit.

Shes almost 12 and pretty slow these days. She was my first hunting dog, and I've learned a lot from hunting with her. I never knew how much fun and how gratifying hunting behind a good bird dog could be so it's sad to know her days are numbered. She is hurting pretty bad today, so I think some doggy ibuprofen is in order. Wish i could pour her a stiff drink to enjoy while curled up by the fire. She deserves it.

[Dan-o]

A day to be cherished, for sure.

[Taco280AI]

That's awesome 

I think my Luna is a natural bird dog, she always watches them fly by, but I've never hunted birds. I might have to try it out for her

[Norman89]

Special bond with a good dog no matter if they are a natural bird dog or house/family dog. But something very special about watching them work and enjoy it

[HaydenHunter]

Very cool story.  Thanks for sharing.  The pic of that tired old girl in front of the fireplace is priceless.

[Blacktail135]

 Thats beautiful. My favorite part of duck hunting is good dog work (or I should say watching a good dog have fun and being on the same page with them).

[BD1]

 

[bod]

Very awesome thank you.

[Onewhohikes]

 

[Smokepole]

Heartwarming story that will stick with you for a lifetime.  Ya gotta love a good dog.  They are always raring to go.  Best hunting partner in the world.

I had to retire my chocolate lab at about that same age.  We went out for one last hunt in the woodlands, similar to your spot.  We walked a game trail down the slough and I busted a couple mallards right at first light.  Next thing you know a flock of Canada geese came cruising through.  I knocked down one goose, and the old dog went in after it.  She had never retrieved a goose before, but didn't mind it at all.  She was so crippled up the next morning, I decided to retire her on that high note.  She lived to the age of 17, God bless her heart. 

Thanks for sharing.  Your story stirred up a lot of good memories!   

[bornhunter]

No matter how old they never lose the desire. Thanks for sharing. Brought back many great memories of the dogs who hunted their butts off for me that are now gone. Your girl looks like a sweet one.

[Skyvalhunter]

If a person had half the drive of a dog at their age a lot of things would get done!!

[7mmfan]

If a person had half the drive of a dog at their age a lot of things would get done!!

That is for sure. I told my wife yesterday that if adults had the drive of a hunting dog and the energy/fearlessness of a toddler, this world would be a remarkable place. As I plopped down in my chair with a short glass of whiskey at 7:00 

[7mmfan]

Heartwarming story that will stick with you for a lifetime.  Ya gotta love a good dog.  They are always raring to go.  Best hunting partner in the world.

I had to retire my chocolate lab at about that same age.  We went out for one last hunt in the woodlands, similar to your spot.  We walked a game trail down the slough and I busted a couple mallards right at first light.  Next thing you know a flock of Canada geese came cruising through.  I knocked down one goose, and the old dog went in after it.  She had never retrieved a goose before, but didn't mind it at all.  She was so crippled up the next morning, I decided to retire her on that high note.  She lived to the age of 17, God bless her heart. 

Thanks for sharing.  Your story stirred up a lot of good memories!   

I sure hope Chloe makes it to 17. 5 more years would be a blessing. After this particular hunt she was crippled up really bad as well. I had to help her stand for a couple of days, and carry her up the stairs to bed. I gave it one more try this last weekend with some good pain meds from the vet, and she was a whole new dog. Very little pain, got around fine, hunted like she did 5 years ago. With the aid of those pain meds I hope I can finish a good season with her this year and like you said, end on a high note.

[bearhunter99]

Definitely precious memories.  Good looking old dog!

[salt n sage90]

Great stuff.

[Jonathan_S]

Tired old hunting dog, drying out next to a car seat. How things do change.

[7mmfan]

Tired old hunting dog, drying out next to a car seat. How things do change.

Boy that is for sure.

[Karl Blanchard]

What pain meds? Personally I'd just go with the retirement option. Some of those meds are wicked nasty on their kidneys

[10thmountainarcher]

 

What pain meds? Personally I'd just go with the retirement option. Some of those meds are wicked nasty on their kidneys

  I would be careful with pain meds and dogs. I had a husky who tore his ACL years ago and he was 9 years old. Instead of surgery the vet put him on pain killers to help him through his remaining time. It turned out to be a very short time because the pain killers killed him. His organs shut down and he had to be put to sleep.

[Smokepole]

From my experience with two old labs, you're best off without the pain meds.  I gave our chocolate aspirin for her arthritis, and she would turn into a puppy.  Problem was, she beat herself up even worse.  It just got more ugly from there.  I think it's best to scale back your hunting ambitions to fit the dog's ability.  Either that, buy a new puppy and have the old gal help train it up for you.   

[7mmfan]

Meds are Deracoxib. I've got enough for 2 more trips and that's probably all I have time for. I appreciate the advice though.

[Skyvalhunter]

Rimadyl is the best

[gadwall]

Abby, my second lab is 5 now but my first was Molly.  I had to put her down at 14.5 years and hunted her 13 good seasons.  She had strength, natural instinct and no quit on waterfowl and upland birds.  She would make back to back 150 yard deep water retrieves on the Columbia in January up through age 12.  Great to see you had a good day with the old girl.  Thank you for sharing this.