In chronological order, from 1985 to present. I have been blessed with wonderful companions.
Brook, the springer, teaching Gyr what how to retrieve geese on the Chester River, Maryland. On her first hunt, he retrieved the 1st goose of the day and she beat him to the remaining 5 and retrieved them to hand like she had been doing it for years.
Blade in Alberta showing off his hard work. As I remember this was his first day of prairie goose hunting and he was the only retriever. He slept well that night.
Ruger, the low key work horse, in eastern Washington.
Ruger teaching Kip the ropes in Saskatchewan.
Kip in his prime on the Columbia.
Kip getting it done on Puget Sound. He retrieved birds from Manitoba to the Pacific Ocean. But he loved nothing more than riding in my Bankes and retrieving scaup.
Brant on duty on the Columbia. 95 pounds of lovable goofy dog. Afraid of linoleum floors but never shied away from any retrieve, loved to body slam crippled geese or swim down crippled divers for as long as it would take.
Jake the machine. Home after a trip to eastern Washington. At 19 months, he literally can not get enough retrieves. He had days this season in Alberta and Washington when he retrieved over 30 birds and wanted to keep going after the limits had been reached.
The almost the same progression for cuteness sake.
Ruger and Blade
Ruger and Kip.
Kip and Brant
Brant and Jake.
I have a little bit of experience hunting rabbits, but not like you guys. And my silly labrador gets pretty excited when one moves when we bird hunt, quick as lightning when they want. I think there's gonna be birds this fall, my wife saw plenty this summer. 
