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Bourjaily: Where Ike Can Admire the View
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February 09, 2010
Bourjaily: Where Ike Can Admire the View
By Philip Bourjaily
I returned from SHOT relieved to find my old setter, Ike, still alive and even able to rouse himself to wag his tail and give me a nuzzle when I came in the door. For a while after he first went blind, I took him to the field with me and let him run around before and after the hunt as he’s doing in the picture above. But he has been fading since mid-December. He can walk a little but mostly I carry him from place to place.
Years ago I decided on the spot for Ike’s ashes. The day I scatter them there is coming soon. The place I picked is the site of one of my very favorite moments with Ike in the 13 years I’ve had him. I told this story in the magazine when it first happened, but that was a long time ago, right after Ike’s puppy season.
That first year, when he was just six months old, Ike would point at the slightest whiff of bird scent, often at very long range. Later, he learned it was a lot more fun to get right up in their faces, but as a puppy, he was cautious. One afternoon my cousin Shaun and I were hunting across the road from my old house. We followed Ike up a hill along a fenceline. He topped the hill and dropped out of sight on the other side. We came over the hill to find Ike standing on a very tentative point with a light breeze in his face.
At least I thought he was on point.
“Ike’s got one,” I said.
Shaun studied him . “He’s not pointing,”
“What’s he doing then?”
“He’s admiring the view,” said Shaun. Admittedly, it was a good view. The hill overlooked a tree-lined creek bottom spanned by an iron bridge on a gravel road. The harvest was in. Corn stubble lit golden by the late afternoon sun covered the rolling fields. Ike stood, head high, the tip of his tail flagging slightly, as if taking it all in.
The first rule of upland hunting is “always believe the dog,” so we walked past Ike, at the ready. He didn’t move. We kept walking. We must have been 30 yards past Ike when a flock of pheasants flushed out of a brushpile in front of us. There were 20 birds in the air. Shaun and I each picked a rooster out of the flock, shot, and both hit the ground dead at the same time. Ike pointed a lot of birds for me over the years, but he never again pointed so many birds at once from so far away.
So that will be the place. Where he can admire the view.
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Comments (33)
When his time comes, just remember that he's just "scouting ahead" as any GREAT dog does !
May GOD bless and keep him till you catch up(may it be MANY YEARS from them ).
That's a handsome bird dog.
I too have an old lab, my first good bird dog, that is ending his days. His sight is going and I think his hearing is too. He's still ambulatory but I doubt he'll live another year. Plenty of wonderful memories, but it's sad. The upside is that my younger lab, which up until this year hasn't shown any aptitude for hunting has started learning and chasing bird scent and is now a retrieving maniac!
Harold
A very good story Phil. I laid my dog to rest below a big beech tree atop a knoll over looking a large ravine. I have since found a number of indian artifacts on that knoll. I guess someone else liked it to.
That says it all, Mr. Bourjaily. Good thread.
Here's to Ike and all the rest of you "old dogs" too.
May the sun shine on him the rest of his days.
WMH
That was depressing and inspiring all at the same time. Probably my favorite blog from Phil.
Of course, thet's the downside. I laid The Gypsy to rest on a creekbank which was her favorite place to get a drink and let her melt into the river, and on into the Pacific. I had already located Bill's breeder and was about to put down a deposit. Went back and got her skull and bleached it. I keep it in a large pistol case. Mebbe I'll send a photo...
This thread brings back old memories. In my 60 years I have known a handfull of great dogs. One of the best , a walker hound named Slim was killed by a large Florida Diamondback when I was 19. It's always so depressing to me to loose one. Just thankful that right now my GSH Jill is a young pup and hopefully we won't have to deal with this for many seasons to come.
My 9-year old english setter died last november from kindny failur he was my first bird dog and helped me kill many quali
Well told, Phil. It is a wondrous thing how deeply a dog can insinuate itself into our lives and how much we can learn from them.
Wonderful story Phil! Long may the scent of birds hang in the air for him. I've known some mighty good dogs over the years and one of the things that I look forward to in the hereafter is that wonderful pool of talent that is there waiting for me. I know my Grandfathers, father-in-law, uncles and a few buddies who had to leave the game early are keeping them in shape and sharp for me when my time comes to join them.
So many nice memories of my pointer, Dutchess. When she passed ,I buried her in one of our old hunting grounds that I am sure she feels comfortable in.
Darn I miss that old girl.
Good story. Brings back memories of my Sally pointer, who left prior to her time.
But I must recall.
While the Gypsy was still Young and Vigorous, my Dad died of cancer. I was entrusted with the disposal of his ashes. I took his ashes, along with the Gypsy, to Puppydog creek in southern Mississippi (he would have liked that, as he used to fish for Largemouth Bass there) and set them free into a creekbed that was maybe 5' deep and 40 yards wide. It was a popular swimming hole and , for a moment, the water was turned gray with his ashes, headed for the Pascagoula River, into the Gulf, and on into the Atlantic Ocean, where he had served in the Merchant Marine. He would have been glad to know that he had infiltrated the bikinis of beautiful young ladies in Southern Mississippi. I had been told when I interviewed for a job at Texas Instruments that the girls there were the most beautiful in the United States, but I knew that was a lie... Go get ye a National Champion-grade setter as soon as ye can. Don't spend any time moping. Get tough and get out there.
(Texas instruments rejected me because they thought I was "Too Country.")
Shows how smart they were. I am a Cajun/Indian, mixed with at least 5 European Nations, as well as two warring Indian Nations. Talk about conflict on Turkey Day! But it was/is an ancient Roman Holiday (Wikipedia). See what literacy can do to you?
Great & Moving story. I'm sure he'll be very happy there. Hopefully you'll visit the spot now and then and reflect upon Ike and your adventures.
Great story
The last time I hunted with my Dad was about 10 yrs ago. We hunted with Trapper, my black lab, for pheasents. This was the first, and last time my Dad hunted over a dog. We had a great time and managed to kill a limit of roosters. Dad was in his early 80s and at the end of the day he gave me his gun. He didn't trust his balance anymore and thought he was at the point of being "unsafe" in the field. A year later Trapper died. It was the second time I ever saw my Dad cry. The first was when my Grandmother passed. I scattered Trappers ashes on the corner where we took the last bird of that last hunt. Its a pretty spot with lots of birds. My Dad died this pass November 23rd. I think of him often and like to imagine him and Trapper giving that old cover one last visit.
Great story. Our 16 year old English Setter, Yoda passed away this winter. My dad new the whole time where he was going to bury her. He said when she was a year old he was hunting with his brother and she went on point. When they got up to the spot they flushed 4 roosters and shot 3 of them. He said that is the greatest moment he ever had with her and that is the spot where we buried her this winter after she passed on.
Great story. Who'd think something so small could impact you so much. Not looking forward to the day my beagle can chases all the rabbits he can. He'll go in anything for me to chase out a rabbit or birds.
Cremate animals? You serious?
I do not own dogs but it seems to me that if everyone loved these dogs as much as they claim, would you not put down a blind dog that can't walk? Strikes me as kind of selfish in a way. The dog suffers because youre heart can't take the thought of life without it. We talk about taking aminals with humane methods in the field but not in our own homes. I sure this may not go over well but it is just a point if view outside the world of dog lovers
Like the quote from Mark Twain:
"If you make a dog prosperous, he will not bite you. That's the principle difference between a dog and a man."
Dogs are wonderful...I have 3 of different breeds.
Best Regards,
Tom from Cody, Wyoming
Tom from Cody Do you know Gary Thompson from Cody?
Bourjaily, you be good so that you go the same direction as Ike. I know when my dird dog (Lady) got killed, nobody saw me cry, I went out behind the barn by myself. That was a dad day, we sure loved her, My wife also love her.
Deerhunter ---
If Ike were suffering I would put him down. As it is he is in no pain. He sleeps, eats,drinks and wags his tail every once in a while.
Phil
I did not mean to sound harsh and Ike and I are glad to know that. Thanks
The spot where my last Black Lab (Angus) rests is right by the far end of our pond, where the ducks always are...
Excellent story, Phil.
Damn, Phil, you got me all blubbery this morning. I have several boxes of ashes sitting on my workbench from the four that I've had to put down in the past six months. After twelve to fifteen years together I'm just not quite ready for that final goodbye. Gawd I miss 'em.
Great article. I find it uplifting when a good canine companion can inspire someone to take the time and effort to write an article like this. Personally, I also like the fact that these dogs are given the chance to perform in the field - they were bred to do this, and I think it is depressing if they do not get the chance to "fulfill their destiny" so to speak.
great story Mr. Bourjaily
Phil, you brought back the memory of my friend Grits. We had to put him down five years ago on December 4th. He was not a bird dog, but had the heart and spirit of a true hunter. What a friend. Got another that just happened to be born on the day we put Grits down. His ashes will be entombed with mine.
I found your blog tonight, and have read the story of your dog, and the place you have chosen for his eternal "view" three times, and each time the tears roll down my cheeks!
I remember old gun dogs, and other animals, friends, and acquaintances who have come and gone.
We all do, and it is nice to think some of us may be remembered with the evident care and respect you have for your old companion.
Viettom
San Antonio, Tx
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When his time comes, just remember that he's just "scouting ahead" as any GREAT dog does !
May GOD bless and keep him till you catch up(may it be MANY YEARS from them ).
That says it all, Mr. Bourjaily. Good thread.
Here's to Ike and all the rest of you "old dogs" too.
May the sun shine on him the rest of his days.
WMH
A very good story Phil. I laid my dog to rest below a big beech tree atop a knoll over looking a large ravine. I have since found a number of indian artifacts on that knoll. I guess someone else liked it to.
That was depressing and inspiring all at the same time. Probably my favorite blog from Phil.
Well told, Phil. It is a wondrous thing how deeply a dog can insinuate itself into our lives and how much we can learn from them.
So many nice memories of my pointer, Dutchess. When she passed ,I buried her in one of our old hunting grounds that I am sure she feels comfortable in.
Darn I miss that old girl.
That's a handsome bird dog.
I too have an old lab, my first good bird dog, that is ending his days. His sight is going and I think his hearing is too. He's still ambulatory but I doubt he'll live another year. Plenty of wonderful memories, but it's sad. The upside is that my younger lab, which up until this year hasn't shown any aptitude for hunting has started learning and chasing bird scent and is now a retrieving maniac!
Harold
My 9-year old english setter died last november from kindny failur he was my first bird dog and helped me kill many quali
Wonderful story Phil! Long may the scent of birds hang in the air for him. I've known some mighty good dogs over the years and one of the things that I look forward to in the hereafter is that wonderful pool of talent that is there waiting for me. I know my Grandfathers, father-in-law, uncles and a few buddies who had to leave the game early are keeping them in shape and sharp for me when my time comes to join them.
Good story. Brings back memories of my Sally pointer, who left prior to her time.
Great & Moving story. I'm sure he'll be very happy there. Hopefully you'll visit the spot now and then and reflect upon Ike and your adventures.
This thread brings back old memories. In my 60 years I have known a handfull of great dogs. One of the best , a walker hound named Slim was killed by a large Florida Diamondback when I was 19. It's always so depressing to me to loose one. Just thankful that right now my GSH Jill is a young pup and hopefully we won't have to deal with this for many seasons to come.
But I must recall.
While the Gypsy was still Young and Vigorous, my Dad died of cancer. I was entrusted with the disposal of his ashes. I took his ashes, along with the Gypsy, to Puppydog creek in southern Mississippi (he would have liked that, as he used to fish for Largemouth Bass there) and set them free into a creekbed that was maybe 5' deep and 40 yards wide. It was a popular swimming hole and , for a moment, the water was turned gray with his ashes, headed for the Pascagoula River, into the Gulf, and on into the Atlantic Ocean, where he had served in the Merchant Marine. He would have been glad to know that he had infiltrated the bikinis of beautiful young ladies in Southern Mississippi. I had been told when I interviewed for a job at Texas Instruments that the girls there were the most beautiful in the United States, but I knew that was a lie... Go get ye a National Champion-grade setter as soon as ye can. Don't spend any time moping. Get tough and get out there.
(Texas instruments rejected me because they thought I was "Too Country.")
Shows how smart they were. I am a Cajun/Indian, mixed with at least 5 European Nations, as well as two warring Indian Nations. Talk about conflict on Turkey Day! But it was/is an ancient Roman Holiday (Wikipedia). See what literacy can do to you?
Great story
The last time I hunted with my Dad was about 10 yrs ago. We hunted with Trapper, my black lab, for pheasents. This was the first, and last time my Dad hunted over a dog. We had a great time and managed to kill a limit of roosters. Dad was in his early 80s and at the end of the day he gave me his gun. He didn't trust his balance anymore and thought he was at the point of being "unsafe" in the field. A year later Trapper died. It was the second time I ever saw my Dad cry. The first was when my Grandmother passed. I scattered Trappers ashes on the corner where we took the last bird of that last hunt. Its a pretty spot with lots of birds. My Dad died this pass November 23rd. I think of him often and like to imagine him and Trapper giving that old cover one last visit.
Bourjaily, you be good so that you go the same direction as Ike. I know when my dird dog (Lady) got killed, nobody saw me cry, I went out behind the barn by myself. That was a dad day, we sure loved her, My wife also love her.
Damn, Phil, you got me all blubbery this morning. I have several boxes of ashes sitting on my workbench from the four that I've had to put down in the past six months. After twelve to fifteen years together I'm just not quite ready for that final goodbye. Gawd I miss 'em.
Of course, thet's the downside. I laid The Gypsy to rest on a creekbank which was her favorite place to get a drink and let her melt into the river, and on into the Pacific. I had already located Bill's breeder and was about to put down a deposit. Went back and got her skull and bleached it. I keep it in a large pistol case. Mebbe I'll send a photo...
Great story. Our 16 year old English Setter, Yoda passed away this winter. My dad new the whole time where he was going to bury her. He said when she was a year old he was hunting with his brother and she went on point. When they got up to the spot they flushed 4 roosters and shot 3 of them. He said that is the greatest moment he ever had with her and that is the spot where we buried her this winter after she passed on.
Great story. Who'd think something so small could impact you so much. Not looking forward to the day my beagle can chases all the rabbits he can. He'll go in anything for me to chase out a rabbit or birds.
Like the quote from Mark Twain:
"If you make a dog prosperous, he will not bite you. That's the principle difference between a dog and a man."
Dogs are wonderful...I have 3 of different breeds.
Best Regards,
Tom from Cody, Wyoming
Deerhunter ---
If Ike were suffering I would put him down. As it is he is in no pain. He sleeps, eats,drinks and wags his tail every once in a while.
Tom from Cody Do you know Gary Thompson from Cody?
Phil
I did not mean to sound harsh and Ike and I are glad to know that. Thanks
The spot where my last Black Lab (Angus) rests is right by the far end of our pond, where the ducks always are...
Excellent story, Phil.
Great article. I find it uplifting when a good canine companion can inspire someone to take the time and effort to write an article like this. Personally, I also like the fact that these dogs are given the chance to perform in the field - they were bred to do this, and I think it is depressing if they do not get the chance to "fulfill their destiny" so to speak.
great story Mr. Bourjaily
Phil, you brought back the memory of my friend Grits. We had to put him down five years ago on December 4th. He was not a bird dog, but had the heart and spirit of a true hunter. What a friend. Got another that just happened to be born on the day we put Grits down. His ashes will be entombed with mine.
I found your blog tonight, and have read the story of your dog, and the place you have chosen for his eternal "view" three times, and each time the tears roll down my cheeks!
I remember old gun dogs, and other animals, friends, and acquaintances who have come and gone.
We all do, and it is nice to think some of us may be remembered with the evident care and respect you have for your old companion.
Viettom
San Antonio, Tx
I do not own dogs but it seems to me that if everyone loved these dogs as much as they claim, would you not put down a blind dog that can't walk? Strikes me as kind of selfish in a way. The dog suffers because youre heart can't take the thought of life without it. We talk about taking aminals with humane methods in the field but not in our own homes. I sure this may not go over well but it is just a point if view outside the world of dog lovers
Cremate animals? You serious?
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