Happy Saturday All!

Today’s photos are a flashback about 6 years ago when we went to the ACC Chessie weekend in Oregon, WI. I met Tom and Irene there along with their threevgirls Sophie, Willow and chessie Molly. A great friendship as come from that day.

Here is a picture of Willow as Irene would say “bossing Norman around”. She had such a fun time walking Norman around and trying to get him to heel. He was so good with her.

After the chessie weekend Tom asked me if I could bring Norman, Nellie and the baby ducks I was hatching out at the time to the school where he teaches third grade. He wanted me to show the kids what Norman and Nellie could do since they were trained in running hunt test competitions and knew how to listen to whistle commands and follow hand signals. I showed the kids what the dogs could do but the highlight was watching a baby duck crack out of it’s shell and then to hold the little fuzzy ducks that I brought along that were dry. The kids and dogs had a great visit.

On a sadder note, Norman welcomed another fine friend over the rainbow bridge. There have been just way to many passing’s lately. We would like to give our sympathy to Bev and Phil from down under in Australia that lost their beloved Forrest last week. It is never easy and doesn’t get any easier, just different in time. God Speed Forrest!

You can read about Forrest HERE.

Just A Dog

 From time to time people tell me, “Lighten up, it’s just a dog,” or, “That’s a lot of money for just a dog,” They don’t understand the distance traveled, time spent, or costs involved for “Just a dog.” Some of my proudest moments have come about with “Just a dog.” Many hours have passed with my only company being “Just a dog,” and not once have I felt slighted. Some of my saddest moments were brought  about  by  “Just a dog.” In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “Just a dog” provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day.

 If you, too, think its “Just a dog,” you will probably understand phrases like “Just a friend,” “Just a sunrise,” or “Just a promise.” “Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. “Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person. Because of “Just a dog” I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

 For me and folks like me, it’s not “Just a dog.” It’s an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. “Just a dog” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

 I hope that someday people can understand it’s not “Just a dog.” It’s the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “Just a man or woman.”

 So the next time you hear the phrase “Just a dog,” smile, because they “Just Don’t Understand.”

 *Author Unknown

Forrest’s mom has another blog where she takes beautiful photos of the surroundings in Australia. If you don’t follow her you can check her out HERE, the photos are just breath taking, she takes pictures of people, places, things and roos, many roos.

Go off and have a great weekend all!