Bob West, a Purina retiree and GUN DOG Magazine contributor for more than 40 years, recently was inducted into the Bird Dog Foundation Hall of Fame in ceremonies held at the Bird Dog Museum in Grand Junction, Tennessee. Bob was honored for his more than 50 years of steadfast service and support to field trial clubs, field trials, and his contributions as a competitor, judge, and ambassador for all breeds of sporting dogs.

“I never thought about the Hall of Fame,” Bob says, “I like the dogs, the people, and the competition. It’s always been great fun. That’s why I did it.”

The mission of the Bird Dog Foundation–where Bob has served as a Board Member for more than 20 years–is to preserve and promote the tradition of bird dogs, field trials, hunting, and shooting sports.

Delmar Smith, the legendary 98-year-old Bird Dog Hall-of-Famer, spoke at Bob’s induction ceremony.

“I’ve never met a man who was more dedicated to the dogs–all breeds–and to the people, than Bob West,” Delmar Smith said.

Bob’s start with GUN DOG Magazine resulted from a friendship with Dave Meisner, the first GUN DOG Editor-in-Chief.

“Dave was covering a National Qualifier regional field trial near Des Moines and asked the field marshal if he could interview the winner,” Bob recalls. “I wound up finishing first and third with my dogs. Dave interviewed me and I ended up training his dog. We became good friends and hunted together. I started writing for the Magazine in 1984–six issues a year for more than 40 years now.”

For over four decades, GUN DOG magazine has reigned supreme as North America’s premier sporting dog publication. GUN DOG provides readers 120-pages of how-to and must-know information regarding our sporting dogs—from breeding, training, trialing, health and safety, and more.

“GUN DOG Magazine prides itself on providing readers with dog training tips from the best trainers across the country, Bob West being one of them,” says Kali Parmley, GUN DOG Editor in Chief. “Bob has provided his expert knowledge on bird dogs and training since the inception of this publication, and we couldn’t be more grateful to him. He has brought years of knowledge to the sporting dog industry, and we are proud of his accomplishments. This induction is well-deserved!”

Bob’s journey with sporting dogs started with Labrador Retrievers in the late 1960s after returning home from the US Navy. He became active as a competitor and judge in National Shoot To Retrieve Field Trial Association, American Field, and AKC Pointing Breed Championships. He joined the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) while the organization was in its infancy and helped build it into a nationally recognized organization. Along the way, Bob earned more than 60 NAVHDA titles, including three Versatile Champions.

Bob’s career with Purina began as a spokesperson and consultant in 1985. He went on to become Director of the Sporting Dog Group before retiring in 2015.

The Purina team, led by Karl Gunzer, Director of the Sporting Dog Group and Bob’s successor, was at Grand Junction and attended Bob West’s induction.

“It’s a great honor for Bob and well-deserved,” Karl says. “He’s been a champion for field trials and competition across all formats and breeds. And, of course, he’s still a huge advocate and ambassador for all things Purina and our Pro Plan brand.”

Now 80, Bob’s journey with sporting dogs has come full circle. He’s once again training and running Labrador Retrievers in AKC Field Trials and serves as President of the Retriever National Derby Club. Bob became one of the few to have bird dog Field Trial Champions as well as an AKC Retriever Amateur Field Champion when he titled AFC Brushy Creek’s Miss Judy. He still loves the competition and trains every day he can.

“After all these years, I’m still trying to figure out if it’s the dogs or the people,” Bob says. “I think both. I’ve made great friends along the way and seen some great dogs. And, of course, I’ve had the support of my wife and family. What more can you ask?”