steve0146 Posted April 18, 2018 Report Share Posted April 18, 2018 For those that know me, I shoot in the south west but travel all across the UK for my wildfowling and shoot with a number of different clubs.. I have a number of wildfowling videos on YouTube and if you type in sjb685, some will come up. Unfortunately, have to give it all up for awhile... on Sunday my 7 yr old lab, the most amazing wildfowling dogs I've ever had the pleasure to shoot with, looked slightly off colour in the kennel. We did our normal walk, she swam in the river and fetched a few dummies out of the tide, wagging her tail joyfully each time she returned one. On the walk back..i noticed her stomach was swollen but not affecting her. I thought fat cow has eaten the other dogs food also! Next day, we repeated the walk, swim etc.. she just didn't look right so popped up to vets... We sat there and waited. She wagged her tail, looking at me as if to say, theres nothing wrong dad, why we here. Vet called us in. I explained why we were there.. they took her for an ultrasound to listen to her belly... I was called into another room and told her belly was full of blood, she was bleeding out and wont make it till morning. I broke down in vets and obviously was saying what are you talking about ?? Shes fine.! She had a tumour on her spleen that caused her to bleed internally. Too late for surgery and I needed to say goodbye. An hour ago she was in the river swimming.. she was so desperate to please , always willing to work , would do anything you asked, right till the end. Holding her still, looking into her eyes while the vet injected her was the hardest thing I've ever done. Im waiting for the ashes but will scatter her across our favourite marsh Rest in peace Willow and always make the most of every trip out with your companion as it may be their last. She was my best friend, never offered advice, never criticised, just listened. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted April 18, 2018 Report Share Posted April 18, 2018 I lost a 7 year old bitch in exactly the same way a number of years ago. 2 dogs later, and I will never forget her or that moment you describe. You have my deepest sympathies. MODS. Can this be moved onto the more current posting. Thanks W. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anser2 Posted April 18, 2018 Report Share Posted April 18, 2018 So sorry to hear your news Steve. Words on here can never replace your feelings for a loved gundog , but she will always be with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason g Posted April 18, 2018 Report Share Posted April 18, 2018 Sorry for your loss makes me sad to read ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve0146 Posted April 18, 2018 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2018 Thanks for comments Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motty Posted April 18, 2018 Report Share Posted April 18, 2018 Very sad. Chin up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ultrastu Posted April 18, 2018 Report Share Posted April 18, 2018 Very few topics bring a lump to my throat .but you just have . Feel for you pal . Post us a picture of her if you can . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve0146 Posted April 18, 2018 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2018 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ultrastu Posted April 18, 2018 Report Share Posted April 18, 2018 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve0146 Posted April 18, 2018 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2018 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AULD YIN Posted April 18, 2018 Report Share Posted April 18, 2018 Been in the same dark place,still have tears in my eyes thinking of the day my ESS molly had to be put down, honestly feel for you. johnnie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDog Posted April 19, 2018 Report Share Posted April 19, 2018 Not good and a sad loss. However the memories cannot be taken from you. Best of luck in finding another shooting companion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Konnie Posted April 19, 2018 Report Share Posted April 19, 2018 Very sad , best wishes, taken in her prime in dog terms. Got a old lab here 13yrs just waiting for some pea drilling so she can have a few nice days out, brains there body letting her down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
figgy Posted April 19, 2018 Report Share Posted April 19, 2018 Feel for you, horrible to lose a dog that looks so healthy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenergp Posted April 19, 2018 Report Share Posted April 19, 2018 Just 10 mins before i read his i was watching you video on trialing you headcam on a goose retrieve, she was a lovely looking dog that knew her stuff. I lost my spaniel last year in the same sort of circumstances, on the last walk i took her, i stood there amazed at the energy she had running up and down hills etc.That night my wife noticed he looked a bit down so we took him to the vets and were given the same devastating news you had.......it really really hurts. Very sorry to hear about you loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marsh man Posted April 19, 2018 Report Share Posted April 19, 2018 What a terrible shock it must have been when the vet gave you the sad news , really , really feel for you , I had my old one put down this time last year , I say old but he was only ten , I knew what was coming when I took him to the vets for the last time and as you know it leave you devastated . with yours being only seven and being so fit it must make it even more difficult to get over the shock. GOOD LUCK . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Mat Posted April 19, 2018 Report Share Posted April 19, 2018 Sorry to hear that. We had to have my old red lab put to sleep at the start if the year, 13 and a half. Terrible wildfowling dog but a good companion Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smokersmith Posted April 19, 2018 Report Share Posted April 19, 2018 Sat at my desk this morning (dust must have got into my eyes), and didn't know what to write. Still don't, other than I'm sure everyone is feeling for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve0146 Posted April 19, 2018 Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2018 Thanks for comments Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marsh man Posted April 20, 2018 Report Share Posted April 20, 2018 On 19/04/2018 at 14:47, steve0146 said: Thanks for comments All dogs are special in there own ways , but I think dogs used for wildfowling have that little bit extra , wildfowling is a solitary sport and your only companion is your dog , he /she never complain about what time you go , how long you go for and the conditions you go in . Mine often sit in shallow water for long periods just for the sake there might be a retrieve , and when there is a retrieve he will do everything in his power , plus a bit more to bring that fowl back to hand , mine know when he have done a good retrieve by how his tail is wagging , where a simple one for the dog , its a slower action on the tail and the look in his eyes say can you make the next one a bit harder please. Have you got another dog Steve ? , if not will you be getting another one . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stevo Posted April 20, 2018 Report Share Posted April 20, 2018 I’m absolutely knocked for six just reading this , I sort of know how you felt ( only just though ? ) i have no words , so I’ll not try . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oowee Posted April 20, 2018 Report Share Posted April 20, 2018 Always a sad day, never more so than when it's your own. Feeling your pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve0146 Posted April 21, 2018 Author Report Share Posted April 21, 2018 21 hours ago, marsh man said: All dogs are special in there own ways , but I think dogs used for wildfowling have that little bit extra , wildfowling is a solitary sport and your only companion is your dog , he /she never complain about what time you go , how long you go for and the conditions you go in . Mine often sit in shallow water for long periods just for the sake there might be a retrieve , and when there is a retrieve he will do everything in his power , plus a bit more to bring that fowl back to hand , mine know when he have done a good retrieve by how his tail is wagging , where a simple one for the dog , its a slower action on the tail and the look in his eyes say can you make the next one a bit harder please. Have you got another dog Steve ? , if not will you be getting another one . I have a lurcher who is anxious when left so it's extra hard at minute as he doesn't have company. No other shooting dog though. Will get another one in the future but not yet. I think those who don't shoot, dont have the same bond. She used to sit there every Saturday morning, in rain and wind and just listen. She helped me through a divorce and other personal issues (always women related!) by just listening. I get her ashes next week so can say goodbye properly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besty57 Posted April 21, 2018 Report Share Posted April 21, 2018 21 hours ago, stevo said: I’m absolutely knocked for six just reading this , I sort of know how you felt ( only just though ? ) i have no words , so I’ll not try . + 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve0146 Posted April 22, 2018 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2018 I have found footage of her last flight. Not much shooting in it but its a flight all the same. Will post in the video section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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