These were my hunting dogs a German short hair and a Brittany spaniel. I used Gretel for pointing and Ginger for flushing. Gretel was my best pet ever (holding Butch's ears and my other pets can't hear now). ( photo / image / picture from jbest123's Garden ) This photo is of Gretel watching where the grouse landed that I just shot. At home Gretel would be sleeping in the family room and I would go through three rooms to the den and quietly open the gun cabinet. When I would rack the shotgun, Gretel would come racing into the den excited and want to go hunting. ( photo / image / picture from jbest123's Garden )
There is such a special bond with an animal that is a working partner. The lap variety of pets aren't bad either (had to say that as two are curled up in my lap).