Region 13

Bill and 'Da Bull'

HRCH DAKOTA'S DOGGIE BULL MH

Thank you for the opportunity to write about my favorite topic...  Da Bull !   He only spent 8 years as my companion, but he will always be my "dog of a lifetime".  Bull was a product of NFC NAFC Candlewoods Supertanker and FC AFC Triple Echo.  Because he was vocal leaving the line, which was easily trained away by making him a primary select dog, he was a field trial washout.  I bought him at age 2.  He went down at age 10, due to Mesothelioma... human asbestos cancer.  Go figure.

My only regret is that we didn't get a chance to attain the 1,000 point club, falling a couple tests short.  That could have easily been achieved had I not been so involved in judging, which allowed us to only run one test a weekend for the last two years of his life.  Over his career, he only failed 3 Finished tests and one Master test.  He had quite a following; every gallery enjoyed his tremendous performances... especially his ability to line a blind.  While I have two of his sons, both excellent retrievers, HRCH Chief, and HR Tank, they will never reach the level of competence achieved by Bull.  He was one of a kind, and I still think of him daily.

HRCH DAKOTA'S DOGGIE BULL MH

August 29, 1993-February 3, 2004

Da Bull was my once-in-a-lifetime dog.  He no doubt could have achieved a far better legacy, with more accolades, ribbons, jewelry, and awards, by being paired with a more aggressive owner.  But he ended up in a hunter's home.  As a hunter and hunt test participant, Bull was a magnificent animal to watch.  As my 24/7 companion, he was a consistent gentleman, and the time spent with him will always be cherished.  It's been such an honor to have had his lifetime friendship.  There will never be another like him.  He was my treasure, and surely the very best thing that ever happened

          to me.