Yes it is a terrible thing when their time on this earth is up. Mr Rommel was the first male GSP I ever had, and was by far the best one, Axl is right up there with him. Males IMO are much better hunting dogs. The female I have had all hunted for themselves, while the males have all hunted for me. But I do miss every last one I have had the pleasure of hunting over. Axl is now 13 and still going strong, I hope for a few more years.