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< 16ga. General Discussion ~ He’s Gone |
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Posted:
Thu Oct 10, 2024 10:42 am
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Joined: 08 Feb 2009
Posts: 1387
Location: Western WA
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I have the sad duty to report that Chester, our black Lab whose exploits were journaled here, took his final breath yesterday after an epic 14 year career as hunter, companion, and beloved family pet. He had endured major infirmities in his last months, but enjoyed continual care and attention from family members.
Chester joined the family, fittingly, on Father’s Day 2010. His deeds in the field have been well celebrated, and suffice to say he performed beyond the dreams of most bird hunters from his very first day out.
Like many Labs, his hunting skills were totally instinctive, with not a minute of formal or informal training needed. Voice commands, hand gestures, and even glances were instantly understood as directions for action. Yet he enjoyed the camaraderie as well, looking forward to resting next to a familiar log whereon I frequently sat and shared a sandwich with him.
Lab owners will also be familiar with the deep bond Chester formed with family and friends, being vigilant and watchful over the home, faithfully obedient to family members, and tenderly affectionate with young children.
And perhaps most personally satisfying to me is the knowledge that our sons were able to see and experience for themselves the pinnacle of partnership between man and dog in the field.
Chester’s brilliant fieldwork, his spectacular flushes, and heroic retrieves are already family legends, along with keeping coyotes, bears, and other unwelcome intruders off the property. Henceforth his collar will rest in a place of honor in the home which he loved, and was much loved.
B.
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Posted:
Thu Oct 10, 2024 11:14 am
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Joined: 04 Mar 2019
Posts: 1991
Location: Central ND
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Sorry for your loss Brewster11. |
_________________ Mark...You are entitled to your own opinion. You aren't entitled to your own facts. |
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Posted:
Thu Oct 10, 2024 1:45 pm
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Joined: 17 Mar 2017
Posts: 2909
Location: Endless Mountains of Pa
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Brewster11,
Very sorry about your incredible lab passing over, he will be waiting for you at the gates of heaven. I hope you and your family recover from his loss quick.
all the best,
Pinre Creek/Dave
L.C. Smith Man |
_________________ "L.C. Smith America's Best" - John Houchins
Pine Creek Grouse Dog Trainers |
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Posted:
Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:00 pm
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Joined: 21 Mar 2019
Posts: 59
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Very sorry for your loss. The good ones that live along while seem to hit particularly hard. I grew up around bird dogs and for a variety of reasons most didn’t make it to old age. The few that did seemed to really hurt. One old setter that was decent but lived to 14-15 and was my dad’s last dog took some getting used to when he wasn’t around anymore.
John |
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Posted:
Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:00 pm
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Joined: 27 Aug 2020
Posts: 129
Location: SE TX Marsh and Young County Tx
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Prayers Up. Nothing worse than losing a family member. |
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Posted:
Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:48 pm
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Member

Joined: 19 May 2006
Posts: 446
Location: Too far south in New England
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Brewster,
My sincere condolences, he will always have a place in your heart.
Remember with fondness. |
_________________ "You keep saying that word. I do not think it means what you think it means" - Inigo Montoya |
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Posted:
Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:30 pm
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Member

Joined: 30 Nov 2011
Posts: 1742
Location: Minnesota
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What a perfect looking example of a Lab in the best color. Sounds like you gave him the perfect life for a hunting dog. |
_________________ Great dog, Great friends,Great guns |
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Posted:
Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:38 pm
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Joined: 03 Sep 2014
Posts: 405
Location: Rochester, MN
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Good dogs do not live long enough.
In my experience, the only cure for this type of heartbreak is new puppy. |
_________________ John Singer |
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Posted:
Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:19 pm
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Joined: 22 May 2020
Posts: 302
Location: Ky
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Sorry for your loss. They are both great friends and family. |
_________________ “Never use an ugly gun to kill a beautiful bird” |
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Posted:
Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:52 pm
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Joined: 19 Jun 2004
Posts: 1483
Location: Mpls, MN.
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My dogs are the calendar pages of my life.
Sorry for your loss.
Best,
Ted |
_________________ "Well sir, stupidity isn't technically against the law, and on that note, I'll remove the handcuffs and you are free to go". |
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Posted:
Fri Oct 11, 2024 7:08 am
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Joined: 30 Sep 2019
Posts: 182
Location: Colorado
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Posted:
Fri Oct 11, 2024 8:05 am
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Joined: 14 Apr 2020
Posts: 151
Location: Boise,Idaho
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From a fellow Lab owner, I feel your loss.
Bob |
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Posted:
Fri Oct 11, 2024 10:25 am
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Joined: 24 Jun 2013
Posts: 2122
Location: canandaigua - western n.y. (formerly deerhunter)
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Been 3.5 yrs since we lost the beagle - can't replace her - know the PAIN !! |
_________________ Molly sez AArrrooooooah ! |
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Posted:
Fri Oct 11, 2024 11:12 am
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Member

Joined: 24 May 2012
Posts: 363
Location: United States
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It is the worst day of a special bond we have with our dogs. They are all special. I have had great bird dogs and I have had not so great bird dogs and I have cried over every one. Every one of them had something special about them. I am sorry for your loss.
James |
_________________ A fine gun is nice. A fine bird dog is essential. JTF
"My degree of optimism is negotiated daily" Bill Snyder, Former Head Football Coach, Kansas State University |
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Posted:
Sat Oct 12, 2024 9:17 am
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Joined: 09 Dec 2012
Posts: 734
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Our condolences. Dogs are like children.
While I have a couple new bassets, I am still grieving the loss of our 2 dobermans and my beagle female. We had got them within a couple months of each other (the Dobes were brothers) and lost them all within 3 mos of each other.
When you have "once in a lifetime" dog(s), the loss is deep.
To reiterate,
Our condolences. |
_________________ dr = David R, not Dr. but thanks for the compliment, most folks just call me Dave |
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