Drumbeat Springers
More About Spencer
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8/3/08 -- Although we knew he was suffering from internal tumors, it still struck us like lightening this past weekend as our Spencer went from his playful, always-wants-to-play-fetch self to a subdued, sedentary dog. Since he had survived a foxtail traveling through his body for a week, a stick that by pure grace did not injury his retina or lens when it poked straight into his eye, running away "with the coyotes," and various other injuries, although nary an actual illness, so he seemed somewhat invincible -- tough as nails, but gentle to the core with his humans and pack members. Until cancer starting popping out about a year ago, first on his legs, and then becoming more apparent in his abodomen and trunk.....it was too much, and he succumbed early Sunday morning. His "smile" and happy tail motion will be sorely missed, not to mention all the antics, predicated by super smarts, that made him so entertaining through the 13.5 years he shared our lives. For all the frustrations he gave us with his unbounded natural drive and talent, he gave us equally smiles and awe at his canine athleticism.
Happily, he spent a long weekend at a friend's duck club in June, where he went swimming in the lake and the swimming pool, enjoyed long walks through natural cover and even chased a few chukkars. If given a chance, he would have tracked down the large covey of quail on-site as well. Then, relaxed on the porch like a perfect pet. And that's the way Spencer was, perfect on a leash around the neighborhood -- never pulling and conscious to the physical capabilities of his walker, forgiving and friendly with all the new pups and dogs that came through the household, but tough as nails to the outside world.
He was one helluva dog, an unparalled retriever with blinding speed and the determination to make it happen -- regardless if it was within "field trial rules." We will probably never have another who will make a 150 yard retrieve across sub-zero waters, that other dogs gave up on. And if we do, we will smile and muse that he is "almost" like Spencer.
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Spencer can be seen running through the cover like a speeding bullet. He is a bold boy whose pinpoint nose, combined with that lethal speed can mean great success or great trouble. His uncanny marking skill plus his ability to be handled to double and triple blinds make him a virtually failless retriever on land or water. Although an extremely high drive athlete in the field, Spencer is relaxed in the house, is neat & fastidious in his habits, and very smart. These qualities, along with his playful, affectionate nature make him Diane's special favorite. Spencer was our second Springer, a birthday gift for Diane, and he arrived in late March, 1995, from Sunrise Kennels in upstate New York. A color reject in his litter, he was nonetheless promised to be a "feisty" puppy, well-suited to field trialing. He arrived to San Diego via Pittsburgh none the worse for wear, and promptly pounced on his (much larger) new kennelmate, Winston, with vim and vigor. Spencer was handled by Diane to two puppy stakes wins and three master hunter legs before he was two years old. Around then, we almost lost Spencer to an ingested or inhaled foxtail. It traveled through his body for a week, through his lungs, and we were extremely lucky it resurfaced through the side of his ribcage as a large tumor-like bump. Click here to see the wound where it was removed. Click here to read more about potentially deadly foxtails. Then, after a dry spell, while Spencer matured, Diane handled him to two more master hunter legs before his first All-Age Win, handled by Tony in March '99. In the meantime, he won Field Trial Dog class at Gateway Specialties (contested class, in fact). Diane handled him to his final leg for the Master Hunter title on July 4, 1999 in Oregon. (see photo above) At 11 years, he finally takes more naps -- but when he gets loose in the field -- watch out!!! That Yankee blood dies hard! And he still enjoys hunting with a passion! Back to Top Back to Our Dogs page
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