Last game of my season and probably the last retrieve for old Jake.

Wee bit of a thaw and will work calling decided to have the last walk of my game season.

Started the back of nine and done 3 wee places where i've been feeding all season but waited for this kind of weather.Numbers were superb and all wild birds so makes all the fox and corvid hours worth the while.Very lucky to have free reign on plenty of ground and try and make the most of it.
Also rose three coveys of grey partridges which was great to see too but didn't lift the gun.

Jake at 14 comes along but just gets a walk now and again and was chuffed to be put out for a doo.Struggling a fair bit nowadays and the thought that his time has come crosses the mind a fair bit these days but will see.The tail is still non stop and i can't go near the door without him wanting to follow but that's just a loyal friend for you.

 

[Tim.243]

These write up's never get enough replies with the pictures and story about Jake.
ATB from Essex

 

[Quixote]

I gave up game shooting when I retired my beloved old girl Purdey. I just didn't have the heart for it.

It's writeups like this that make me remember the very best of those days were when it was just her and I. There's something very, very special about your relationship with a working gundog

 

[shotguntom]

Memories to last a life time

 

[sh1kar]

Fantastic…,,

 

[Donkey Basher]

My old boy is 14 too - another BW spaniel, he gets tired very quickly & his body condition is in decline. I’d love to take him out on our little walk around day in a couple of weeks but will only do so if the weather is dry & settled - I know he’ll love it but I also know he’ll go at it with a vigor his old body might not sustain & whilst it’d be a great way to go I’m not sure I’m ready to loose him. He is the last of my team of three & also the last of his litter. His time hasn’t come yet & I’m in no hurry to bring it forward.

 

[Phil fox man]

looks like my old girl Dixie, getting on for 13 now .

 

[foxinmad]

I think we are all in the same boat when the loyal companions start slowing down when they are getting on in years.
My old pointer is 13 this year and nearly deaf now, but try and go out a walk without her and she's stuck to my side.
Nice mixed bag you have there, and great memories and photographs of the dogs doing what they love.
Nice one mate.

 

[alberta boy]

Great pictures and a great story . My last dog passed away in June of last year , they do leave a hole ,but they leave the best memories .
AB

 

[Cootmeurer]

Great story. Love the heart that an old dog still has, even when they are slowing. Also pleased to see you have a replacement, although they really are never a replacement. That sure makes the transition easier

 

[sako751sg]

Thanks for the comments folks and some great pics.

Pretty sure the dog companion feelings resonate with most of us and sure it hits as hard with you all as it does me.So many great memories,a few trying times but the loyalty and work these fellas put in to their working lives is truly unbelievable.

Had an extra week off with the weather and Jake and the grandbairn have been glued to my side and he's actually looked a bit looser so hopefully a better spell of weather will suit him.