River November 2003 to November 2012

She was clearly my best friend for nine years. As we almost always hunted alone, we became a team that was unimaginable. She was heavy, had a crook in her tail, She was my dog. Nobody understood me better then her. And nobody understood her better then me. She would always be ready to go at 3am. Sitting on the truck seat as I was loading the gear, never wanting to be left behind. We would sit in the blind for hours on end and she would always eat half my lunch. There were many days we would hunt all day and not one word was said. Just a pat on her head when she would retrieve the birds.

She always knew what I was thinking, and could anticipate my next move. She would hunt Chuker, Quail, Grouse, Pheasant, and Waterfowl. She liked it all. In my 46 yrs. of waterfowl hunting the last nine seasons with her were my best for sure. She made me laugh, and she made me proud. I can't remember ever loosing a bird with her. Her nose was better then perfect.

I wanted to post this tribute as so many of you have got to know her from a far. I'm in hopes she is looking down on this post with Pride and knowing we had a good run.

My heart is still healing, and I'm not sure if I will be able to go hunting again. Hopefully my new IWS will win my heart as she did. We will see. I was blessed to have the perfect dog.

Enclosed are many pictures of her, most I am sure you have already seen. It has taken me nine weeks to be able to post this tribute. All of you with hunting companions know what Im going through.

Gary March

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I have so many more, but its time to say goodby old Girl, You were the best. We have hunted more in nine years then most have huntedin a lifetime.

Gary March