I had a Black Lab, Bruce was his name, B for short. I had him 15 years from a pup. I trained him from very early as a working dog, we started at the working test route, then onto full blown Field Trials.
Yes, I did a lot of working him, on lots of shoots, we travelledvery well, and enjoyed the feeling of being at one with the dog.
We would turn up in a 205 Gti 1.9 and all the Disco owners would turn their noses up, but we kept on getting asked back.
We did well as a team, he would take hand signals, whistle, and was fantastic. He never barked, or whined, wore a collar or wore a lead (If he did, he would carry the end himself) and always walked on the left.
I had two 2nd places in Field trails, which is really great going. A FT winner commands lots of $ as a stud.
Bruce was my mate, we went everywhere together, he flew in a Helicopter, Balloon, and travelled everywhere in the footwell of my car. We would go running together, often 6-8 mile cross country runs, he loved it.
He drank Stella, and we would go for a long walk (i would take £20 - just in case - Emergencies!), i would buy a few beers at our favourite hostelrey, and he would wander about saying hello. We would travel home (often in the dark) up the bridle-way, and you should try following a black dog, in the dark - Half pissed!
Next morning, the pair of us always had hang-overs!
Boy do I miss him. He died in his sleep 3 years ago, aged 15. I am welling up here thinking of him.
Not the best pics.
ps he 'lost' his tail due to an infection, that would not heal!
