The end of one chapter....

[Stabs 3]

It's my young dog's third birthday today and it marks the end of our season proper. It's cool enough to run still but the rains have hit making it impossible to run. It's a momentous day, not just for being the pup's birthday, but also because today his mother retires. For those of you know me, you'll know how much I think of her and she's done me proud over the years. She's certainly seen a wide variety of gear over the years, and for a dog that I originally intended just for bunnies, she's certainly turned her hand to a few other species in her time.

 

Happy birthday and happy retirement

 

[TOMO 27,291]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY how olds the old bitch stabs ? i would say shes ernt her place by the fire but i dowt you ever have one up there, all the best TOMO

[Stabs 3]

She's 8 now Tomo. Age and injuries have taken their toll on her and although she's still keen, she struggles after a hard day in the forest. Time for her to keep my daughter company.

[TOMO 27,291]

She's 8 now Tomo. Age and injuries have taken their toll on her and although she's still keen, she struggles after a hard day in the forest. Time for her to keep my daughter company.

 

YESmy old one's 8, with a dodgy shoulder and brocken feet, she just coes for the ride now

[Guest deerhound hunter]

just remember the good times stabs,my bitch i semi retired as in the last year shes had a rough time ov it ,with loseing a full litter apart from 1 which i had 2 bring my self ,she need cut of her ,and spaded and she,s not the same dog ,she has,nt even getting started this season,she only 6 but not putting the pressure on her this seasons like all the other ones,now its down 2 her son ,he,s now 3 and he can step up 2 the mark now and bring her younger son on

[socks 32,253]

well done to the old girl she has been making you look good for years ginger ... she has definately earned a nice retirement ......

[Stabs 3]

well done to the old girl she has been making you look good for years ginger ... she has definately earned a nice retirement ......

 

You know you might be right there muscle mary

[Dan Edwards 1,134]

Glad she done you proud for so long.

[Guest reload]

Happy birthday to the youngster Stabs, the old bitch has done you proud I am sure mate, 8 years has gone real quick

 

PS) You should stop feeding that youngun jammy donuts, you will ruin his show coat

Edited October 12, 2010 by reload

[Simoman 110]

Enjoy your retirement Van, she has done you proud Rich and the rest of us have enjoyed your ups and downs through your writing.........

[Bosun11 537]

Just as it should be Stabs, with the old girl seving well and making room for the next generation. I'll bet she doesn't get a full retirement , I don't belive any genuine dog should but I wish her many years of good living and best of luck with your young dogs future.

[moonlighter 1,164]

ive enjoyed reading about her in edrd. are you getting a replacment then or just gonna run the dog on its own? Thats the problem with lurchers..there a long time old, Especialy the fast ones like the coursing dogs dogs that relie on speed and pure running ability. For example,..say you have a dog thats had a hard life, when its 5 you get a pup so that when the old dog is 6 the pup will be 1 and ready to take over....Then when the pup is 5/6 you do the same again...but with lurchers living to old age the original dog would be 11/12 and could still be alive and well. then you would have 3 dogs,,2 of which would be retired. thats just the way it goes i know but a shame never the less, cherrs,

[Stabs 3]

ive enjoyed reading about her in edrd. are you getting a replacment then or just gonna run the dog on its own? Thats the problem with lurchers..there a long time old, Especialy the fast ones like the coursing dogs dogs that relie on speed and pure running ability. For example,..say you have a dog thats had a hard life, when its 5 you get a pup so that when the old dog is 6 the pup will be 1 and ready to take over....Then when the pup is 5/6 you do the same again...but with lurchers living to old age the original dog would be 11/12 and could still be alive and well. then you would have 3 dogs,,2 of which would be retired. thats just the way it goes i know but a shame never the less, cherrs,

 

Thanks Moonlighter.

I'll be bringing in a pup next year once I've moved to a new property. The next few seasons will see Jasper running solo but he's ok with that. He's 100% single handed anyway which is the way I like it.

[tag 29]

its not nice retiring a dog , and its even worse not having that peice of mind , knowing the said dog's not gonna be there to deal with anything that comes its way, at least youve got another dog to work as a replacement , but i found that you always seem to compare each dog to your best , and its hard to keep the doubts out of the back of your mind wondering if it will ever be as good , im still doing it now , atb and good luck bringing in a new en !!

[skycat 6,174]

It's a hard decision to make, especially when the old ones still want to get out but their bodies simply aren't up to the work. Here's hoping she enjoys the retirement: do you think that she will? I know that prey drive is supposed to lessen with age, but I've got a 9 1/2 year old who still wants it all: she's semi retired but gets really fed up if she doesn't catch something from time to time.