Monte died in a horrible accident tonight. He impaled himself while having an after-dinner run in the yard.

Monte was a shorthair's shorthair. He had every tool in the shed and knew how to use them. I think it's fair to say his mind was like granite. It might have taken a bit more work to chisel the information into his brain, but once there, it was there forever. He was the kind of dog who could repeat a situation he hadn't seen in years. "Oh, I'm supposed to swim across and wait for directions." It didn't matter that there were three states and two hunting seasons in the middle, he just did it.

I met Monte as a wee pup, probably a few weeks old in Vermont. I had a bitter sweet moment a few months later as Craig and I introduced him to birds, right before Craig and Janna headed to Utah. At a few months of age, I could tell he was special. Monte was the result of Craig's philosophies colliding with some of the top breeders in the country. Craig is one of my mentors and maybe the most influential in my breeding program. Monte, I decided, was to be my stud for the next five years.

Monte had it all. He hunted hard. He had exceptional conformation. He could Prize I a NAVHDA Utility Test without rehearsal. He was good to have in the house. He had the noble and stoic disposition that is so desirable in the breed.

We are deeply saddened by Monte's sudden death and wish Craig and Janna our prayers, best wishes and any emotional support we can possibly offer.

I'm sorry, I can't write any more tonight; I'm crying my eyes out. Please pray for Craig, Janna and Monte. The bible promises that everything we need will be provided in heaven. I can't imagine heaven without Monte.