Mike: Thank you! I've never owned a true hunting dog before and my son is almost as high-energy, thus my mild anxiety about it all. But you are right, I do feel fortunate. I did want an older dog (for all of the usual reasons!) but he wouldn't hear of it. I guess everybody ought to get a puppy at least once in their lives, so here we are. This little girl should be a finished dog by the time we finally get her, and I've been around enough "finished" dogs to know how wonderful they can be. I'm sure it will be quite the adventure.