How many miles
Did the Big Man ride
Behind a bird dog
Puppy, Derby, All-Age?
Through heat and storm
On prairie and in pines
From Canada to Florida
From boy to aging man
He overcame addiction
Never touched another drop
From alcoholic to workaholic overnight
Said the only man taller in his Lee County
He was long top handler
The hardest man to beat
Year after year on prairie and edge country
And in the long leaf pines
At Broomhill or Mortlach, Paducah or Berea
At Chinquapin or Dixie
At Chickasaw or Abigail
At Wildfair, Blue Springs or Nonami or at Ames
When the day’s running ended
He headed for his room
Did not hang around to gossip
Or to charm a judge
His dogs were broke and listened
Hunted way out on the edge
Were true All-Age and talented
Backed by owners knew the game
He had his owners’ confidence
As he had that of his dogs
Both knew he knew what he was doing
And would do all that was needed
When the day came he did not feel that
And we cannot know the why
He chose to leave the scene
He will never be forgotten
He was Big, that says it all
A very sad moment, especially those of us who were able to interact with Robin over the years 😢
Tom, that might be to most perfect and beautiful thing you have ever written. We already miss Big so much.
A big humble man and all age Champion
Mr. Word, that was a very nice tribute to a great trainer/handler.
💧💕🐾
Thanks, Tom you are a truly gifted sportsman that knows bird dogs.
Did know this man you wrote about. I do know his brother and sister in law and remember the love and respect they had for the man you write about.