New Dogs, Old Dogs
Tracey Carrington
In every friend we lose a part of ourselves:
Well that day has come for me. I lost Queen two weeks ago due to 'old age' and heart failure. I took it hard as every other pet, friend and bird dog owner does.I am thankful for all the great memories she has given me. We both started our field trialing journey as hard core rookies. We took the time to learn the game with each other. Not always on the same page on the same day, but in the end she proved her desires to me and to others that she could and would come out on top. I am proud of Queen for earning her NSTRA Championship. She is missed greatly, but we all know, now, she doesn't have me hollering at her to NOT bump that bird!
Popcorn- Ricky Gunnyon
There is little as heartbreaking to a bird dog man, than having to bury your best dog. 7XNSTRA Champion Popcorn is gone and I can guarantee you Ricky Gunnyon is probably pretty close to inconsolable right now. Ricky thinks Popcorn may have been stuck by a snake, but, regardless, one of the best dogs to have ever run our fields went in the ground August 10, 2006. I wish I could remember every time Ricky and Popcorn had the last brace and came off the field with 5/5/back. I wish I could remember every time Popcorn went out early in the trial and set the bar so high all the rest of us pogues could do is fight for 2nd place. The reason I can't remember them all is because they were too numerous- that dog was a winner, with a great nose and lead by a great handler. I have to smile when I remember him, on a brutally hot day, getting on one side of a shrub, in the shade, and sitting down for a second- all the while Ricky called for him. He'd peek his head out and spot Ricky, and ease back into the shade! Eventually, Ricky would find him and shout “Popcorn, get over here and find this bird!” and Popcorn would head out into the heat and win the trial! They were one, unified, perfect team on the field and nearly impossible to beat. Popcorn was one of the great ones. If you ever ran against him, consider yourself lucky to have seen the best in action. He will be missed by all of us in the Georgia Region and nationally, too.
Brenda Roe's 6X Champion Logan passed away- what a fine dog!
Harold Hufstetler's great male setter, Woody is gone. A many time NSTRA Champion!