The last hunt

[Full Flight]

Last week I had to put my hunting companion Doc down.  He was an English Setter and at thirteen his health was going down hill.  Doc and I had bird hunted in three states and had some wonderful tales over the years.  But, the time had come.  I called a local hunting preserve here in the Grand Rapids Michigan area, Fruitridge Pheasant Farm, and set up a one bird hunt. (Doc could only go about fifteen minutes and his back legs would give out).  I then called the vet and set up the appointment.  To make a long story short, I arrived at the Fruitridge about ten minutes early, and Doc and I waited.  We waited for over an hour and I had made several calls to the place with no answer.  Finally I got the number to another Hunting preserve about 30 minutes away.  I just did not want to put my buddy down with out his last day being a good one.  I called Pine Hill Sportsmans club.  The owner Scott was so gracious and nice he had me come over, he picked out his best rooster and took me with him to plant it.  Doc and I had a wonderful hunt and spent the last quality time together.

On the way to the vet Fruitridge called me.  he stated and I quote " it was cold this morning so I assumed you were not coming."   

I can safely say I will never use Fruitridge Pheasant Farm again and I will recommend to any hunter I know not to use them.  From now on Pine Hill will get my business.

Thanks for letting me vent.

[mnturkey]

Sorry about "Doc".  I just had Buck put down a week and a half ago.
I know how you feel.  As for the hunting preserve it is too bad that they did not inform you.
Sounds like you found a great new palce.

[wvboy]

That is a very nice way to send him out.. I bet he appreciated it..

I remember my Norweigan Elkhound as a kid got so bad off that she would hardly ever come out from under the Chicken Coupe where she liked to lay.. but if I ever came out of the house with a gun in my hand she would somehow find the strength.. she was a squirrel, turkey, ground hog, coon, and bear dog .. she was a hunting dog plain and simple.. and no matter how tired she was, when hunting was an option she wanted to go..

Sorry about your loss man.. 

[tomstopper]

Last week I had to put my hunting companion Doc down.  He was an English Setter and at thirteen his health was going down hill.  Doc and I had bird hunted in three states and had some wonderful tales over the years.  But, the time had come.  I called a local hunting preserve here in the Grand Rapids Michigan area, Fruitridge Pheasant Farm, and set up a one bird hunt. (Doc could only go about fifteen minutes and his back legs would give out).  I then called the vet and set up the appointment.  To make a long story short, I arrived at the Fruitridge about ten minutes early, and Doc and I waited.  We waited for over an hour and I had made several calls to the place with no answer.  Finally I got the number to another Hunting preserve about 30 minutes away.  I just did not want to put my buddy down with out his last day being a good one.  I called Pine Hill Sportsmans club.  The owner Scott was so gracious and nice he had me come over, he picked out his best rooster and took me with him to plant it.  Doc and I had a wonderful hunt and spent the last quality time together.

On the way to the vet Fruitridge called me.  he stated and I quote " it was cold this morning so I assumed you were not coming."   

I can safely say I will never use Fruitridge Pheasant Farm again and I will recommend to any hunter I know not to use them.  From now on Pine Hill will get my business.

Thanks for letting me vent.

I am sorry for your loss. That was one beautiful way to say goodbye to a friend and family member. R.I.P Doc.

[captin_hook]

That had to be a very hard moment to stomach when your old boy locked up on that last bird and sent him flying. A day you'll remember forever. R.I.P.  Doc.

[coyotetrpr]

  Tugs at the old heart strings a little.

[slamman]

I feel for you, a good dogs hard to put down.  I was Mearn's quail hunting a few years back with one of the finest bird dogs I ever had the the pleasure of hunting over.  Tell I called him was an English Pointer he was twelve at the time, went on point on a covey of Mearn's I flushed them shot a delayed double he retrieved the first bird to my hand looked into my eyes and fell over dead.  If there is ever a more fitting way for a good bird dog to die that was it.  Hope you find another Doc soon.

[RutnNStrutn]

I've been in your shoes before. It sucks having to put your buddy down.
It was very nice of you to take him on one last hunt.

[Full Flight]

Thanks for all the well wishes.  It is greatly appreciated

[barry]

Had to put down my best turkey dog years ago. We too had one last hunt as he fought the pain of arthritic joints. We had a great hunt.
Good dogs are like family, sometimes even better.
Sorry for your loss.

[Full Flight]

Here is a picture of the old Doc.  We had had a great day

[paboxcall]

Good dogs are like family, sometimes even better.

Sorry for your loss.  Seems like dogs make life better, then make big holes in your heart.  Nice picture of Doc.

[bayou country]

Sorry for your loss, sounds like Doc was lucky to have a long happy life with his best buddy. All the best to you.

[Spring_Woods]

That's tough to even read let alone trying to imagine how you feel. Dogs are family, they just don't live long enough. It's not fair.

[BowBendr]

Sitting here with my buddy "Rusty" in my lap right now...brings a tear to my eye reading this.

Sorry for your loss. R.I.P. Doc.