I was ready and eager to get another puppy in the fall, but my bride needed a little more time. And to make it easier, so memories of our other dog didn't come flooding back (with her tears flooding too), this time we got a black male instead of a yellow female. We know dogs are unique and have individual personalities, plus there is no replacing "her", but this little guy will do well to heal our hearts -- and will become a hunting partner for me.
Here is JACK when we first saw him 2 weeks ago at the breeders. She said of the 3 males in the litter, he was the most eager to fetch and retrieve a duck wing. And just like his parents & grandparents, she expects him to be calm when in the house and "turn on" when he goes out hunting.
And YES, "Jack" does stands for Jack Daniels
and this is the custom leash & collar I had made just for him -- but it may be a year before he grows into it:
And here's Jack yesterday when we picked him up:
The little guy had a successful first night -- getting him up and out every 2.5-3 hours, and his crate training has been started.
I've always needed and had GOD in my life -- but after having (and losing) the first one -- I needed DOG too.
Oops -- gotta go --gotta get the little guy outside!
Old No7
Keep those retrieving dummies handy ! 
