Gary, So sorry for your loss. Words are never adequate, but many of us know the joys and sorrows of a having that special bond you shared with River..

What great pictures of a wonderful friend. Every hunter should be as fortunate to have as good a dog as River.

Every hunting dog should be as fortunate to have as a good a friend as you.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I never know which is worse: the sorrow when you hit the bird, or the shame when you miss.
http://www.hillmandecoys.com
Mullica Hill NJ

That was a really great tribute Gary. Take care.

Gary,

So sorry to hear of March's passing. You and her were indeed a team and everyone here fully understands your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you this day.

---

Take care, Huntindave McCann SHELL ROCK IA. ,,,,,, "As sailors grow older, the wiser ones move to smaller boats." Thomas Firth Jones, Multihull Voyaging

I have always found an interesting parallel between our dogs serving their master and us serving our Master. Our dogs seem to do it so much better. Our Master gives us opportunities in life and we choose to follow them or not. And we have to give our pups opportunities and they live to follow them.
Gary, thanks so much for the tribute to River and I am looking forward to the future post of your adventures with Storm in the beautiful country God has provided. So here's to the many grouse and waterfowl the two of you will be blessed with in the future.
...
boykinsbuddy
...just a drop of water in an endless sea

Gary, I am truly sorry for your loss. River was a great companion. Remember nothing heals broken hearts like puppy breath. Lets plan on putting some birds in front of a new pup soon.

Gary, I am sorry for your loss, too. But, as they say, "time will heal the wound". That new pup will change your outlook and it won't be long and she'll be bringing birds to you just like River did. Good luck!! John

Gary thank you for sharing the photos it is a fine tribute to your friend. River will be missed by many

So very sorry for your loss, from your posts on the DHBP, I know that River was one heck of a dog and a hell of a friend to you.

---

Carl
Mobile, AL
DHBP Member since 1998

"Life is too short to drink bad beer."
Disclaimer: This post and/or report is not a substantiation of or reflection on the true accuracy of the present surveying methods. It is only a report on or comment concerning local observation and/or results. Your results and observation may vary based on your location, local water conditions, food supply, weather conditions and migratory patterns "

Gary,

I think this will be the first stage to healing the loss River has left. I am pleased you have had the experience in your life to meet the perfect friend. Mine was a English springer called Tor he is the dog I judge all other dogs by
Everything I did with him seemed all the better for him being there.

Your new IWS won't be able to replace river, but give him a chance and he to may find a place in your heart, or at least become a good friend..

So sorry for you loss Gary.

Trip.

So sorry to hear of your loss. When I first started following this website, it was you and River's photos/exploits that I enjoyed most. I've even given serious consideration in an American Water Spaniel being my next dog of choice some day. No, you can never replace a companion and all the memories that go with them but you can start a new chapter with your new dog. (I know, easier said than done.)..........Good Luck!

Gary,
Sorry for your loss, glad you were able to make all those memories with her. It is amazing all she was able to do. You two were lucky to be teamed up together.

I hope the new pup works out for you.

Take care,
Tim
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"Ah Nuts!"

http://snipehunterfishart.blogspot.com/

Gary
A great tribute to both you and River. Always enjoyed your posts and will look forward to more with your new pup. Many have said "the wound heals" but we know they leave scars.
wis boz

Gary for sorry for your loss. I spent a 15 minute lift ride yesterday telling stories about Gus, my AWS who died in 2007. I can remember when I joined this site and first saw your pictures- I was thrilled to see another curly haired, yellow-eyed hound getting it done.

All the best.

John

Gary,

Thanks for sharing River with us, she was blessed to have you.

Tom

Gary

Sorry about your loss.

Gary, Sorry about your loss you made a beautiful tribute. River will be in good company at the rainbow bridge with my guys until we get there.
"There is nothing- absolutly nothing half as much worth doing as messing about in boats or with boats. In or out of 'em, doesn't matter." Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham

Shiny side up,
Wicker T, Booker T & Charlie Brown

What can I say that others haven't already.

So sorry to hear about River.

I was just thinking the other day that I missed seeing your posts and photos. I'm sure its been a rough season for you. I can't image.

Looks like you two had a great run together.

_________________________________


Capt. Brian Rhodes
The Swampers

Gary,

Saddened to learn about your loss. Please accept my sincerest condolences.

Best,
Brian F.

Sorry to hear of your loss... What a great life you gave her.

"There is only one great dog in the world and every boy owns him"

Vic

Gary

Very sorry to hear of River's passing. I can understand your feelings. I had a great Chessie that I lost a few years ago and we also spent most of our time hunting as just a pair. IT has taken a new dog and a young daughter's enthusiasm to join me that has refuled my passion for waterfowling. I hope your new partner will do that for you.

A wonderful tribute to River - awesome pics! THanks so much for sharing!!

Believe you/me Gary, I know how you feel. I still think about Shah every day. Wonderful photos! Hitch
_________________________

Board Member
United Waterfowlers - Florida
http://www.uw-f.org


President
Florida Wetlands Forever, Inc.
http://fwlf.org/


Duckboats.net member since 1999

For my photos and video; I use a Canon 5D Mark III, Cinemate/Zacuto hybrid rig, with a Canon 5D backup for photos. I use only L lenses.

Gary-

Sorry for your loss. Think of the great days you shared with River in the field and know that your pictures of your hunts with her rank up as some of the best I've seen over the years. Many of us have watched the adventures the two of you shared through your camera lens. You can guarantee that you gave River the best life a gun dog could have ever hoped for.

God Bless.

-D

Gary my heart go,s out for you one of the coolist looking dogs i have ever seen
Pat Richter

Gary,

So sorry to hear about your loss of River. I always enjoyed reading about your adventures with her and really enjoyed the pictures that accompanied them, this is surely a fine tribute to her. It looks like you two made an awesome hunting team and had some really good times out there on the water. She is surely irreplaceable, but I hope your new IWS is able to measure up to the standards set by River. There are surely more good times to be had in the future and we are all looking forward to reading and seeing the results.

Steve
ADK 46R #9464
7/46W
NE 115 55/115
Mt. Rainier - 14,410'