16ga.com ~ View topic - Searching for new GSP, recomendations, referrals welcome

Member Joined: 16 Dec 2010 Posts: 81 Location: illinois

It's that time again as my current companion has terminal cancer. I have to start sometime and would like to find a good girl or boy by the summer. I am hoping to find a close working gsp on the smaller side. I would prefer a started dog. Everything else about her/him is negotiable. I am located in the midwest but would consider traveling for the right dog. Most of my hunting is for pheasant but hope to expand that to grouse, woodcock and quail. Thanks in advance.

Mike

Joined: 12 Sep 2010 Posts: 1973 Location: Maine

My condolences. I've gone through that with a prior dog and it is brutal.

Member Joined: 16 Dec 2010 Posts: 81 Location: illinois

Thanks Dave. I said after the last one ( and the two before that) I wasn't going to get another dog. The loss is really the worst part of it. I have been putting it off and trying not to think about the inevitable but it will be here soon. I decided to start looking,hoping I might get the ok from my old gal if I bring home her replacement. I can't really write anymore, I'm overwhelmed.

Mike

Member Joined: 07 Jan 2013 Posts: 398 Location: Virginia

Take care Mike, there are many of us out here who know how you feel...

So sorry about your dog. One of the most difficult things in life to deal with. Sad

Take care & be well Regards RB

Don't know where in Illinois you are located, but if in the Chicagoland and/or Northern IL then the following are worth a look.

http://www.shootingstarrgsps.com/faq.html

http://www.thunderheadgsps.com/

http://www.countrysidebreeders.com/

The last two are closer to Green Bay. I personally had a pup out of Countryside and had I enough time to properly train she would have been better than I could have imagined. I will be getting another pup from Countryside when time commitments allow.

Member Joined: 02 Sep 2010 Posts: 829 Location: SW Ohio

Very sorry, I went through that a year ago, when I lost my "once in a lifetime lab". I have 2 of her daughters that helped a lot, and now have a grand-daughter. But still miss her more than any other dog.
Good luck with your search.
Nate

Member Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 135 Location: Anchorage

I have been where you are, and I feel for you. I sent you a private email with quite a bit of detail that may be a real help to you.

Trigg

Member Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 135 Location: Anchorage

I sent you a pm not an email as I incorrectly said in my message.

Trigg

Sorry to hear about your hunting partner.

Try contacting Hillhaven Kennels in Beloit, WI. 608-879-2728. I used a couple of their studs when I raised shorthairs a number of years ago and had great success. They breed for dual champions and have had a boat load of them. I don't know if they still breed but I did find a facebook page.

Best of Luck, Mike

Member Joined: 16 Dec 2010 Posts: 81 Location: illinois

Thankyou guys for all the kind words. You would think as we grow older these things get easier. They don't. I have learned among other things how valueble your hunting companion ( and if your really lucky) that dog of a lifetime is. What you ask of it and how it delivers each and every time - no matter what. I know I've taken my girl for granted, and she I think took advantage of me by getting her way most of the time. It's whats called a partnership. I will be ready soon to start over again, when the time comes. Also thanks Citori 16 for the breeder referals, I will check them out.

Regards
Mike