December 17, 2000 - December 22, 2009
We were blessed to have with us a special companion for nine years. Not a long time but wonderful memories were created and brought to mind often.
We came by Ruger from a local breeder as a puppy. He was a sweet loving companion who could be exasperating at times!
We had not trained Ruger for bird hunting due to the fact that he was gun shy, actually should say he was horrified of gun shots, thunder storms or any loud type noises. (Dump trucks dumping loads etc.) Despite not being trained for hunting he loved to stalk the Mourning Doves at the bird feeders! He would go into a point mode and stay still, and then he would slowly creep up taking one step, point, one step, point, until he was within the range he felt it was time to charge! Off he would tear and off went the Mourning Doves!
It was really fascinating to watch his movements and try to get inside his head as to what he was thinking. But dogs aren't suppose to think you say, well I disagree with that entirely. I believe Ruger can read my mind; he knew my movements before I even made them and would lead the way. OH! I suppose you could just say he had me well trained! I've seen Ruger figure out things. If his ball got behind or under something, he would take a step back, looks it over, and then went the route he thought best to retrieve the ball and for the most part did. It was amazing how he would use his paws to fetch his ball from under a chair. Then there were the occasions where he thought he can't retrieve the ball and would just sit, look at me and then where the ball was trapped, waiting for me to do the retrieving!
To our delight, Ruger was not a barking dog but when someone came in the driveway or he saw something that just doesn't fit into that space he would announce them. He appeared to know what I was doing when photographing or video-taping through the house window and would quietly sit by my side and watch the wildlife.
When we were traveling on the road a lot and Ruger needed to make a rest stop, we sometimes would stop at boat landings and he would just love to take a swim. We were very surprised the first time he dove right in and began doing the doggy stroke! We don't have a farm pond, but there is a spot in our front yard that when we get a lot of rain it looks like a pond and stays for a period of time. When it did, you would be sure to find Ruger romping about in it! I use to set up a small child's pool in the summer time for Ruger. He'd take his toys into the pool and wash them off frequently. He had a large ball with handle that he toted all over the yard, and loved to play with it in the pool as it had a hole and made bubbles when Ruger bit down on the semi-soft ball.
Ruger was a wonderful companion with a unique personality and sadly missed.
I have put some photos of Ruger on merchanidise for sale at German Shorthair Photo Gifts, please do take a moment and browse. I thank you in advance for any purchases.
