Lost my best girl about the same time you lost Indie also at a young age and it was devastating. Our new boy Pete is coming along well however, he's gonna be a great dog.
Luna 10 months. My son and daughter in law bought her for me for Christmas. She’s a beautiful black lab and this upcoming season will be her first. I can’t wait.
That one brought the tears, Joel! 🥲 Your daughter talking about Indie in heaven was definitely one of those moments. This video was a beautiful story and tribute to a phenomenal dog, Indie! I'm very blessed with a great 5 year old golden retriever, Lindy, who hunts with me. There is nothing that makes duck hunting better than a great retriever who is also your best friend! Videos like this make me appreciate her even more and help me to cherish every hunt I get with her! I look forward to seeing the updates on the new pup and Zoe! Thanks Joel for all you do and God Bless!
I have a 8 month old male yellow lab named Doc. We got him at 12 weeks old and he’s basically gone everywhere with me since we got him. He’s the 1st dog I’ve trained all on my own. I took him to my parents farm to do some training a few days ago. My dad came with us and he ran pheasant dogs for years he said “son idk a dang thing about a duck dog but I love the way he looks at you” made me so dang proud.
So sorry about your loss! It’s amazing the impact a good dog can have on your life! My dad had the best GSP- Buster. He also died of kidney failure, the vet thought he might have ate some pesticides or something while on the hunt... I remember all the intentional care into leash training him and playing fetch as I was just a tiny tot... I didnt have experience hunting with him. My dad never got another because it broke his heart so much. I’ve wanted a GSP since I was a little girl looking up at my daddy and our beautiful bird dog. Hopefully, once my sons are grown up a little more, I’ll get one.
My friend I remember when this happened and at the time I knew I didn’t have a lot of time with my sweet girl kiddo and well now she’s gone, I feel that sting still every time I get home and my girls not there waiting. God bless you and keep doing what you do thank you
You released this video right as we were going through a very similar situation. My Chessie is a dumb pup and ate something he shouldn't have causing a bowel obstruction. After the surgery, he wouldn't eat or drink ended up very dehydrated and lost about 20% of his body weight. I haven't been able to watch it until just now. Fortunately, our guy has started to eat again, and heal from his surgery. He's only 9 months old and it's amazing how much of a bond he's build in such a short time. I was SO blessed that I had just sold a boat and was able to afford the surgery and follow-ups. I don't even want to think about what you went through with Indi. Years of friendship, with the memories, and shared drive for the hunt... There's a bond there I have yet to know but hope to soon. Good luck with the new pup!
My goodness I needed this, video came out right when I had to put my 14 year old Chesapeake down. What a tear jerker, I watched it twice, fantastic job buddy.
We got our black female Nelli 2 1/2 years ago and can’t imagine hunting without her. She is surely my wife’s dog. She has put the joy back into duck hunting for me. In the two seasons we have had her we haven’t lost a single cripple.
I searched TH-cam for “Best duck hunting dogs” which brought me here. I had no idea how much I needed this video. I just lost my 5 year old plott hound to sudden heart failure. I held him to the end and felt his last heartbeat. My daughter and I are heartbroken. Like you said you can’t count on another season. Fortunately I have 125 photos and 3 videos of Jack. I’m going to spread his ashes in our favorite hunting spot. Now like you I’m looking toward next season and a new 4 legged partner. The search for a puppy is difficult but you’ve given me some good ideas. God bless you and your family.
i still remember my first hunting hound. Shiloh. he was a blue tick/ black and tan mix that spend his days chasing deer and hogs in the central florida swamps. he was a suborn bastard but also one of the sweetest most loving dogs you'd ever meet. also smarter than he had any right to be. we had one time he got lost 10 miles from camp in the state WMA, we though we'd never see him again after 3 days of searching. next weekend we find him sitting in his kennel at camp. he had followed the trucks of other hunters he knew back to camp and climbed back into his kenel and would growl at anyone who tried to remove him from it. some kind people in camp gave him food and water to make it through the week and he greeted us with excitement the next weekend when we made it back up. he lived to be 14 years old before finally succumbing to hip cancer. it hurts any time you have to take a dog to be put down but i'm still tearing up writing this and its been over 2 years and i still have his old collar hanging on some antlers i have mounted. Don't cry because its over, smile because it happened. thank you Shiloh we'll miss you buddy.
I know your pain . Lost my first female chocolate to the same thing a few years ago. Ended up being lymes that caused it.i got lucky on adopting a fully trained 1year old yellow male for free! They are more then just pets ,your best huntimg buddy and a family friend .they impact your life for sure . From Canada good luck this fall !
Every time God blesses us with a retriever hunting mate is special. Good lord it was hard to hear your wonderful yellow girl has passed. Best ever luck with your new puppy truly fantastic blessing. God bless you and those who you love brother.
Yep.. this one made me cry a bit. I have a 4 year old black lab named Hunter. Ive severely underestimated a dog's intelligence until I got Hunter. He was a gift from my wife and we got him on my birthday, 4 years ago. He's set the bar high for my next lab. Best hunting partner I could ever ask for. Great video, Joel. RIP to beautiful Indie.
I lost my 3rd golden retriever of my lifetime in January 2021. He was 13 and died unexpectedly. We had an ice storm and we couldn’t get him to the vet. He died in my wife’s arms man it hurt bad. I went through the 22/23 duck season without my hunting buddy and I decided to get another field golden in February of 23. He is a started dog that was 11 months old. He had been trained by his trainer beginning as a pup. I brought him home from Missouri and he has been my best dog yet. He now has 3 passed for his JH test snd we hope to finish his JH test this fall and get his 4 passed for his SH as well. We have been working all summer towards this. I can’t wait for duck hunting season!! Take care and just know that I love these videos and please send more!!!
Well, I know how you feel. I just lost my black lab, King Cole. Beautiful dog just short of 9 - wouldve been end of Dec. 2023. He had ear infections all summer and plenty of trips to the vet. Then, in Sept. he had swollen lymph nodes - like you cant make this stuff up - result was lymphoma. And it was downhill from there., they say it is 6 weeks from the time you feel the swollen nodes and it went that quick. i did get that one last day out for pheasants, and he hunted like a champ. He gave me that look like he knew everything about our efforts as he continued to bound over and through the high grass. And then he gave me a day or two of I am alright but then stopped eating and just got impossible for him. Anyways, its been a month and like you said I feel blessed for having him and enjoying him work but also enjoy em in the house and just out walking. Compounding his loss was his father passing last Dec 2022 at 13.75 years of age, they all pass on but they are hard to let go. He was an exceptional hunter retriever although he was a bit anxious in the blind he had some similar long retrieves in the Parker River in January dodging ice flow to secure the duck. It strange not having to get up in the morning for their breakfast, constitution and walk. So, as we continue to recover from our losses, I realize the need for them and how amazing they are for our soul. Nothing beats the understanding and love a dog can provide. And I thank God that I was able to love two incredible labs. Thank you for the video as it came to me as you see a month after Cole had gone.
I have had several real champion retrievers with AKC ribbons and lots of hunting experience. Every time one died I replaced them. Finally about 15 years ago my last one died and I will not replace him. Its like owning a child that only lives 10 or maybe 15 years at max. Too heartbreaking for this old bird hunter.
I had to stop and walk away 😢 three times Joel. This really hit me hard - again! I am rearing up again as I post this You do great work. Love your videos. Share with my friends. Recommend to people that follow me. Your good and one of the best. Gonna go hug my pup now! Thanks😊
Last January (2023) my Yellow Drake left me, there was nothing that could be done except to let him go. It was the right thing to do, it broke me. He was my fifth and by far my absolute best retriever. He lived to hunt for me. I was thee days without a yellow dog in the house and I put a deposit on a litter that was not even on the ground. February 7th Maggie was born. The following eight weeks were the longest weeks of my life. And now at five months the signs show my little yellow Maggie will most likely exceed what I thought was my one in a lifetime retriever. Thank you for this video. I too am starting again.
I had a chocolate lab named JJ That passed this past spring while snow goose hunting, she was 4 days away from 13 years old. One of the greatest dogs ever and went out doing what she loved
You are so right, you have been blessed with great labs they can more then we deserve. Your videos of Indy and Zoey are beautiful to watch thank you, they touch us all and make some of us who had great dogs remember the good times. They are such a tremendous breed and you my friend have a great deal to watch, enjoy and learn from. t
We lost our Lab at 7 1/2 to kidney failure, tore my heart out. Needless to say, this video really hit me hard in the feels for sure, and that was 10 years ago now! Beautiful tribute for sure.
Labs are impossible to beat and I have a great kennel about 3 miles from my house I’m on my 2nd chocolate from there. The bonding from all that training makes a dog into a family member/hunting partner real quick. Not many relationships like it
Great video. I lost my yellow lab Diamond (she was almost white) a few yrs back due to the wrong meds a vet had given me. It was eating/deteriorating her organs. Saddest thing I've been through. I have since got a new dog. yellow again, and named her daisy. I mainly hunt pheasants but just started dabbling in waterfowl. shes going on 3 and still catch myself calling her Diamond at times, hard to get over a good gun dog/ best friend. keep up the good work, from Wisconsin
Amazing Video❤ I’m not a duck hunter like most ppl here so my first dog was a border collie. He was amazing! I was walking him with my wife in Jasper,alberta and my wife wanted to slip into a store for a min. I was doing tricks with him on the sidewalk and you can imagine my wife’s surprise when she came out to a crowd of ppl standing around her dog watching him in amazement. He is also the reason I became an obedience trainer. Fast forward 15.5 yrs and that day came. 😢 My wife wanted another Border Collie right away but I kinda wanted to try a lab in a year or so because of a family friend that had one. I always thought it was an amazing family dog.. We compromised and got a Black Lab 1.5 months later. (despite already having 2 other dogs) everyone told me that it would be hard to find a dog better than my old border collie. I always told them my next dog will even be better because I am better. My new black lab ”Traeger” Doesn’t disappoint. He is a yr old and has never been able to retrieve a bird because I have not got him in that situation yet(i’m a bad bird hunter that prefers predator hunting) The one time I took him grouse hunting we didn’t even see a bird. But I can assure you he will be ready when it does happen. Loves guns and loves to please.🎉🎉🎉 Thanks again for your video. Ps. I agree. You get lots of good dogs if you put in the time.❤
Joel, thank you for sharing your memories of Indie. I could totally picture Indie in my mind making that retrieve in the muddy bean field. What an awesome forever memory. Again thanks for sharing. My last dog was a black lab named Coot. He was a pointing lab that would use the wind to find any bird he couldn't see go down. I only ever doubted that nose once or twice and both times he proved me wrong. Definitely the best dog I've owned. That is until (to your point) the next dog. Coot is to me like Indie is to you. He will always hold a special spot in my heart. Thanks again for sharing your pics, videos, and memories of Indie.
Joel absolutely your best video. I got into the duck hunting game a little late and have my first retriever, a chocolate lab named Maggie. I have her being trained at Elk River Retrievers. And she is doing phenomenal. I go every week to watch her and spend time with the trainers to learn exactly what they do and all the drills. I am going to learn to handle so I can do the hunt tests with her myself. But number one priority when we do hunt is to have THAT pic of her with her very first retrieve. Again I love all your videos and learned alot. I have greatly improved on my cutdown calls... excellent tutorial. Most of all your faith is to be commended. Thank you again. And the days to opening day are dragging way too slow!!!!
So sorry to hear about Indy, she must have been a great dog. Best of everything for you with your new pup and Zoe. God bless you too Joel and your family.
Hi Joe and so sorry for loss. Your tribute to your dog Indie was so moving. I got my first dog Fin about 11 years ago and he to went very quickly but we had 11 fantastic years. We got Gunner about 3 years before we lost Fin and having Gunner made it a bit easier in the healing process. Wishing you some fantastic times with your new dogs, and in the end they gives all fantastic memories of do you remember when. Regards Alan
I have a beautiful yellow lab named Suzy. She is my first hunting dog and my best friend. This last year we bred her and unfortunately she didn't throw any yellow females but she did throw an amazing chocolate male with the same mismark on his chest. I can't wait to hunt mom and son together and see what kind of dog he turns into
I’ve got a 12 year old chocolate with hip dysplasia and Cushing’s. We are watching her quality of life every day knowing our time with her is almost up. 😢
Awesome story and heart wrenching. They never last long enough. Chris and Brett are top shelf guys. I actually bred one of my females to Finn a few years ago. He's pretty special.
August 14, my first black lab puppy that I ever owned, named Penny, made a mistake and got way too close to a UTV... She was only 4.5 months old. She was doing so well with her training and was one of the most obedient dogs I've ever had in my life, and she was still firmly a puppy. Now I get to start over again on Sunday the 3rd, when I go pick up my next puppy. I still miss Penny dearly, but my next puppy is from a significantly better lineage than Penny was. And the next one will get professionally trained, where I was trying to self train Penny.
My first hundred, Buddy and hunted 13 seasons together. I was lucky and decided to get his nephew while Bud was still hunting. It worked out nicely but Buddy passed away on Jan 21, 2022. River is doing well and getting greater every hunt. They are tollers.
This is the most beautiful video I've ever seen. Thank you so much for producing it. My perfect dog is Heidi. She is 10. I know that awful day is coming - I hope not for a while. I have no idea how I will cope, but your video helps. I'd give anything to speak with you for a few minutes. God Bless.
I huntwith German shorthairs. I've had a short hair since I was 13 years old. I am 43 years old and I look at the seasons of My Life by the dog I had at the time.
A few years back I decided I wanted to get a retriever. I wanted a smaller sized dog and was told about Boykin Spaniels. After much research, talking with breeders and seeing one retrieve on a hunt, I knew that was the breed I wanted. Not too long later I picked up my pup and started training. She was a beast. Scared of nothing, hard charging and had drive to spare. Then, the summer after her second wonderful seasons of watching her retrieve duck after duck. like your pup, she stopped eating. The next day was the same and she became more and more lethargic. Long expensive story short, she had acquired an autoimmune disease. No one is sure why or what caused it, but there we were day after day at the animal hospital. The vet that was overseeing her turned out to be a duck hunter himself and took a special interest in her. Thanks to him and all his research, he got her through the crash, stabilized her and then one night sent me video at 1am showing her retrieving her favorite stuffed duck through the halls of the hospital. Needless to say, I was elated. That was two years ago now. She missed one season as she continued to recover, but wouldn't let me keep her out of last years hunt. They are special for sure.
This was hard for me to watch because I got my dog Brandy around the same time you got Indie. We enjoyed watching her in your videos and best of luck with the new pups.
Don't have a dog yet, but definitely looking forward to getting one sooner than later. This video tugged at the heart strings for sure. Can't wait to see more of Zoe and her daughter in the future!
Chocolate lab. His name is Buster Brown, and he's 2 years old. He loves to retrieve anything, especially his toy duck. When you get your new place up and running let me know!!
I understand how you feel, I was going through something similar, but the reason it hurts is because you love them so much, but by not keeping him you could be missing out on a lot of joy he could bring. Plus you will bring joy to his life as much as he will bring joy to yours! I’m praying for you !!! GOD Bless !!!!!!!!!!
Had labs while growing up, but wanted a more versatile breed, I enjoy upland as well. I have a 3 yr old wirehaired pointing griffon named Willow. She is good at what she does, not professionally trained, but she does well on both. Love your videos, good luck this season!
Best dog I have is a golden retriever X springer cross named Lucy . she has beat out my old lab Bella There was a day this spring that i sent her on a 1/4 mile blind retrieve on a ross I winged. she had the bird in my hand so quick that I couldn't believe it. I also have a lab springer cross great hunting dog also I suggest all the duck hunters i know if they want a small 45 to 50 lb dog that can do it all to try the golden retriever X springer cross or the lab springer cross they both can handle the biggest of geese and will do it all day long!
Your story about how you became a dog person is almost identical to mine. I went on one hunt with a retreiver. Watching him work was the most amazing thing I've ever seen hunting. At the end of the hunt, after picking up about 40 birds, the dog was bringing sticks to us and dancing around us like "C'mon, just because we hunted 8 hours doesn't mean we can't play a little fetch right?" My dad turned to me and said "You gotta get one of those." I was already thinking the same thing. I started looking up dogs as soon as I got home. 2 months later to the day I picked up my 8 week old lab.
@SurvivingDuckSeason not too long ago. We picked her up this April. She's 4.5 months old now. Every day is magical together. We just did her gun intro yesterday over water because retreiving in water is by far the thing she loves the most in the world. As soon as she sees water this switch flips in her brain--it's amazing to see. We're still a long way off from her first hunt, but I know one thing for sure: I'll always have a dog for the rest of my life. I can't imagine my life without one anymore. Every day she's learning how to be a better dog, and I'm learning how to be a better handler.
Hang in there, I was going through something similar. Just know that the pain will eventually leave and there will be nothing but good memories ! I’m praying for you!!! GOD Bless !!! And JESUS Loves you!!!!!!!!
I have a silver lab named Zoey an just started hunting with her an know how you feel. She is mine an my wife’s world. She’s 5 so hoping to have many more years with her.
What is the cost of mom? What is the cost of one of the pups? Color does not matter, but I hunt timber I usually go for black or chocolate. I’m very interested in your response. Thank you
I lost my 6 year old chocolate female lab at 6 years old. She gave no clues that something was wrong. When she refused food, I took her in to the vet on 3 days latter on a Monday afternoon. Got her anti-biotics for a lung infection that was attacking her vital organs. She died 4 days latter at home! Literally , 1 week after showing signs of sickness! She was gone. It broke my heart, and I'll never forget her. Just like your dog you lost. You will remember them forever!
@SurvivingDuckSeason my friend lives in Oklahoma, and I wanted to hunt in Oklahoma, but I don't ever think I will be there in November to get rid of those evil ducks. Have you ever dove hunted their?
Hang in there, I was going through something similar here recently. Just know that the pain will eventually leave and there will be nothing but good memories left. I’m praying for you!!! GOD Bless !!!!! And JESUS Loves You So so Much!!!!!!!
I hunt with a yellow pointing lab. We hunt doves, ducks, geese, pheasants and chuckers. My last dog was a black pointing lab Whizzo. He had CP, CD,CHC and 3 passes for his JH title. He lived to age 15. Wouldn't think of hunting without them. Your dogs got better because you got better ! Sounds like Indi may have had Leptospirosis. They go from healthy to dead rapidly. Vaccinate for all serovars if you travel.
Do you hunt with a retriever? Drop their name in the comments and tell me a little about them!
Rowdy 9 and timber 18 months black labs
Timber 11, and Merritt 1 named after Tyler Merritt, and currently at the trainer!
Lost my best girl about the same time you lost Indie also at a young age and it was devastating. Our new boy Pete is coming along well however, he's gonna be a great dog.
Buck 5 yo black lab and new addition this year is Belle 4mo in training God bless all our four paw drive hunting buddies
Luna 10 months. My son and daughter in law bought her for me for Christmas. She’s a beautiful black lab and this upcoming season will be her first. I can’t wait.
That one brought the tears, Joel! 🥲 Your daughter talking about Indie in heaven was definitely one of those moments. This video was a beautiful story and tribute to a phenomenal dog, Indie! I'm very blessed with a great 5 year old golden retriever, Lindy, who hunts with me. There is nothing that makes duck hunting better than a great retriever who is also your best friend! Videos like this make me appreciate her even more and help me to cherish every hunt I get with her! I look forward to seeing the updates on the new pup and Zoe! Thanks Joel for all you do and God Bless!
It was certainly a very tough one to make. I still get choked up watching it. Thanks for the comments. Cherish the moments with your pup.
I have a 8 month old male yellow lab named Doc. We got him at 12 weeks old and he’s basically gone everywhere with me since we got him. He’s the 1st dog I’ve trained all on my own. I took him to my parents farm to do some training a few days ago. My dad came with us and he ran pheasant dogs for years he said “son idk a dang thing about a duck dog but I love the way he looks at you” made me so dang proud.
Man I am just now watching this but I hope Indie is chasing all the birds she can in heaven! Rest easy Indie!
So sorry about your loss! It’s amazing the impact a good dog can have on your life! My dad had the best GSP- Buster. He also died of kidney failure, the vet thought he might have ate some pesticides or something while on the hunt... I remember all the intentional care into leash training him and playing fetch as I was just a tiny tot... I didnt have experience hunting with him. My dad never got another because it broke his heart so much. I’ve wanted a GSP since I was a little girl looking up at my daddy and our beautiful bird dog. Hopefully, once my sons are grown up a little more, I’ll get one.
My friend I remember when this happened and at the time I knew I didn’t have a lot of time with my sweet girl kiddo and well now she’s gone, I feel that sting still every time I get home and my girls not there waiting. God bless you and keep doing what you do thank you
sorry to hear that about indy I loved her being your videos she was so good at her job.
You released this video right as we were going through a very similar situation. My Chessie is a dumb pup and ate something he shouldn't have causing a bowel obstruction. After the surgery, he wouldn't eat or drink ended up very dehydrated and lost about 20% of his body weight. I haven't been able to watch it until just now. Fortunately, our guy has started to eat again, and heal from his surgery. He's only 9 months old and it's amazing how much of a bond he's build in such a short time. I was SO blessed that I had just sold a boat and was able to afford the surgery and follow-ups. I don't even want to think about what you went through with Indi. Years of friendship, with the memories, and shared drive for the hunt... There's a bond there I have yet to know but hope to soon. Good luck with the new pup!
My goodness I needed this, video came out right when I had to put my 14 year old Chesapeake down. What a tear jerker, I watched it twice, fantastic job buddy.
We got our black female Nelli 2 1/2 years ago and can’t imagine hunting without her. She is surely my wife’s dog. She has put the joy back into duck hunting for me. In the two seasons we have had her we haven’t lost a single cripple.
I searched TH-cam for “Best duck hunting dogs” which brought me here. I had no idea how much I needed this video. I just lost my 5 year old plott hound to sudden heart failure. I held him to the end and felt his last heartbeat. My daughter and I are heartbroken. Like you said you can’t count on another season. Fortunately I have 125 photos and 3 videos of Jack. I’m going to spread his ashes in our favorite hunting spot. Now like you I’m looking toward next season and a new 4 legged partner. The search for a puppy is difficult but you’ve given me some good ideas. God bless you and your family.
In tears. But excited to say we go pick up our "Abbiegale" Tuesday and start the training process. And believe it or not she is a yellow female.
i still remember my first hunting hound. Shiloh. he was a blue tick/ black and tan mix that spend his days chasing deer and hogs in the central florida swamps. he was a suborn bastard but also one of the sweetest most loving dogs you'd ever meet. also smarter than he had any right to be.
we had one time he got lost 10 miles from camp in the state WMA, we though we'd never see him again after 3 days of searching. next weekend we find him sitting in his kennel at camp. he had followed the trucks of other hunters he knew back to camp and climbed back into his kenel and would growl at anyone who tried to remove him from it. some kind people in camp gave him food and water to make it through the week and he greeted us with excitement the next weekend when we made it back up.
he lived to be 14 years old before finally succumbing to hip cancer. it hurts any time you have to take a dog to be put down but i'm still tearing up writing this and its been over 2 years and i still have his old collar hanging on some antlers i have mounted.
Don't cry because its over, smile because it happened. thank you Shiloh we'll miss you buddy.
I know your pain . Lost my first female chocolate to the same thing a few years ago. Ended up being lymes that caused it.i got lucky on adopting a fully trained 1year old yellow male for free! They are more then just pets ,your best huntimg buddy and a family friend .they impact your life for sure . From Canada good luck this fall !
Every time God blesses us with a retriever hunting mate is special. Good lord it was hard to hear your wonderful yellow girl has passed. Best ever luck with your new puppy truly fantastic blessing. God bless you and those who you love brother.
Tear jerker right here. This will be my dog Riley’s first year. Self trained. Couldn’t be more excited!
Yep.. this one made me cry a bit. I have a 4 year old black lab named Hunter. Ive severely underestimated a dog's intelligence until I got Hunter. He was a gift from my wife and we got him on my birthday, 4 years ago. He's set the bar high for my next lab. Best hunting partner I could ever ask for. Great video, Joel. RIP to beautiful Indie.
I lost my 3rd golden retriever of my lifetime in January 2021. He was 13 and died unexpectedly. We had an ice storm and we couldn’t get him to the vet. He died in my wife’s arms man it hurt bad. I went through the 22/23 duck season without my hunting buddy and I decided to get another field golden in February of 23. He is a started dog that was 11 months old. He had been trained by his trainer beginning as a pup. I brought him home from Missouri and he has been my best dog yet. He now has 3 passed for his JH test snd we hope to finish his JH test this fall and get his 4 passed for his SH as well. We have been working all summer towards this. I can’t wait for duck hunting season!! Take care and just know that I love these videos and please send more!!!
What a sad but beautiful story! Wishing you well with the new family members.
Thanks Troy👍🏻
All up in my feelings watching this
60-plus years of duck hunting. Great Memories. You touched my heart again. WOW! THANKS!
Tears in my eyes
Well, I know how you feel. I just lost my black lab, King Cole. Beautiful dog just short of 9 - wouldve been end of Dec. 2023. He had ear infections all summer and plenty of trips to the vet. Then, in Sept. he had swollen lymph nodes - like you cant make this stuff up - result was lymphoma. And it was downhill from there., they say it is 6 weeks from the time you feel the swollen nodes and it went that quick. i did get that one last day out for pheasants, and he hunted like a champ. He gave me that look like he knew everything about our efforts as he continued to bound over and through the high grass. And then he gave me a day or two of I am alright but then stopped eating and just got impossible for him. Anyways, its been a month and like you said I feel blessed for having him and enjoying him work but also enjoy em in the house and just out walking. Compounding his loss was his father passing last Dec 2022 at 13.75 years of age, they all pass on but they are hard to let go. He was an exceptional hunter retriever although he was a bit anxious in the blind he had some similar long retrieves in the Parker River in January dodging ice flow to secure the duck. It strange not having to get up in the morning for their breakfast, constitution and walk. So, as we continue to recover from our losses, I realize the need for them and how amazing they are for our soul. Nothing beats the understanding and love a dog can provide. And I thank God that I was able to love two incredible labs. Thank you for the video as it came to me as you see a month after Cole had gone.
I have had several real champion retrievers with AKC ribbons and lots of hunting experience. Every time one died I replaced them. Finally about 15 years ago my last one died and I will not replace him. Its like owning a child that only lives 10 or maybe 15 years at max. Too heartbreaking for this old bird hunter.
I understand what you mean, I’m praying for you! JESUS Loves you so so much for sure!!!!! GOD bless !!!!
Man you really know how to make a man teary eyed. It’s always sad losing a companion like that.
I had to stop and walk away 😢 three times Joel. This really hit me hard - again! I am rearing up again as I post this
You do great work. Love your videos. Share with my friends. Recommend to people that follow me.
Your good and one of the best.
Gonna go hug my pup now!
Thanks😊
Last January (2023) my Yellow Drake left me, there was nothing that could be done except to let him go. It was the right thing to do, it broke me. He was my fifth and by far my absolute best retriever. He lived to hunt for me. I was thee days without a yellow dog in the house and I put a deposit on a litter that was not even on the ground. February 7th Maggie was born. The following eight weeks were the longest weeks of my life. And now at five months the signs show my little yellow Maggie will most likely exceed what I thought was my one in a lifetime retriever. Thank you for this video. I too am starting again.
I had a chocolate lab named JJ That passed this past spring while snow goose hunting, she was 4 days away from 13 years old. One of the greatest dogs ever and went out doing what she loved
You are so right, you have been blessed with great labs they can more then we deserve. Your videos of Indy and Zoey are beautiful to watch thank you, they touch us all and make some of us who had great dogs remember the good times. They are such a tremendous breed and you my friend have a great deal to watch, enjoy and learn from. t
I expected to cry during this video just not that it would be tears of joy .
We lost our Lab at 7 1/2 to kidney failure, tore my heart out. Needless to say, this video really hit me hard in the feels for sure, and that was 10 years ago now! Beautiful tribute for sure.
Best videos I've seen in a long time. I had to put my 3yesr old down last October. I can relate.
Joel I am so happy for you and your family. That introduction had me almost in tears, thank you for sharing you and Indies story.
Great video! Cried right though it. I had many dogs in life. I have a yellow female lab that just turned 12. I cry every day just thinking about her.
Thanks Shane.
I lost my chocolate Lab, Hank 2 yrs ago, now have black lab Dann who is coming along well. I've loved them all.
Labs are impossible to beat and I have a great kennel about 3 miles from my house I’m on my 2nd chocolate from there. The bonding from all that training makes a dog into a family member/hunting partner real quick. Not many relationships like it
Great video. I lost my yellow lab Diamond (she was almost white) a few yrs back due to the wrong meds a vet had given me. It was eating/deteriorating her organs. Saddest thing I've been through. I have since got a new dog. yellow again, and named her daisy. I mainly hunt pheasants but just started dabbling in waterfowl. shes going on 3 and still catch myself calling her Diamond at times, hard to get over a good gun dog/ best friend. keep up the good work, from Wisconsin
Damn. I wasn’t expecting to tear up, but when your daughter said she was all better in heaven… I lost it. 😢
Amazing Video❤
I’m not a duck hunter like most ppl here so my first dog was a border collie. He was amazing! I was walking him with my wife in Jasper,alberta and my wife wanted to slip into a store for a min. I was doing tricks with him on the sidewalk and you can imagine my wife’s surprise when she came out to a crowd of ppl standing around her dog watching him in amazement. He is also the reason I became an obedience trainer. Fast forward 15.5 yrs and that day came. 😢
My wife wanted another Border Collie right away but I kinda wanted to try a lab in a year or so because of a family friend that had one. I always thought it was an amazing family dog.. We compromised and got a Black Lab 1.5 months later. (despite already having 2 other dogs) everyone told me that it would be hard to find a dog better than my old border collie. I always told them my next dog will even be better because I am better. My new black lab ”Traeger” Doesn’t disappoint. He is a yr old and has never been able to retrieve a bird because I have not got him in that situation yet(i’m a bad bird hunter that prefers predator hunting) The one time I took him grouse hunting we didn’t even see a bird. But I can assure you he will be ready when it does happen. Loves guns and loves to please.🎉🎉🎉 Thanks again for your video.
Ps. I agree. You get lots of good dogs if you put in the time.❤
Joel, thank you for sharing your memories of Indie. I could totally picture Indie in my mind making that retrieve in the muddy bean field. What an awesome forever memory. Again thanks for sharing.
My last dog was a black lab named Coot. He was a pointing lab that would use the wind to find any bird he couldn't see go down. I only ever doubted that nose once or twice and both times he proved me wrong. Definitely the best dog I've owned. That is until (to your point) the next dog. Coot is to me like Indie is to you. He will always hold a special spot in my heart.
Thanks again for sharing your pics, videos, and memories of Indie.
Cannot wait for this duck season. It will be my first duck season with a dog of my own. A black lab named sequel.
Joel absolutely your best video. I got into the duck hunting game a little late and have my first retriever, a chocolate lab named Maggie. I have her being trained at Elk River Retrievers. And she is doing phenomenal. I go every week to watch her and spend time with the trainers to learn exactly what they do and all the drills. I am going to learn to handle so I can do the hunt tests with her myself. But number one priority when we do hunt is to have THAT pic of her with her very first retrieve. Again I love all your videos and learned alot. I have greatly improved on my cutdown calls... excellent tutorial. Most of all your faith is to be commended. Thank you again. And the days to opening day are dragging way too slow!!!!
So sorry to hear about Indy, she must have been a great dog. Best of everything for you with your new pup and Zoe. God bless you too Joel and your family.
Hi Joe and so sorry for loss. Your tribute to your dog Indie was so moving. I got my first dog Fin about 11 years ago and he to went very quickly but we had 11 fantastic years. We got Gunner about 3 years before we lost Fin and having Gunner made it a bit easier in the healing process. Wishing you some fantastic times with your new dogs, and in the end they gives all fantastic memories of do you remember when. Regards Alan
The rotty in my picture left us at 6 years old as well. Also due to kidney failure. Really a great dog and I cried like a baby as well.
Hard to swallow on this one sir I'm getting choked up love your lab like it's no tomorrow
Because that day might just come.
Lost my chocolate male in Jan. He loved getting those big geese!! Miss him.
I have a beautiful yellow lab named Suzy. She is my first hunting dog and my best friend. This last year we bred her and unfortunately she didn't throw any yellow females but she did throw an amazing chocolate male with the same mismark on his chest. I can't wait to hunt mom and son together and see what kind of dog he turns into
Lunar! About to turn 7 and my best friend. A free black lab that is a champ.
I’ve got a 10 week old yellow lab named Obi. Haven’t had a dog in 3 years since my last chocolate lab passed away at 13, have always had a dog
I’ve got a 12 year old chocolate with hip dysplasia and Cushing’s. We are watching her quality of life every day knowing our time with her is almost up. 😢
Beautiful story Joel.. I understand completely
Awesome story and heart wrenching. They never last long enough. Chris and Brett are top shelf guys. I actually bred one of my females to Finn a few years ago. He's pretty special.
August 14, my first black lab puppy that I ever owned, named Penny, made a mistake and got way too close to a UTV... She was only 4.5 months old. She was doing so well with her training and was one of the most obedient dogs I've ever had in my life, and she was still firmly a puppy.
Now I get to start over again on Sunday the 3rd, when I go pick up my next puppy. I still miss Penny dearly, but my next puppy is from a significantly better lineage than Penny was. And the next one will get professionally trained, where I was trying to self train Penny.
a broken heat thats the cost...Id give you a hug
When is your next video coming out? I so enjoyed all the research you were doing on shells, chokes, etc.
Beautiful story
My first hundred, Buddy and hunted 13 seasons together. I was lucky and decided to get his nephew while Bud was still hunting. It worked out nicely but Buddy passed away on Jan 21, 2022. River is doing well and getting greater every hunt. They are tollers.
This is the most beautiful video I've ever seen. Thank you so much for producing it. My perfect dog is Heidi. She is 10. I know that awful day is coming - I hope not for a while. I have no idea how I will cope, but your video helps. I'd give anything to speak with you for a few minutes. God Bless.
Happy to hear of your update, hoping you have a phenomenal upcoming season!
Thank you! You too!
This EXACTLY how my yellow lab Lucy went at age 10 in 2006 or 2007. My last lab was black and went to dementia at nearly 13.
I huntwith German shorthairs. I've had a short hair since I was 13 years old. I am 43 years old and I look at the seasons of My Life by the dog I had at the time.
A few years back I decided I wanted to get a retriever. I wanted a smaller sized dog and was told about Boykin Spaniels. After much research, talking with breeders and seeing one retrieve on a hunt, I knew that was the breed I wanted. Not too long later I picked up my pup and started training. She was a beast. Scared of nothing, hard charging and had drive to spare. Then, the summer after her second wonderful seasons of watching her retrieve duck after duck. like your pup, she stopped eating. The next day was the same and she became more and more lethargic. Long expensive story short, she had acquired an autoimmune disease. No one is sure why or what caused it, but there we were day after day at the animal hospital. The vet that was overseeing her turned out to be a duck hunter himself and took a special interest in her. Thanks to him and all his research, he got her through the crash, stabilized her and then one night sent me video at 1am showing her retrieving her favorite stuffed duck through the halls of the hospital. Needless to say, I was elated. That was two years ago now. She missed one season as she continued to recover, but wouldn't let me keep her out of last years hunt. They are special for sure.
This was hard for me to watch because I got my dog Brandy around the same time you got Indie. We enjoyed watching her in your videos and best of luck with the new pups.
Joel thank you for sharing. Love our four legged hunting buddies.
Great video. I got a 10 month old Boykin Spaniel named Buffy
Great Great video Joel!!!
Gets me every time!
Wow, amazing video man! I was in tears watching. Bless you guys! To many more wonderful hunting dogs!
What a wonderful tribute!
Don't have a dog yet, but definitely looking forward to getting one sooner than later. This video tugged at the heart strings for sure. Can't wait to see more of Zoe and her daughter in the future!
Chocolate lab. His name is Buster Brown, and he's 2 years old. He loves to retrieve anything, especially his toy duck. When you get your new place up and running let me know!!
I have a dog that Bret helped me get and after a loss of a great dog I think about not keeping him because of the hurt of loss after a long time
I understand how you feel, I was going through something similar, but the reason it hurts is because you love them so much, but by not keeping him you could be missing out on a lot of joy he could bring. Plus you will bring joy to his life as much as he will bring joy to yours!
I’m praying for you !!! GOD Bless !!!!!!!!!!
Always great pleasure to view your content. Especially enjoyable to hear Indie’s full story
God bless
Had labs while growing up, but wanted a more versatile breed, I enjoy upland as well. I have a 3 yr old wirehaired pointing griffon named Willow. She is good at what she does, not professionally trained, but she does well on both. Love your videos, good luck this season!
I have a black lab named black betty she's 6and love's to hunt duck the most, she is my 6th lab
I lost my black lab male named Jager in his prime at 5 1/2 to cancer. Best dog I ever had at home, or in the field. I get exactly what you mean.
nice story
Inspiring video 👏🏻
Great video!
Best dog I have is a golden retriever X springer cross named Lucy . she has beat out my old lab Bella There was a day this spring that i sent her on a 1/4 mile blind retrieve on a ross I winged. she had the bird in my hand so quick that I couldn't believe it. I also have a lab springer cross great hunting dog also I suggest all the duck hunters i know if they want a small 45 to 50 lb dog that can do it all to try the golden retriever X springer cross or the lab springer cross they both can handle the biggest of geese and will do it all day long!
Your story about how you became a dog person is almost identical to mine. I went on one hunt with a retreiver. Watching him work was the most amazing thing I've ever seen hunting. At the end of the hunt, after picking up about 40 birds, the dog was bringing sticks to us and dancing around us like "C'mon, just because we hunted 8 hours doesn't mean we can't play a little fetch right?" My dad turned to me and said "You gotta get one of those." I was already thinking the same thing. I started looking up dogs as soon as I got home. 2 months later to the day I picked up my 8 week old lab.
Right on! How long ago was that?
@SurvivingDuckSeason not too long ago. We picked her up this April. She's 4.5 months old now. Every day is magical together. We just did her gun intro yesterday over water because retreiving in water is by far the thing she loves the most in the world. As soon as she sees water this switch flips in her brain--it's amazing to see. We're still a long way off from her first hunt, but I know one thing for sure: I'll always have a dog for the rest of my life. I can't imagine my life without one anymore. Every day she's learning how to be a better dog, and I'm learning how to be a better handler.
Hang in there, I was going through something similar. Just know that the pain will eventually leave and there will be nothing but good memories !
I’m praying for you!!! GOD Bless !!! And JESUS Loves you!!!!!!!!
This was a hard one buddy
Great video
I have a silver lab named Zoey an just started hunting with her an know how you feel. She is mine an my wife’s world. She’s 5 so hoping to have many more years with her.
What is the cost of mom? What is the cost of one of the pups? Color does not matter, but I hunt timber I usually go for black or chocolate. I’m very interested in your response. Thank you
I lost my 6 year old chocolate female lab at 6 years old. She gave no clues that something was wrong. When she refused food, I took her in to the vet on 3 days latter on a Monday afternoon. Got her anti-biotics for a lung infection that was attacking her vital organs. She died 4 days latter at home! Literally , 1 week after showing signs of sickness! She was gone. It broke my heart, and I'll never forget her. Just like your dog you lost. You will remember them forever!
I'm only 3 minutes in...stoooop
ive lost an hunting dog to kidney failure to it was an urine way infection that spread up to the kidneys and we notised it too late
Hello. Are you from Oklahoma, or have you ever duck hunted in Oklahoma?
Arkansas. I have hunted in Oklahoma a few times.
@SurvivingDuckSeason my friend lives in Oklahoma, and I wanted to hunt in Oklahoma, but I don't ever think I will be there in November to get rid of those evil ducks. Have you ever dove hunted their?
My dog now is blu black make who is related to my yellow lab
Its rough when our duck dogs pass especially if you are like me and rather work a dog than shoot. Unfortunately it happens to all of us
Yep. Totally.
Can't watch this video, May 11 I had to put down my sweet setter Jack due to a bleeding tumor in his abdomen, just hurts too bad. 8 YO too damn soon.
Hang in there, I was going through something similar here recently. Just know that the pain will eventually leave and there will be nothing but good memories left.
I’m praying for you!!! GOD Bless !!!!! And JESUS Loves You So so Much!!!!!!!
👍👍
I would like to buy a female out of that litter. How would I go about doing that?
Verry is sorry about your partner..
I hunt with a yellow pointing lab. We hunt doves, ducks, geese, pheasants and chuckers. My last dog was a black pointing lab Whizzo. He had CP, CD,CHC and 3 passes for his JH title. He lived to age 15. Wouldn't think of hunting without them. Your dogs got better because you got better !
Sounds like Indi may have had Leptospirosis. They go from healthy to dead rapidly. Vaccinate for all serovars if you travel.
Worst thing I've ever done. Dealing with the loss of my dogs over the years. Old man .
😞😞💔💔💪💪👣🐾