In Memory of Sprig's Drake Pintail SH
AKC Senior Hunter
More than just an ordinary hunting dog
5/28/98 - 2/12/08

Once in a while there comes a dog that just stands out. A dog that loves what it was bred and trained to do. A dog that loved to hunt and retrieve. Drake was that kind of dog. He lived for waterfowl hunting and retrieving in general but he was more than just an ordinary gun dog.

Drake had a personality like few dogs have. Sure he loved to retrieve and hunt but he was also very personable and friendly. He was a perfect example of how a dog can be trained on respect and how such a dog would respond. Drake didn't succeed as a gun dog and hunt test dog because he had to, he succeeded because he wanted to. His personality was all about pleasing his owner. From day one Drake took to me like he was my own. Originally meant for my brother and his family, Drake soon attached himself to me like I was his owner and soon the switch was made so I ended up with him. I don't know what went through the yellow labrador's head to pick me out over his original family but his mind was made up.

Drake was started on training to not only become a waterfowl hunting retriever but also to run in AKC hunt tests as well since he had a superior drive for retrieving and a desire to please like is rarely seen. This rare combination lead drake to finish his junior hunter and senior hunter AKC hunt test titles. What was impressive about this achievement was not the titles acquired but how he obtained them. It is generally accepted that retrievers nowadays performing in AKC hunt tests need to have certain training programs worked on them if they are to succeed, the most of which included force fetching and electronic collar training. Drake had none of these and didn't need any of these types of training methods because of his incredible drive and unmatchable level to please. He was certainly one in a million and proves that respect and a strong bond can take a dog to great heights if given half a chance.

We certainly miss Drake very much and his untimely and unexpected passing has deeply saddened our hearts. He was one of the best waterfowl dogs we have hunted with and one of the friendliest dogs we have known. We may never see another dog quite like Drake as he was certainly a very unique dog. We miss him constantly bringing us bumpers to throw and we miss him squeezing under the fence just so he could be with us on our side of the fence. He just wanted to be around people and never had a mean bone in his body. We learned a lot from training Drake and cherish all our fond memories of him and look forward to the day when we will be reunited with him again. Until then, goodbye Drake and we miss you very much.

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