Molly's Retirement

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         The passing of time catches up with us all eventually and we find ourselves no longer able to do what we used to and so it goes with bird dog's. Molly now has reached those days where she deserves to dream comfortably on the couch of all the birds and times we've had together.                           

She's been a tireless companion in the field exhibiting an exceptional drive and passion for finding birds for 10 year's. It's sad to observe her decline in stamina but at the same time I'm happy to have had so many great moments with her in the field crisscrossing the plains states in pursuit of quail, sharptail grouse,huns, and pheasants.With the most prey drive of my 3 Setter's she played an important role on the team pursuing and retrieving wounded birds. I can recall several long retrieves that just bring tears to my eyes as I look at her now knowing how hard this dog worked for me over the years.

                    I remember the day I picked her from the litter at 8 weeks old. She clamored around my feet with the other pups then headed off on her own. When I put down another pup the breeder had pointed out to me I noticed her off by herself parading around with a chew toy in her mouth independent of the pack. That caught my attention so I watched her as she proudly came around showing off her prize to the other pups. It was a hard decision I had to make after traveling 1100 miles cross country so I decided to sleep on it and come back the next morning. As I laid awake going over the pups in my mind I thought about Molly and my style of hunting. I like to cover ground and this pup would get lots of time in the field so I woke the next morning and headed back to view the litter one more time. As I came into the exercise area the pups were all milling about and my eyes naturally went to Molly again as she was a little larger had a beautiful head and was once again somewhat independent of the pack. The alpha female pup. In that moment my mind was made up. Molly was going home with me. I laugh as I think of that ride home. Molly protested very loudly having been separated from her mates and mother. The only thing that seemed to comfort  her was to lay in my lap as I drove! I soon learned what having an alpha female pup meant as she settled in to the household. She clearly asserted her independence as she surveyed the landscape around the farm. Smart as a whip and birdy right out of the box! Eager to please but again the queen in her was evident from the start.

 I couldn't believe the natural ability she displayed at an early age. In the above photo she was just 3 month's old and pointing quail around the farm. It wasn't long after that and we were shooting birds for her as well. She loved it all but I had to learn how to cope with her stubborn side. While eager to please she had her limits as to what she would tolerate from the older males Mick and Beau a few month's ahead of her and of course me. Obedience training was easy until she exerted her independent side. I quickly just learned that giving her a break and coming back later to the lesson worked with her otherwise there was no way she would give in to any pressure. Consequently house training took much longer than I ever thought it would. When I'm good and ready was her mantra I guess. Of course this meant she spent some time outdoors in the kennel until she was on board with the expectations and routines of the household.
                 
                    So like an old engine that still runs but over heats easily I carefully take her on runs in terrain she can easily handle. I'll do this as long as she wants to go as her reward for years of loyal and dedicated service in the field. At home she stakes out her spot and sleeps away most of the day now raising an eyebrow if I move or reach for my boots. I laugh every time she comes over to lobby when I put my boots on licking my face letting me know she's up for going along. In her younger years whenever the vehicle would stop when we were out in the field she'd be the first dog to start barking in the trailer as if to say "put me in coach!". The males are much more demanding of my attention but Molly just comes to me when she wants too and I give her my undivided attention for as long as she wants. Sometimes she'll lay on my chest for a while on the couch or at my feet while I'm drinking coffee in the morning. If I move to another room the males will follow immediately but Molly waits and then makes a grand entrance letting me know she's there wagging her tail as she comes to me.The picture at the top of the post was just taken a couple days ago. I had picked a beautiful rolling hill pasture to let her run in and as we looped back to the north towards the Jeep Molly came to a perfect point as she cast out ahead of me. Tail straight and right leg lifted with her nose to the wind. As I approached a covey of Huns screeched into the air. I missed the first bird and swung to my left on the second which fell with my shot. What a beautiful moment! I was so happy for Molly to have had that moment once again. So when I look at her now these are the things I think about and remember as we together enjoy the days of "Molly's Retirement".