The Last Hunt
July 30, 2010 by Jeff Fuller
The Last Hunt
Too often gun dog owners take for granted their teammates and do not realize how great they truly were until after they have passed. I own numerous dogs and have had the pleasure to hunt over dozens of fine hunting hounds. With that said, I always knew my first dog Lily, was something special.
I got Lily as a wedding present from my mother and father in law. She was a chocolate bundle of joy and the first dog that was wholly mine. I was determined to train her myself to not only hunt, but run competition. Hunting was natural to her, but the competition was well, something she ran me in. Trainers would refer to her as a “whole lotta dog.” This was basically a nice way to tell me that I was in over my head because she was running me. I still decided that I was going to train my girl and learn with her the art of the retrieving sports. We worked plenty and she became a great upland hunter for grouse and pheasants. Many a time came along where I was ridiculed for my brown dog being inferior because of her color. Nothing would be said and we would head to the field. After the hunt, and after she hunted the other dogs off the field in embarrassment, I would receive the same compliment…..Not bad for a chocolate.
Lily eventually led me to the Labrador retriever breeding world. I decided to work on producing my own kennel and line of labs. With the strength of puppies from Lily the groundwork was laid for my kennel, training program and eventual foray into television. With all of the above said I will still always remember our last hunt.
It was December and I had 5 dogs at our cabin. Grouse season was still open and I decided to take the dogs out. Slowing in her old age, Lily would struggle to keep up with the young dogs. Even at 11 years old she still would manage to put up her share of birds. As I got my shotgun and coat I let Lily out of the cabin. I was walking to the kennel to get a couple of other dogs when she gave me that look. The look said, “Let’s go out together, just me and you boss.” I had gotten the look other times, but for some reason took her up on it that day.
We went out in the woods and put up 12 grouse. I shot like usual and we got only one. It didn’t matter though. I could see how much it meant to my old girl that it was just the two of us. She would flush birds, look after I shot and run back to me. Once at my feet she would drop on her back and perform the “Victory Roll” that she had become famous for with friends and clients. The truth was neither of us cared if we got a bird; it was just her and I as a team. I did take her out to a few game farm hunts later in the year, but that was truly our last hunt.
It is said that you only get one great dog in your life. I am sure that I will and already do have dogs with immense talent, shown by their titles. But ability and titles are not what make a hunting dog great. I know that I will never again have the same bond with another dog that Lily and I had. She was my first and once in a lifetime dog all at once.
My Dillers taught me more about dogs, training, life and now death than any other animal ever will. She passed with a massive infection. By the time she saw a vet it was too late. To her last day she never showed a sign of illness. I think she was just focusing on the hunting season that was only a month away. Twelve years is a good life for a Lab, especially as they were all quality years. That still doesn’t make the thought of her not being in the field, riding shotgun in the truck, or sitting on my lap on the couch any easier.
Tomorrow dawns a new day and I’ll pick myself up. I will work with my dogs and hunting season will be packed with adventures. I just won’t enjoy them quite as much as I used to.
Thank you for the great memories girl. Now rest easy, find a nice tree to curl up under and please wait for me. I’ll be along in a bit and we will hit the field. I promise to shoot straight this time and it will be just the two of us. I promise.
Dear Jeff,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. I do believe there are special Labs in our lives that cannot be replaced. We have Labs, we raise Labs, and we love them but never as much as they long to love us, work with us and please us.
Be well, times reflecting will soon be good times. These memories will never leave you.
Penny Gray
Heartfelt and truly inspiring! May she rest well!
Such a wonderful tribute to your number one gal. I could not get past the first paragraph with out the tears rolling down my face. Looking at the Pictures of Lily I was amazed at how much Mackenzie looks like her. Im honord to have been able to read such a wonderful memoir.
Jeff,
Sorry to hear about Lily. It’s hard to believe she was just running with all those pups last Saturday. Definitely not looking forward to that time with my old girl, Sierra. Enjoy the memories.
Ted
thanks for the kind words guys….she was a special dog and I wouldnt be in the retriever world without her. Her health faded literally in 12 hours. This is something Im glad for, but selfishly I still wish I could have had one more day. She gave me 12 great years and Ill never forget her for one day.
What a loving tribute to Lily. There just are not words to express how sorry I am that she is gone. I am sure you gave as much to her as she gave back to you and your family. I believe there is truly something special about your first dog and the bond that grows between you. I see that everyday with Billy’s dog MacKenzie (Lily’s daughter). May time and the fond memories of those special hunts ease your pain. She in a place where she knows no pain, there is only boundless energy, health and unlimitless birds to chase.
Terri
Jeff…………just back from Minn. and am so sorry to hear about your Lily’s passing. Life sucks having to say our ‘good-byes’!! You were honored in having been chosen to share her life, yes, no? It sounds like you shared it well. And her legacy shall live on with heartfelt memories and good-working dogs that carry her blood for the joy of the sport. If you have a favorite pic of her, a favorite spot you hunted, send me some copies, ok? I’ll be in touch re the other thing as I get caught up with my being gone. Deann
JEFF SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT LILLIE. WE LOST OUR 12 YEAR OLD FEMALE TO DIABETES IN DECEMBER. IT WAS DEVESTATING. LIKE YOU IT WAS THE FIRST DOG JIM AND I OWNED TOGETHER. WE BOTH GREW UP WITH DOGS , BUT NEVER TRUELY HAD OUR OWN UNTIL HERSHEY. SHE WAS THE BEST. HERSHEY WILL BE THERE WAITING FOR LILLIE AT RAINBOW BRIDGE. LILLE WILL ALWAYS HOLD THAT SPECIAL SWEET SPOT IN YOUR HEART. AGAIN OUR CONDOLENECES.
Jeff,
So sorry to read about Lily. Sounds like she was a great companion and played a big part in your program. Think of all the joy and excitement you have brought to so many others from Lily’s offspring. Stella and I are so happy with Teddy (Libby/Rommel).
Josh
That is a great tribute Jeff, those are the memories to hold onto.
Sorry to hear about Lily. We have one of Lily’s pups…she was six in January 2010 and we just love her. Could not ask for a better dog. Thanks Jeff for a wonderful dog and family member. Our girl’s name is Soggy Acres Miss Bailey.
Jeff:
Hey Jeff, it’s the Norman boys. She was a Candlewood Dog right and what a wonderful memory of her!
My best hunter to date was named Cocoa – a half-breed, actually. She was actually 1/2 pure Brittney and 1/2 pure Lab (”so only sorta pure”). They were giving her away for free, when I was in High School. I had my first job, a mason’s assistant, my first car – so why not. Cocoa looked like a Brittney but that Lab love in her – well, it chilled out those Brittney “Spaniel” nerves and I was hooked on pointers.
I trained Cocoa. At seven months, she used to hunt circles around one of my best friends two German Short hairs. He spent 2000 bucks in the 1970’s (a new car cost $4000 then) to send those half-wit GSP’s to Missouri to be trained. In return, he got a lot of work out of his whistle because they ran after every bird they pointed – if you could keep them in one county that is. Cocoa was solid as a rock on point, and was doing triple returns with quail at 7 months (while my friends German Short hairs chased the ones that kept flying for some reason). It drove him completely nuts – “how can your mutt be that good he would taunt.” I personally saw him break three whistles, before he gave those German Shorthairs away.
Now, MY Candlewood Dog got me fully into Labs: Drachs Black Pearl (Pearl). She was a Super Tanker grandkid, and per the Candlewood “story,” the kind of girl you knew would be a great mom. She passed away almost two Halloween’s ago at 14 years (the same day my own mom died curiously – when I was 16). Hmm, the same year I bought that car too. Strange.
Cocoa ran away during her first heat, got pregnant (that little …), had 12 puppies and then tragically got killed by a car. I bottle fed those 12 pups for 5 weeks – and was literraly a mom about one year after my own mom passed. But it was good I had that car, since I had to drive home from High School until they were weaned. You guessed it “as a first time mom” I weaned them to Purina as quickly as I could.
My new lab, Jay Jay (the Patton daugter, Lean Mac grandchild -you met her) is doig well and we are waiting for the hunting season. I’m still hopefull we will be able to breed her to Picket. HMMMMMM – who has more of a Candlewood Handle, Rommel or Picket? AHHH, what the heck, I do like those pointers and since Choclate sounds like Cocoa, I say we should just opt “for a choclate.”
I will say a little prayer tonight, for great dogs like ours, great stories about them and just how much adventure means to all of us. Also, since I want to start a kennel when I retire, I will start using “real dog titles” instead of daughter and grandchild – NOT. None of us want just a dog, we want family members.
The next time you are under that tree with her – say hi to Lily from Alex, Josh and I. Oh, and tell her we gave you a piping thermos of hot chocolate to keep you warm.
Hey Jeff:
Man this a great story?
Haven’t seen much about pups for a while, and we are hoping you’re well. Is there a “Lily” somewhere in an upcoming litter?
Bob, Alex and Josh Norman
bob@normanfirm.com
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and memorys of Lily. This one especially hit-home as I have an 11 year old brown hunting buddy that was also sired by Candlewoods Cash on the Line. Although he is doing his best to chase ducks this year…..I ponder the fact that this is probably his last season and then, the Rainbow bridge will be around the next bend.
Wow, this is an amazing tribute to your best dog-friend. She was beautiful. I’m so sorry she passed on so suddenly; I am so happy for you that you had that special last hunt together.
You have gorgeous Labs and truly know what you are doing as a breeder. Our dog, Rommel’s boy, is 10 months now – got him from you in April 10′ – he’s a true lover. Very special, kind, loyal, smart, and devilish boy. Keep up the good work. Peace to you, your family, and your girl in heaven…
Joanna in MKE