This is Kinsey

This is a portrait of Rimfire's Kinsey Millhone WC, JH done by a very good friend of mine, Peter Ferin.

I debated about going back over old things in my blog but then I realized that if I didn't put something in about Kinsey it was being disrespectful of a dog that meant so much more than just being "just a dog."

Kinsey was my first dog and she came to me as a 7 week old puppy at a very difficult time in my life. My mother was terminally ill and I was forced to quit work to stay home and look after things. Had it not been for Kinsey, and the joy she brought to both of us, at that time I don't know how either one of us would have coped.

Kinsey was by far, not the easiest of dogs. She was very opinionated and stubborn beyond belief. She was quite independent and at at times even seemed aloof. But when it came to seniors and children her true colours came out. Kinsey adored seniors. She would cuddle and lie beside them with her head in their laps. She loved kids and would play forever with them. Kinsey loved the cottage and was a phenomenal swimmer. She would troll the lake for hours, exploring every nook and cranny. It gave me pleasure to watch a dog do what they were supposed to do. No leashes, no rules - just go and have fun. Kinsey had lots of fun.

Incredibly, and this may sound terribly corny, but through Kinsey, my life took an entirely different path. Because of her, I moved to the country. Because of her, I joined a training group and learned about hunt tests, field trials and obedience. Through her, I made so many new friends that I know will be lifetime friends. Because of Kinsey, I learned to hunt and then made a whole bunch of other friends. Kinsey took me to places that I never - ever thought I would go and to places that I never want to leave.

Kinsey was a good dog and my best friend. Kinsey died almost 2 years ago at 12 1/2 years of age. Losing Kinsey broke my heart in a way I never could imagine. I still miss her every day.

Jett

This is Eslana Tealgrove Jet Set MH, Can/Am WCX, CD, also known as Jett. My nephew, Harry and I co-own Jett together.

When it was discovered that Logan had vision issues it became very clear that he was not going to be able to be a working dog. My friends Alan and Esther had this beautiful Golden named Grace and she was unlike any other Golden I had ever seen. Grace was incredible and worked like a dream. I decided that I wanted one of her pups. Jett is that pup.

Jett will be 7 years old in November but you'd never know it. She is a WILD child and has been a challenge to train. Don't get me wrong, I love her dearly and she has a wonderful personality but she's work. She can make you crazy. Jett is one of those thinking dogs that is so smart that they end up thinking themselves into all kinds of trouble. Add to that the fact that Jett is REALLY REALLY fast. (Her name fits her perfectly) You have to be 10 steps ahead of her and know where she's going to go so you can blow the whistle really quick because if you let her go too long....IT'S ALL OVER.

Jett is very funny and loves everybody. I want to get her an audition for the Loto 649 Happy Dance because she's got a routine that I figure could make us millions. She is hysterical.

Jett loves to hunt and is an acomplished upland hunting dog as well as a duck dog. We're going to do more obedience this winter and then we're off to Alabama in the spring and hopefully one or maybe two more legs of her American Master.

Logan

This is Logan.

Logan is 11 1/2 years old and has been blind since he was 3.

At 18 months of age he was diagnosed with cataracts on both eyes. He actually had cataract surgery but the outcome was not as anticipated. Logan developed scar tissue over both corneas and the result has been progessive blindness ever since.

We all call Logan my "challenged" dog. He is very sweet and very cuddly but Logan has a mind of his own.

Blind dogs are supposed to stick close...but not this boy. If given the chance he is quite prepared to go on a "toot" and wander off to the nearest pond.

Logan loves to swim and retrieve bumpers. He will dive off the dock and he uses his nose to search out the bumpers. He's pretty good at it too. He brings the bumper back and sits at heel and delivers to hand. He's a great swimmer and tries very hard to please.

The hardest thing about Logan is trying to get a good picture of him. The one above is the best I could find. I can never get him to sit by himself for a picture. Unfortunately, I'm always in it.

My First Blog

This is very exciting.

My friend Marcy has been blogging on her website for quite some time and I really found it terrific. She suggested that I go to Blogspot and here I am. I only hope I can be as entertaining as Marcy.

I currently have two dogs - both golden retrievers. My oldest is 11 1/2 years old and his name is Logan. My younger one will be 7 in November however you'd never know it. Her name is Jett.

Apparently I like to live on the edge because I decided it was time to take a walk on the dark side. I am getting a black lab puppy from Marcy just before Christmas.

I keep telling Jett that we're getting a new playmate but I don't think she believes me. Jett's going to get the Christmas present of a lifetime. Ahh, if only they could speak.