Dutch was my first retriever.  Back then, we had no remote launchers, e-collars, or even a vehicle.  He was given to me from a friend of a friend.  I taught him stay, here, and get my training bumpers.  Together we learned about duck hunting and retriever training as well.  Hunting ducks was our precious time together.  Our bond was great.  He simply retrieved my ducks for me and was with me everywhere I went.

I miss the days he wined in the blind for a bite of my honey bun.  The sounds of his teeth chattering after a cold water retrieve.  The nights looking for him in the neighborhood after he decided to wonder off.  The bark when I chambered my gun in the house after cleaning it.

Dutch was the typical golden retriever, the one that everyone loved.  People would speak of his handsomeness and his good personality.

I sometimes wonder just how good of a retriever he would have been if I would have been the trainer I am now.  In my eyes back then, he was great.  You know, the dog you see following the small child around in a movie.

Ol Dutch, your in my heart and will be remembered forever.  Thank you Dutch for many wonderful years of your company.