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.