I discovered Breaker curled up, as if asleep, in his bed when I got home from work yesterday. This was such a terrible shock, as he’d been racing around the paddock and amongst the trees (looking for koalas, as usual) with the others the afternoon before, although by dinner time, and the next morning, he was looking somewhat subdued. Sadly, we never made it to the Vet appointment that I’d made, to have him checked upon.
Breaker was the smoochiest dog that I have ever known – his nickname was the “Love Bug” or "Mr Smooch" because that was exactly what he was. He would smooch with anybody and everybody, and you’d often find yourself inadvertently patting him when standing around, as he had a sneaky way of nuzzling his head in between your hand and leg in search of a pat. Or, if you were sitting, he'd try to ooze himself onto your lap.
As a baby puppy, I noticed a presence about Breaker that I just couldn’t bear to part with, a decision that I am so thankful for. Breaker was all style, and he had an abundance of natural working ability, which was very evident in the first few (and successful) retrieving trials that we attended, after barely a skerrick of preparatory training. He was a staunch and stylish pointer, and an enthusiastic retriever with a beautifully soft mouth – I don’t think that he ever damaged game, in training or in trials.
Breaker had the happiest nature, and would bounce around in circles in front of you if he thought that something exciting was going to happen (like the opportunity to “hunt” for koalas – something that he was rather adept at, much to my disgust). His temperament was enthusiastic, very, very biddable, stable and resilient, which made him such a wonderful dog to train.
Not that he spent much time at these events, but he was always a dream to show – very stylish, and a beautifully true and smooth mover … from a youngster, right up until the Veteran Classes. He won Veteran in Show at our Club’s Champ Show this year, and was also placed in a very strong Veteran Class at this year’s GSP National as well. He was always awarded “Excellent” gradings at Nationals, and won the Field & Retrieving QC class on several occasions at these events.
I miss my happy, creative (sometimes naughty), adventurous, stylish and smoochy Love Bug incredibly, as I am sure, so too will the host of friends who have been mugged by him over the years.
If there is a dog-heaven though, I know that Breaker will be there.
Rest in peace, my faithful friend.