The saga of GSP number 6 began yesterday. My new puppy has arrived. As luck would have it, one of the three males is going to have darker markings, and hopefully that’s what I’ll be bringing home in 7 or so weeks. There were seven pups in all, and all have been spoken for for some time. Thanks to Erik Bullock and Matt Strong for leading me in the right direction. And thank you to Melanie Vining for going through all the hassles a breeder takes on. Matt’s dog was the sire, and Melanie’s was the dam.
I went ahead and ordered a GoPro camera so I can possibly film more of our hunts in the future. For the past five or six years, I just had a camera mounted on a chest holder so I could remove it and film until time to change to the shotgun. That’s mostly what you have seen for the 20 years that I’ve been blogging, if that’s the right word. I so wish I had had that camera on my first three shorthairs. I just had a camera with film, so needless to say, I didn’t get many pictures. If only I could have videoed Tucker, my first GSP, and what he taught me. I know any other breed could do the same, but he was mine, and that made him special.
I have a few videos of my last couple of outings with Grady. No big deal, but it just shows the fun we keep having. But first, here’s a video of Grady learning about the outdoors at around 10 weeks.
Jake had all kinds of patience with Grady and did one heck of a job showing him the ropes. It won’t be long before Grady will have to do the same. These two videos of Grady show how willing he is to let me out in front for a shot.
From the few field trials I’ve watched, I don’t think Grady would have won any prizes. I don’t know if the dog is allowed to move after pointing. And Grady’s low tail might not be desirable, but it communicates to me that he’s not sure where the birds are, but they are out there. Maybe they are running, but he’s letting me know they are there. When his tail is higher and his back is flatter to the ground, he knows exactly where the birds are.
We spend so much time together on the mountain that most hunts are done without me ever saying a word except “good dog”. Yes, there are times when things don’t come together, and I wonder what the heck is wrong with Grady. Maybe he flushes a covey wild or walks right over the top of a dead bird. Many times, I miss or don’t even get a shot because I was daydreaming. If we did it perfect the fun would be out of it. If we can make something happen on a point like this one coming up 50% of the time, I’m happy.
Grady and I are having a good time finding birds. They are still in covey’s. Who knows, with the lack of winter weather this year, what might happen?
I’m going to be in that fantastic position of watching a pup mature into a fine hunting companion soon. Wish me luck. If the new pup gives me half of the thrills my last five GSP’s did, I’m going to be a happy man at 87. What a lucky guy I am to have such a passion. The mountain, the birds, the dogs, and an understanding wife.
The Reigning Chukar Champions 