Happy Birthday Bugler

It was Bugler's birthday last Sunday. I can't believe it's already three years since Gunner and Meg got together and produced 6 bouncing pups.
As ever, it took me two or three visits and several hours to select Bugler from the litter. I don't know why; he was a mini image of Gunner so should have been the obvious choice from the start but I was tempted to pick his black & white brother (Where have we heard this story before!).
Anyway he came to stay and settled in immediately. A real chip off the old block, he was very fond of his dad and spent lots of cuddle time with him... .
Although Jaunty was supposed to be the Understudy, Bugler fell into that role far more easily. He has the same capacity for wanting to please that Gunner had, is quick to learn and, more importantly, remember his lessons and has boundless energy. Where he differs from his dad is in being twice as fast and bouncy and probably not naturally as bold!

In the 2014/15 shooting season they shared the workload and in most instances, if I didn't say anything, people thought it was the same dog - just that he was slightly steadier on some days than others!!! Apart from Bugler being leaner, they were, to the untrained eye, identical. Like his dad, Bugler is never norty and tries hard to please. He earned himself a couple of certificates in Gundog Working Tests last summer so this year we are having another go to see if we can progress. So far the omens are not good; the dogs which catch the judges eyes are small and whizzy/busy across the ground.whereas Bugler is a good 4-6" taller than most of them and has a less frantic style of working. Never mind; he is a speedy obedient working dog and will continue to be a pleasure to work with on any shoot in forthcoming seasons. As far as he is concerned, hunting is his favourite thing and as long as he can do that he is more than happy.
So.... Happy Birthday SonofaGunner xxxxx