Brilliant.
Don't know about you but I consider working a dog to be "the most" fun you can have, end of. I absolutely love it even when its wet, cold and windy. I like dogging in because its just the two of us and its great steadiness training walking them in. Then of course beating and the intensity of an early season shoot day with lots of birds down. Then of course you get to shoot beaters day, boundary days and roost shoots. And we haven't touched on the wild life you see like fox, deer, hares etc.
Anyone with a spaniel should try it if its available to them as it will open your eyes as to what joy can be found by experiencing a working day with your dog especially when it all goes well.
Ps
Yes we have become good friends with our keeper and his wife. I have taken his son out shooting with me and we have had dinner with them. Keepers lead a solitary life but they are the salt of the earth.