Me & the dogs are kindly invited to hunt at larger commercial hunts in Belgium. These days are often with long hours in the car but really worthwhile as the dogs learn heaps and it is such joy to bring to practice what we have learned throughout the year. Our host had a special treat – offering a hunting day for the Aura litter. The dogs are now 3 1/2 old and some have already hunting certificates – others are taking their time but all are trained to retrieve beyond basics.
We met the night before as the hunt (pheasants & duck) started 9.00 hours the next day. A good dinner after a long drive at our usual Italian restaurant. The next morning we left the motel on time. Sleeping at Campanile is an adventure in its own – but it is very practical that one can bring the dogs without problems.
During the day we different drives and because we were with more dogs than needed we could allow the less experienced dogs to retrieve the “clear” marks and the more experienced dogs were standing by for runners and other difficult tasks.
It is hard to describe in words what we experienced during the day – but the emotions I can recall. What a joy to see the pleasure the dogs had and also the handlers – from experienced to first-timers. I will not forget the look of wonder and excitement in their eyes when they got to experience the great natural abilities of their dogs.
For me this day was very special – it felt like an achievement of full circle. Happy working flatcoated retrievers born out of my beautiful Rumi & papa Brösel. Both great hunting dogs and now many of their children are retrieving with same style and passion. Wonderful to see how much pleasure they bring to their owners.
Thank you Marian for this day!
And thanks to Frans, Lieuwe, Yvonne, Mathijs, Hans for joining the flatastic adventure..
Flatastic flatcoated retrievers 