10 minutes from retrieving to "should be dead"

[T-Pines]

Thank-you for posting,that was a tear jerker.
AS others have wished, I hope that Ace makes a full recovery.
WE will be thinking about you.
Colleen

[Blklab]

Matt I am glad that everything is going better. Believe me this reminded me of a very close call last year with my dog. 4 surgeries later after the hunt she is doing well. I still think often about that day. I hope your dog continues to get better and you continue to create good memories hunting with him.

[Brydawg]

Matt,
What a story, and indeed, a miraculous recovery. I'm glad you're both OK now.

I'm a Moderator at another site and took the liberty of C&Ping your story and making a "Sticky" out of it.
I feel in doing so, it will save the life of many Dawgs.

...again,,, glad you're both doing well.

..............................Brydawg

[Matt G]

Thought I'd give a quick update on Ace. It's been about 45 days since the day that we are still trying to put behind us, and I couldn't be happier with his progress. I have no reservations when I say that he's back to 100% in health, heart, and heathen. Thus far, I've seen nothing in his attitude or actions that indicates long-term effects from the hypothermia. We did deal with some "spells" were he went into a "trance" and was very spooky for several weeks after coming home from the hospital. Our best guess was just post-traumatic stress (hell I know I wouldn't be right for a while after that happened to me). But that's all behind us now and we're looking forward to trial season. We would both like to Thank each and every one of you who extended support and prayed to get us through this miraculous adventure. I am still so Thankful for the many blessings in which we received.

On a related note, the first-class people at Avery Outdoors heard about our story and stepped up to the plate to ensure that Ace is protected from the elements next duck season. David Carrington (one of our own here on the RTF), made arrangements to ship me a new Avery Boater's Parka, fitted to Ace, at no cost! Yet another testament to Avery's commitment to their customers and the sporting dog community.

Thought I'd post a couple of pics of Ace from the first half of the season, prior to the incident which benched him for the remainder.

[FOM]

Thanks for the update - good on Avery - very happy to hear Ace is doing better!

I have to say I absolutely adore how Ace does the head tilt thing, brought a smile to my face and gave me a good chuckle! Sure he doesn't need a neck brace?

Did you an avatar.....he is a good looking boy....

FOM

[Goldenboy]

Glad to hear that Ace is doing so well. Hope his neck straightens out . Great pictures!

[Danno]

Greatness across the board.

Glad it all worked out.

[Illinois Bob]

How do you get Ace to cock his head for the camera like that all the time?

[Bud]

Thanks for the update and the pics. And heres' to Avery and their donation.

[Lab Head]

Tonite is the first time I read your story, Matt. Holy Cow, your story is truely an act of something greater than we are here on this planet!! I was so happy to hear that Ace recovered and is doing well. Very nice pics of him. He has that head tilt thing going on as if to say, "yeah, I'm cool!!" Happy for both of you and good luck to you, and Ace!! Thanks for opening all of our eyes, a duck is not worth our best friend!!!!!