At 19, I became independent. That was when I adopted my first dog, a 3-month-old English Setter. I always had a weakness for large dogs. He had a pretty hazelnut color. He was adorable as a puppy, but also hyper-intelligent, with an unprecedented capacity for learning.
Since he was my first dog, I took all the time I needed to educate him. I didn't use punishments, only rewards and encouragement. He was very clean, very docile and very obedient. I can say that over time, I developed a fusional love with him. I did everything to make him happy. I spent all day with him and when I went out for 3 or 4 hours, I always looked forward to going home to cuddle him and play with him.
He was so calm and affectionate that anyone could approach him. In fact, it was because of his docility that he was stolen from me one day while he was playing in the garden in 2009. I was very close in the kitchen, but I didn't notice anything. I searched everywhere in breeding centers and dog markets, but I couldn't find him. It broke my heart!
I still love it! I keep his electric training collar until now.