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Would You Get a Tattoo of Your Gun Dog?

July 22, 2009

Would You Get a Tattoo of Your Gun Dog?

Let me start by saying, I’m not a tattoo kind of guy…I leave that stuff to young guys like F&S’s Joe Cermele (he has a great white shark tattoo on his calf and a J-hook on his arm). But recently, on a long ride home from a training session in the country, I passed a tattoo parlor and it got me thinking—seriously thinking—about dog tattoos. Now before my gentle mother tries to reach through the screen and throttle me, allow me to say this:

I’ve fallen in love/become obsessed with a few things in my life, including striped bass, boats, and, of course, my wife. And I’ve never considered getting a tattoo of any of them. (Granted my wife would prefer not to have her image inked on my shoulder.) But as I passed that tattoo parlor I thought how damn cool it would be to have just a small tattoo of Pritch’s head on, say, my calf. Because at some point Pritchard will pass on to the dove field in the sky, and while I may have other dogs, I certainly won’t have her. And in just six months she’s become just about everything I could ask for, and I still haven’t even taken her in the field.

Some of you Man’s Best Friend readers may already have a tattoo of your pooch. If you do, email me a photo at mbfcontest@gmail.com and we’ll post a gallery of images.

For those of you who are ink free, I ask: would you get a tattoo of your dog?

Comments (34)

Top Rated
All Comments
from aragonnapoles wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

Absolutly No! is better a couple of pupies to continue the blood line

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from jcarlin wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

I'm considering a simple fishing hook or arrow myself. I sometimes threaten to get my wife's face on the shoulder. She's not a fan. I will say that if I do not put the wife's name or the children in my skin, there will be a lifetime of occassional sniping if I add a dog.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from aragonnapoles wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

After read the article, my wife said is better see the dog's face making like crushed paper than her own.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from WA Mtnhunter wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

Dumb idea and waste of money. Proves once and for all that some people have more money than sense.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Del in KS wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

Not only is it a dumb idea and waste of money. Think about this. How many old guys have you seen that have a tattoo that aging turned into a blob that looks more like a bruise than anything else.
Suggest you do what I am doing and breed Pritchard to a good dog for some pups to carry on her bloodline. My Jill should have a litter of beautiful GSH Pointer pups in about 7 weeks. You would have a living remembrance of Pritchard and save all the money it costs to remove old tattoos.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Dave DiBenedetto wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

Ha! Very strong opinions out there about dog tattoos. Figured a few of you would favor the ink. I imagine the tattoo crowd may speak up yet. As for me, remember, I said I was "thinking" about it not doing it...

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from pinopolis wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

i have a small tattoo i got years ago. don't totally regret it but would prefer it to be an image of my dog!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from muskiemaster wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

totally if I was old enough to but I still can't do that. I also like the idea of the hook on the arm so maybe I'd do both on different sides of the body to show two of my loves in life.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Joe_Cermele wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

Take a tiny little drop of blood from the first dove she retrieves to the parlor and ask them to mix a trace amount into the ink. Then get the tat of her.

I once saw a captain on TV with a tat of his first mako shark and there was a little bit of its blood mixed in the red ink that made up the gills.

You gotta slip the tattoo folks a couple extra bones to get them to do it I'd imagine.

-1 Good Comment? | | Report
from WA Mtnhunter wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

That is an even bigger dumba$$ idea. Geeze.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Joe_Cermele wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

Ah, c'mon are we outdoorsmen or health inspectors? :)

+5 Good Comment? | | Report
from kelmitch wrote 25 weeks 5 days ago

You have about 13 years to think it over.Dont rush it.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from kelmitch wrote 25 weeks 5 days ago

Doves sound like excellent training for a young dog.Their not hunted here in N.Y. but I do have a new loft that came shortly after the dog.The wife is still getting use to it.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from ranger2 wrote 25 weeks 5 days ago

Dave buddy, I am going with the crowd on this one... when your grandkids visit you they are going to ask why you have a basset hound/chow cross painted on your leg... just breed her and enjoy the prodigy.

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from jlfreeborn wrote 25 weeks 5 days ago

Yall all know them things are permanent dontcha?

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Quackwacker wrote 25 weeks 5 days ago

Nice closed minded people here I see. Dave I dont have a dog but I do have a tattoo of the brand we use on our horses. I also sent you an email of another one that I kinda like.

Quack

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from ggmack wrote 25 weeks 5 days ago

I lovew my dog. but he is just to ugly to get a picture of him on my body. Plus i am a nursing student and they are very tight on professional image.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from seadog wrote 25 weeks 5 days ago

I wouldn't do it myself--not into ink, but that's a nice looking tatoo. Better the dog than an ex-girlfriend's name!

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from clipper61 wrote 25 weeks 4 days ago

Having been a practicing physician for many years, I saw lots of patients with tatoos. I usually asked them the circumatances surrounding the tatoo. It seems to me that most of them were done while drunk, on a dare, or both & & frequently in another country. This was particularly true for the sailors & marines whom I cared for.
I know you are none of these, so it might be just a case of temporary insanity prompting your recent idea.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from MLH wrote 25 weeks 4 days ago

No, thanks. Grew up watching the amazing mermaids and sea creatures on my dad's arms grow old and wrinkled.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from JOHN ANDERSON wrote 25 weeks 4 days ago

I DO ALOT OF DRAWING.ID LOVE TO GET A TATTOO OF MY DOG.IT WOULD BE ALOT BETTER THAN AN EX-GIRL FRIENDS NAME.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from WA Mtnhunter wrote 25 weeks 4 days ago

Tattoo's are a sure sign of your intelligence, maturity, and sobriety. They really help you get a good job in a tough economy, too.

Minus 1's are cheap. Take your best shots, I could care less.....

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from 2Poppa wrote 25 weeks 4 days ago

Well,I probably would tattoo a picture of my dog,had I not lost him to a divorce. I've got a tattoo of an ant,that I placed on my chest at the exact spot the strap that my wife beater covers.

No it wasn't 5:00 o'clock or 4:20 when I got the ant tattoo. I was with several friends who wanted one,and I decided on a small meaningful tat that would remind me of Godly things,of course I was in my 20's when I got it.

This is the reason for my tat ...

http://www.cssm.ca/bbc/bn1/lesson3/teless3.htm

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from Dave DiBenedetto wrote 25 weeks 4 days ago

2Poppa- Another thoughtful response. -D

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from crm3006 wrote 25 weeks 4 days ago

I'm through with this blog. When it started, the author/mediator promised it would be about dogs, with hounds and squirrel dog thrown in. The blog has descended to the moron level.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from 2Poppa wrote 25 weeks 4 days ago

crm3006-
Ahh,don't quit,put somethin' on the table.
How 'bout a little constuctive in-put.

Exactly what would you like to see on this blog, that's already not here?
Comment please,and be specific ...

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from WA Mtnhunter wrote 25 weeks 3 days ago

Time to put the 'knee's in the breeze', eh crm3006?

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from seadog wrote 25 weeks 3 days ago

C'mon, crm3006, stick around while we have a little fun. I'm sure Dave will get back to the serious dog talk eventually.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from muskiemaster wrote 25 weeks 3 days ago

just a little interesting conversation thrown into the mix no hard feelings. sorry if you feel so strongly about a little loose talk but dave seems a good guy and nothing wrong with starting a little talking about stuff like this. We all aren't on here purely for the dog portion but more of outdoorsman and outdoorsman dog owners just having some constructive conversation.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from JOHN ANDERSON wrote 25 weeks 3 days ago

IM NOT WELL EDUCATED,I DONT DRINK,AND IVE NEVER BEEN WITHOUT A JOB.I DO ENJOY READING 2POPPAs posts!!AND MR,DIBENEDETTO HAS A HELLUVA FINE BLOG.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from ranger2 wrote 25 weeks 2 days ago

Great story about the ant tatoo, 2Poppa. Quite possibly the only sensible reason I have ever heard for getting a tatoo.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from FloridaHunter1226 wrote 25 weeks 1 day ago

I am not one for tattoos either so I say no. I mean I love my dogs but tattoos, cam easily be replaced by a photo. I mean a photo of your dog is a lot less expensive than having a tattoo of one. I really don't get the point of it anyways but I guess everyone is different... different strokes for different folks

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Dave_Mata wrote 24 weeks 16 hours ago

Art comes in different ways, be it a beautiful cast, a sweet shot, or a little touch of ink in your skin. I think tattoos can be a meaningful way to tell a story about something important to you... and frankly, what can be more a constant and understanding companion than a dog?

If it isn't a piece of flash out of a magazine, or a common and overplayed tribal tat, I think you are good to go. One thing I plan, is when my next dog dies, and I cremate him, he's going into the ink of the tattoo that commemorates him. He may be dead at that point, but not gone or forgotten.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report

Post a Comment

from Joe_Cermele wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

Ah, c'mon are we outdoorsmen or health inspectors? :)

+5 Good Comment? | | Report
from ranger2 wrote 25 weeks 5 days ago

Dave buddy, I am going with the crowd on this one... when your grandkids visit you they are going to ask why you have a basset hound/chow cross painted on your leg... just breed her and enjoy the prodigy.

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from 2Poppa wrote 25 weeks 4 days ago

Well,I probably would tattoo a picture of my dog,had I not lost him to a divorce. I've got a tattoo of an ant,that I placed on my chest at the exact spot the strap that my wife beater covers.

No it wasn't 5:00 o'clock or 4:20 when I got the ant tattoo. I was with several friends who wanted one,and I decided on a small meaningful tat that would remind me of Godly things,of course I was in my 20's when I got it.

This is the reason for my tat ...

http://www.cssm.ca/bbc/bn1/lesson3/teless3.htm

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from aragonnapoles wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

Absolutly No! is better a couple of pupies to continue the blood line

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from WA Mtnhunter wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

Dumb idea and waste of money. Proves once and for all that some people have more money than sense.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Del in KS wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

Not only is it a dumb idea and waste of money. Think about this. How many old guys have you seen that have a tattoo that aging turned into a blob that looks more like a bruise than anything else.
Suggest you do what I am doing and breed Pritchard to a good dog for some pups to carry on her bloodline. My Jill should have a litter of beautiful GSH Pointer pups in about 7 weeks. You would have a living remembrance of Pritchard and save all the money it costs to remove old tattoos.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Dave DiBenedetto wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

Ha! Very strong opinions out there about dog tattoos. Figured a few of you would favor the ink. I imagine the tattoo crowd may speak up yet. As for me, remember, I said I was "thinking" about it not doing it...

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from jlfreeborn wrote 25 weeks 5 days ago

Yall all know them things are permanent dontcha?

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Quackwacker wrote 25 weeks 5 days ago

Nice closed minded people here I see. Dave I dont have a dog but I do have a tattoo of the brand we use on our horses. I also sent you an email of another one that I kinda like.

Quack

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from seadog wrote 25 weeks 5 days ago

I wouldn't do it myself--not into ink, but that's a nice looking tatoo. Better the dog than an ex-girlfriend's name!

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from clipper61 wrote 25 weeks 4 days ago

Having been a practicing physician for many years, I saw lots of patients with tatoos. I usually asked them the circumatances surrounding the tatoo. It seems to me that most of them were done while drunk, on a dare, or both & & frequently in another country. This was particularly true for the sailors & marines whom I cared for.
I know you are none of these, so it might be just a case of temporary insanity prompting your recent idea.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Dave DiBenedetto wrote 25 weeks 4 days ago

2Poppa- Another thoughtful response. -D

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from 2Poppa wrote 25 weeks 4 days ago

crm3006-
Ahh,don't quit,put somethin' on the table.
How 'bout a little constuctive in-put.

Exactly what would you like to see on this blog, that's already not here?
Comment please,and be specific ...

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from muskiemaster wrote 25 weeks 3 days ago

just a little interesting conversation thrown into the mix no hard feelings. sorry if you feel so strongly about a little loose talk but dave seems a good guy and nothing wrong with starting a little talking about stuff like this. We all aren't on here purely for the dog portion but more of outdoorsman and outdoorsman dog owners just having some constructive conversation.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from FloridaHunter1226 wrote 25 weeks 1 day ago

I am not one for tattoos either so I say no. I mean I love my dogs but tattoos, cam easily be replaced by a photo. I mean a photo of your dog is a lot less expensive than having a tattoo of one. I really don't get the point of it anyways but I guess everyone is different... different strokes for different folks

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from jcarlin wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

I'm considering a simple fishing hook or arrow myself. I sometimes threaten to get my wife's face on the shoulder. She's not a fan. I will say that if I do not put the wife's name or the children in my skin, there will be a lifetime of occassional sniping if I add a dog.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from aragonnapoles wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

After read the article, my wife said is better see the dog's face making like crushed paper than her own.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from pinopolis wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

i have a small tattoo i got years ago. don't totally regret it but would prefer it to be an image of my dog!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from muskiemaster wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

totally if I was old enough to but I still can't do that. I also like the idea of the hook on the arm so maybe I'd do both on different sides of the body to show two of my loves in life.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from WA Mtnhunter wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

That is an even bigger dumba$$ idea. Geeze.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from kelmitch wrote 25 weeks 5 days ago

You have about 13 years to think it over.Dont rush it.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from kelmitch wrote 25 weeks 5 days ago

Doves sound like excellent training for a young dog.Their not hunted here in N.Y. but I do have a new loft that came shortly after the dog.The wife is still getting use to it.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from ggmack wrote 25 weeks 5 days ago

I lovew my dog. but he is just to ugly to get a picture of him on my body. Plus i am a nursing student and they are very tight on professional image.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from MLH wrote 25 weeks 4 days ago

No, thanks. Grew up watching the amazing mermaids and sea creatures on my dad's arms grow old and wrinkled.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from JOHN ANDERSON wrote 25 weeks 4 days ago

I DO ALOT OF DRAWING.ID LOVE TO GET A TATTOO OF MY DOG.IT WOULD BE ALOT BETTER THAN AN EX-GIRL FRIENDS NAME.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from WA Mtnhunter wrote 25 weeks 4 days ago

Tattoo's are a sure sign of your intelligence, maturity, and sobriety. They really help you get a good job in a tough economy, too.

Minus 1's are cheap. Take your best shots, I could care less.....

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from crm3006 wrote 25 weeks 4 days ago

I'm through with this blog. When it started, the author/mediator promised it would be about dogs, with hounds and squirrel dog thrown in. The blog has descended to the moron level.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from WA Mtnhunter wrote 25 weeks 3 days ago

Time to put the 'knee's in the breeze', eh crm3006?

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from seadog wrote 25 weeks 3 days ago

C'mon, crm3006, stick around while we have a little fun. I'm sure Dave will get back to the serious dog talk eventually.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from JOHN ANDERSON wrote 25 weeks 3 days ago

IM NOT WELL EDUCATED,I DONT DRINK,AND IVE NEVER BEEN WITHOUT A JOB.I DO ENJOY READING 2POPPAs posts!!AND MR,DIBENEDETTO HAS A HELLUVA FINE BLOG.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from ranger2 wrote 25 weeks 2 days ago

Great story about the ant tatoo, 2Poppa. Quite possibly the only sensible reason I have ever heard for getting a tatoo.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Dave_Mata wrote 24 weeks 16 hours ago

Art comes in different ways, be it a beautiful cast, a sweet shot, or a little touch of ink in your skin. I think tattoos can be a meaningful way to tell a story about something important to you... and frankly, what can be more a constant and understanding companion than a dog?

If it isn't a piece of flash out of a magazine, or a common and overplayed tribal tat, I think you are good to go. One thing I plan, is when my next dog dies, and I cremate him, he's going into the ink of the tattoo that commemorates him. He may be dead at that point, but not gone or forgotten.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from chadian wrote 23 weeks 5 days ago

capture your moment in history with the enduring leagacy of art. chad lavin studio. www.lavinstudio.com

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Joe_Cermele wrote 25 weeks 6 days ago

Take a tiny little drop of blood from the first dove she retrieves to the parlor and ask them to mix a trace amount into the ink. Then get the tat of her.

I once saw a captain on TV with a tat of his first mako shark and there was a little bit of its blood mixed in the red ink that made up the gills.

You gotta slip the tattoo folks a couple extra bones to get them to do it I'd imagine.

-1 Good Comment? | | Report

Post a Comment