We had some unseasonably warm weather to wrap up February. And by unseasonable, I mean our young kids were out running around in the sprinkler naked,...in February. So, we took advantage of the warm spell to get Cooper out on a few Chukar. These were planted birds, so nothing too spectacular or awe inspiring to type about. But, Cooper didn't know the difference and he was happy to just be hunting. And Spencer was just happy she could sneak out of the house and I was happy to just be outside. So an overall wonderful evening.
But, one thing became apparent was that Cooper is loosing his hearing. I had knocked a bird down that glided to the opposite hill. It was a bad shot and I don't even deserve partial credit. But, a retriever with a good nose can make up for a bad shot and Cooper would make quick work of this bird. But, when I shot he bolted off the other way. I called and called and blew my whistle and and beeped his collar, etc, etc. But, he lost me and even though he could hear the collar beep, he had no clue where i was over the hill. Of course, I am pissed at this point, but he's never done this before. So even in my fit, I know something isnt right. And so when he made it in to me heat-exhausted and half panic-stricken, I just called this hunt. And after a few more tests, we definitley knew his hearing was going.
On the way home we talked about timing of getting another dog, but the whole conversation got me depressed. We just had a great afternoon hunt and the last of the season. I know we will have many more hunts together, but things are definitely changing with Cooper at an unfair pace. I remind myself that those are human emotions only. Cooper just had the best day of his 9 year life and ready to do it again tomorrow.
