Do we ever get past it?

I'm sure we've all read the stories about that "one dog"... The one that teaches us to hunt, touches our heart and just seems to do everything right!
The dog the we know we'll never be able to replace, and leaves us all too soon. So, we try to make it better... we have to with a new pup. We're still going to hunt!
Can the young pup ever meet the expectations? Ever match the perfection of the "once in a lifetime dog?" Caqn the newcomer measure up to such lofty ideals?
Unfortunately, often not! And just as often, probably not the pup's fault!
I've seen it time and time again.. A hunter with a beloved dog. The two operate in the field as one... Poetry in motion. The efficiency of two predators at the top of their game.
I've also seen those same hunters hang up their shotguns for good after the loss of the partner, not really giving the new pup an honest chance. Not realizing that it takes time and experience... Perhaps forgetting the not-so-great days early in the brag dog's life.
If there's an answer to all this, the only oner I can think of is to keep pressing on.. Realizing the dogs are individuals just as humans are.. Some more talented... some less. All prone to the good and bad days that the best of us experience. All just one piece of the puzzle shy of a Grand Master.

I'm ready for a new puppy. Maybe my last high powered dog... Only God knows. But, I'll keep an open mind and give the pup the chance it deserves, and as many opportunities as the "gettin' older" body can provide.. It will also have love, and the experience to realize that greatness comes in small doses, and just maybe progresses by baby steps..

So, here's to looking forward to a new puppy. Nothing is cast in stone as of yet, but whatever happens, and whatever path I take, and the pup and I take together, there just might be a few surprises in store..

Stay tuned!

Current events.. Doggie Style

First, I'd like to wish all our readers a Happy and Healthy New Year... Ringing in the New Year is not a joyous occasion for me.. I consider it just another day on the calendar.. but it does bring hope for new awakenings and better things to come.

Now, to the topic at hand. I'm not one much given for posting comments on current events, but this one is just so meaningful and heartwarming that I feel the need to draw attention to it.
A young lad in Alaska was saved from a cougar attack by his year and a half old Golden Retriever... Not much more than a puppy. The dog nearly lost it's life in defense of his friend and master. I get a bit misty eyed when I see the dog's picture, think of what happened and could have happened and once again realize the relationship between Man and Dogs... The unflinching loyalty and protection we get from our canine friends. I never cease to marvel at the depth of it!

For those that have not seen or read the story, here, and here is the account of this awe inspiring occurrance.. To make things even more surreal, the Golden's name???

Angel!

Enjoy your day..