It's much too hard right now to write a long tribute, but needed to post for the dozens of freinds she has hunted with from this forum over the years.

Our paths diverged today for the final time. She was the best friend, hunting retriever , and family dog I could of ever wished for. I miss her terribly already.


June 6th 1999-August 18th 2014.

This shows her in her prime, she still actively retreiving until 13.

I always loved this photo of her. taken at 6 months, we were training and she had just scented a bird. You can feel the intensity in her stance!




Graceful til the end. Love ya girl. —


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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

Thanks for mustering up the courage to post.
Your friends here at duckboats mourn with you.
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.
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Martin J. Villasuso



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"The world is so exquisite with so much love and moral depth, that there is no reason to deceive ourselves with pretty stories for which there's little good evidence. Far better it seems to me, in our vulnerability, is to look death in the eye and to be grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides." -Carl Sagan

What a beauty. Rest well pup.
When asked what the most important game he ever won was, Feller replied, “World War II.” Bob Feller.

Thank you guys.......... its hard to type through the tears. Lois, the kids and I just laid her to rest in a Beautifully tall White pine grove back by the pond. (Not Far from the second photo)

The kids placed some painted some headstone rocks for her. I have some fur and her tags that will go into Allsion's black Duck she carved, so Belle can still be with us on those special days in the marsh.

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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

After seeing Jim Higgins carve birds for memorial ashes, that's the best place for them to rest. A gentle wave, and a thoughtful stare from the hunter towards the restful decoy. I would bring the decoy in at night too. Just me.
When asked what the most important game he ever won was, Feller replied, “World War II.” Bob Feller.

So sorry to hear Jode.


I am always amazed to hear how much other guys get attached to their furry companions as much as I always do.


Rest in Peace Belle.


Jon

"Each decoy you touch holds memories of, past, present and God Willing, future hunts. The places, birds, men, boats, dogs and days you spent doing what you so dearly love and enjoy"- Vince Pagliaorli

Jode,
So sorry for your loss. I know all to well how tough that is. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We that love our other family members at least know she is in good company.
Sonny

Kevin, John, sonny...thank you for your kind words. This one will hurt for awhile ,but the thoughts of those who have been there help.

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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

Hang in there Jode.

Larry

Big city turn me loose and set me free.

Thanks Larry.

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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

"I will tell you a very wise thing. If a man is really intelligent, there's practically nothing a good dog can't teach him." The Old Man - Robert Ruark

When a Best Friend leaves us they take a part of us with them. Their life, and memories become part of us till we meet again in the Happy Hunting Ground.

There are no words enough to replace your loss... A lump in the throat stifles all words.











"Art does not reproduce what is visible - but makes things visible." ~ Paul Klee, artist, 1920

Very true words Vince. Thank you.

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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

Sorry to hear Jode...Its always tough!

Thanks you David. She was special thats for sure.

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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

“A dog does not live as long as a man and this natural law is the fount of many tears. If boy and puppy might grow to manhood and doghood together, and together grow old, and so in due course die, full many a heartache might be avoided. But the world is not so ordered, and dogs will die and men will weep for them so long as there are dogs and men." -Paul E. Chase

My sympathies Jode, I try not to think about that inevitable day with mine.

Beautiful animal Jode. My sympathies. I understand the sting. The fact is...

- They teach us more than we ever teach them...
- They give us grace daily. It's a good thing a retriever never learn to roll their eyes...
- They know when we're even thinking about going hunting...
- They are the most faithful hunting partner we have and ever will have...
- They are the most forgiving souls...
- They are not quitters and, never give up on us...
- They are always glad to see us and, see the good in us...
- Would never tell our secrets or, admit our stupity to our wives...
- They raise our kids and watch over them...
- They are the guardian of our homes when we're away and asleep...
- They are at their best in the marsh or in a field...
- Their loyalty is impeccable...
- God knew a waterfowler would need all that in a retriever when He made them. He did so to enrich the waterfowler's experience and, to do for him, what he could not do for himself...

Our heart goes out to you and your family brother! pat

Andrew thank you. How true those words!

Pat, perfect observations......very appropriate and spoken as someone who has been there. Thank you.

Belle was a one of a kind.....

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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

So sorry to read of your loss,it's never easy for any of us.A working dog that is also a family member forms a bond like nothing else....early mornings,bitter cold,mud,memorable retrieves and always a tail wag,no matter how bad our day was.RIP Belle

Thank you Steve . The bond we have with our retrievers is hard to put into words. It helps to know others understand it.

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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

Wow !

Im so sorry jode, their time here is never enough.
I know how your feeling , Im still feeling my loss from last year.
_____________________________________________ You get out of a dog, what you put into a dog !

Doug, thanks. I don't think you can get over losing such a good companion, but you learn to deal with it. Now that a few weeks have past I am remembering many of the great moments we had in the field.

One of my favorites was in the marshes not far from where you used to live. It was late December and the weather was changing from a 50 degree day to a 20 degree one. We were set up in a large shallow salt lagoon. The wind was 20 + from the northwest and I knew our time was running short due to an expected blowout tide. Teal were sweeping low over the decoys than gaing elevation and distance quickly when they saw the guns come up.

Still my partner and I managed to drop several. Suddenly a big drake black duck flies the same route, I swung and missed on my first shot as the drake beat his retreat I shot and broke his wing on the second. Still he landed 60 yards out. I sent Belle hoping she would be able to work her magic and corral the cripple quickly. Unfortunately the black duck was old and Wiley , he began swimming hard the moment he hit the water. By the time Belle reached him they were 100 yards out. The duck dove as she reached out to grab him. It would pop up, circle and dive again. Frustrating for me and belle I am sure.

I fully expected him to do the death grip of some submerged vegetation and soon it seemed he did. It did not surface for a minute and belle continued to swim in a tight circle over one spot. Unexpectedly belle the completely submerged and stayed under for about 5 seconds. She located the duck , dove under and plucked it off the bottom! My buddy and I stood up hooting and hollering and giving high fives. He asked how I trained her to do that, and of course my reply was " I didn't ". It was just pure heart. She was 8 at the time. It is,still one of the best retrieves I have ever had the privilege to witness!

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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

What a DOG! You can't teach that kind of heart.
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Martin J. Villasuso



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"The world is so exquisite with so much love and moral depth, that there is no reason to deceive ourselves with pretty stories for which there's little good evidence. Far better it seems to me, in our vulnerability, is to look death in the eye and to be grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides." -Carl Sagan

Jode, having enjoyed and lost my share of canine hunting companions over the years, I completely understand your feeling of loss. A well trained and committed retriever is pure joy to a water fowlers life in the field and at home. Your buddy Belle would want you to carry on, so all I can say is that nothing heals a broken heart like puppy breath.

Thank you Brad. There is a new black pup running the house now......LOL!

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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

Thanks Martin, you are right on ...........

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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