outdoors

The bond between hunters and their dog is unexplainable.

I like the retriever trainers quote.

Dennis, your columns never cease to amaze me with the thought you put into words. This article is very, very good. As a fellow labrador retriever owner-there is no better companion in all the world.

A very good but sad and tragic account Mr. Anderson. You wrote it well. One's heart goes out to the family for their loss in this difficult time. As a Labrador Retriever owner who has outlived 3 hunting dogs and currently has a 13 and 4 year old Lab, I would agree with you that a dog's love for their master is unconditional. An old quote form an unknown author said, "Only a dog will love their master more than they love themselves". As a person who has had the terrifying experience of having gone through the ice twice in my lifetime and survived? (Once trapping and once hunting.) I would encourage all to use extra discernment and caution when venturing out on the ice.

I knew when I saw this headline it was going to be gut wrencher, and it was, be carefull out there

An AMAZING man who loved his dog's as much as his family. A tragic loss for his family and friends and whole community!

Dennis...tears came to my eyes when I read this. I have two terrier dogs (neither hunt) but they would also throw themselves under a bus for me if they had to. Anyway, thanks for putting life into perspective and keep up the great writing.

So true and so well written. Heartfelt thoughts to the family. From a personal perspective my chocolate male is now 7, and it is incredible how loyal and devoted he is. As a small example last year I got into lake property and was putting a 25' vinyl tarp on my boat lift canopy for the first time, alone, in 25-35 mph gusty winds. For the entire time my Lab sat directly in front me on the shore for almost 2 hours, watching me intently, at times with a look on his face wondering how I could be so stupid to be trying to do this by myself given the conditions. And when I came on shore after finishing, he came up to me as if I just returned home from being at work all day, eager for a rub, pat on the back and some kind words. So I fed him dinner, took him for a walk and then fishing with me, where we were both very content.

This happened in my hometown and is devestating for those around there. The ice is very unsafe this year and people should use extreme caution. No fish is worth it!

Dennis, nice story....and it goes right to the heart of anyone who has a bond between them, and their dog. I have a Wire Haired Pointing Griffon....picked her up at 6 weeks and ever since she wants nothing more than to be by my side.....this story made me tear up.