Dogs have a way of reaching the soul of a person and bonding with the deepest part of us. I had to put my female dog down a few years ago, but I have a new partner now Her name is Gypsy.

Rick from AZ

We took an American Walker dog into our home some 9 years ago.  This breed of dog is likely not familiar to people that do not hunt, but Walkers are used to hunt game, usually raccoons, deer, bears and mountain lions.   Their large size and courage make them great dogs to hunt the larger predators.  Their temperament is similar to beagle hounds, quiet and gentle around humans.  Think of our dog as 95 pound beagle, similar in color, black, tan and white.

Our dog was very gentle around our grandchildren, moving very slowly and never attempting to jump up them or even lick them, no matter how good their faces and hands smelled of the food the children had been eating.

I found LeRoy, either lost or abandoned on my hunting lease on the day before Mother’s day.  He was in terrible shape, more resembling a hairy, leather bag full of bones than a vibrant healthy dog.  If he had been used to hunt deer, he would have been in woods on his own for about 2 months.  I don’t hunt with dogs, but appreciate those that do and those who take care of the dogs entrusted to their care.  I brought him home and told my wife to guess what I had found in the woods for her Mother’s Day present.  At first she did not even want to touch him, there wasn’t a place on his body that you lay your hand and not cover several wood ticks – plus she did want to become attached to the dog out of fear that he would not survive.

We took the hound to a vet for a physical and found that he had a broken front leg that had not been treated and the choice was to amputate the leg, or let live with the limp that he had.  We chose not to put him through the surgery, but to take him home and make the best of the abilities that he had.

In effect, LeRoy was in early retirement.  His only responsibility was to watch over the neighborhood and let us know if he heard, saw or smelled any thing strange.  He nose was astounding in what he could detect. LeRoy would smell our breath and, in the expression with his eyes, ask you where “his” hamburger, chicken leg or steak was. Read the rest of this entry »

Hey, I love dogs and I had a Doberman named Conan for thirteen years. He was a good boy to the last day. At forty-five years old I wept like a child for days. I truly loved him so. I must admit my I had a relatively redneck approach to animals until I met and married my wife. She taught me the value of animals and how the never lie about love. This is what opened me up to my first real heartbreak. I haven’t had the courage to let another dog into my life yet. And some how we wound up with six cats. With the exception of two all were rescues from the street.

When we finally let ourselves get another pup I’ve decided we will go to the local pound and try to find the ugliest dog there. Hopefully, we will go into our final sunset together. So, while I realize this is dog lover’s corner some of us fans have cats. Maybe not as impressive, but after all the King of the Jungle is still the lion.

Steve from AZ