Sunday, April 27, 2008
A great little read..
No, it doesn't pertain to Setters, but another working dog that makes his living the hard way... by keeping his nose to the ground! The beagle...
This is a great little book, by Willet Randall, for anyone who appreciates the working dog. Mr. Randall, now deceased, started the Patch Beagle Kennels, out past Fagan's Flats between North River and Indian Lake, in the Adirondacks of New York.
He had a kennel full of beagles, and derived his most enjoyment listening at night to the baying of the pack running a hare. Oddly enough, his favorite dog, and we all know about "that one dog", was a dog that would take a nip out of him for the slightest provocation.
Willet Randall is one of those crusty old folks that appear larger than life. He spent much of his time living in an old house haunted by a spirit, out in Beaver Meadows. He was a long way from civilization, and he'd fondly recall when the boys from Indian Lake would extend their tour a little to come plow him out..
There's also a great little tale about an Indian he met back in the wilderness while the hounds were on a trail, whom he befriended and had out to the haunted house for a wilderness dinner.
For those who would care to read the book, I won't give too much away. Suffice it to say that it's a worthwhile read for any dogman, wilderness lover, those who can open their minds to the possibility of the occult, or anyone in general looking for a book they won't be able to put down until it's finished..
I heartily recommend it!
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Great stuff, Bill. I love Adirondacks books.
ReplyDeleteAre you familiar with "The Birch Bark Books" by Henry Abbott. All kinds of great hunting and fishing stories from back in the good ol' days.
Thanks, Dave.
ReplyDeleteThe IL library at my adopted home in the ADKs has an entire section devoted to Adirondack subjects. My favorites are historical stuff and biographies of old time Adirondackers, Like French Louie, Richard Smith, and lots of others.
I'll check out the Birch Bark Collection next time I'm in there.