26 NEBRASKAland • NOVEMBER 2016
Life Cycle
First comes the warm little fuzz ball, trying to learn not to trip over her paws. You,
the hunter, have prepared for this journey by viewing every YouTube training video and
purchased the best puppy starter kit from the local sporting goods store. Then comes the
magical moment when you throw out a rolled up sock and your puppy brings it back. You
know you are well on your way.
Synergy is the creation of a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts – that's the
span of years during the relationship between hunter and retriever. The two of you become
a near perfect team. Like a fine knife, the only way to hone a better edge is repeated use,
and time accumulated in the field sharpens this teamwork. During the prime years no
words or whistles can relay the meaning of the message as well as eye-to-eye contact.
Now, what makes a successful hunt takes on a new meaning not measured in bag limits.
The main goal now is to get out, get one bird, and allow your best friend as many last
retrieves as you can. The lifespan of a dog is agonizingly short. Though you used to press
for perfection, you are happy to wait as she takes her time getting back. She has earned her
keep, her place sleeping alongside you as another year of ducks migrate south.
