Thank you very much Corky. These four legged pals play such an important role in the lives of people like us. I cannot imagine not having any at my home. I'll bet you feel the same.

Well all I can say is, I hope Buster's bill is much less than you're expecting. You really need to teach him to brush his own teeth...flossing, however, can be a little tricky.
You have a good week also (and a small vet bill).

Holy cow...I'd be pretty pizzed at that vet too. There are definitely good vets and bad ones, just like every other profession. One of my very best friends is a vet, but he's top of the line. He takes care of all the pets of everyone in my family, and won't take a dime. I'm always having to do sneaky things to try and pay him back. Needless to say, I take him hunting a lot. By the way, Skippy is a great name for a peanut butter loving rat.

The only drawback that bothers me about pets, is getting someone to take care of them when we want to travel, or go somewhere out of town. Your daughter is fortunate to have the freedom to travel while she's young. I'll bet that she ends up with pets at some point in her life.

You are so right...I truly am lucky I grew up with pets. Because of that, my wife and I made sure our son and daughter grew up with pets also. My daughter Kimberly had hermit crabs, hamsters, and cats, while my son Marc had fish, snakes, lizzards, and mice to feed the snakes. Of course they both were very close to our dogs. My children are now both married, with families, and they each have two dogs at their homes. I think it must be a genetic thing.

jederick...It sure sounds like you and I both share the same passion for dogs and waterfowl hunting. To me they are such a huge part of my everyday life, both at home, and in the field. You are very fortunate in that Daisy and Annie both lived long and active lives. It sure sounds like they were wonderful family members and great hunting dogs. I trained my dogs according to the Jim and Phyllis Dobbs book, "Retriever Training." I also relied heavily on Mike Lardy's training method. I was fortunate to have a couple of pro's who used me as part of their training group. They taught me so much.

Like you, I hunted frequently at Mendota and Tule Lake. I also hunted at Kern refuge one time. Today, I hunt mostly at a couple of private clubs in the central valley grasslands, near Los Banos. And yes, you are correct...we have lived lucky lives. Thanks again for your great comments.

Treepusher, I really thank you, and appreciate your very kind compliment. I'm pleased that you enjoyed the photos, and I'm glad you stopped by.

Carol---That is such a thoughtful and appreciated compliment. I really thank you for your very kind words, and I'm very pleased that you stopped by.

I think that quote has a point. There is definitely something to be said for those words. Thank you for your nice compliment. I appreciate your stopping by for a look.

Thanks Doddy, I appreciate the very nice compliment.

Angela...Your words are sooo nice, thoughtful, and complimentary. I don't know how to respond back, except to just say thank you. When I was born, my Dad and Mom had 3 dogs. So I grew up with 2 pointers, and 1 Australian shepherd. I can't remember a time in my life that I was without a dog(s). My own 2 kids were brought up with a golden retriever (Mitzy), a scruffy little dog (name Scruffy) that I pick up at our animal shelter, plus 3 cats that we took in. I'm mainly a dog guy, but cats are good too. But I simply can't imagine not having the companionship of a dog.

It sounds like your Buster has most definitely made his way to you heart. That's very good to hear, and I hope you have him with you for a long time to come.

Thank you again Angela.

dancers...I believe that is a very accurate statement. Thank you for stopping by for a look, and a comment.

Thanks for the very nice compliment, Jim...glad you stopped by.

Thank you Leicaflex for such a really nice compliment, including the thumbs up. I surely appreciate your stopping by and commenting.

Thank you bobsisk. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos, and it's a pleasure to share them with you folks.

Although I've been blessed with wonderful friends during my lifetime, I must admit that my best buddies have been of the 4-legged variety. Their love, devotion, trustworthiness, loyality, and wonderful company, have always been remarkable attributes, in my opinion. I believe I personally have learned a lot from them. Here are a few shots of 4 (all Labrador retrievers) of mine that are at the top of the list. Skipper, and Skye are no longer with me, but I still enjoy the daily company of Annie, and Moxie. I hope you like these shots.


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Skipper was frequently my co-pilot.

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The two of us spent many hours in the duck blind together. This photo of Skipper won a blue ribbon at the state fair a few years back.

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Skye was a very athletically built female that most people assumed was male, because of her muscular build. She was a powerful dog with a heart of gold.

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Skye's sleeping habbits were often comical.

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Skipper and Skye wandered off one Saturday after the 3 of us finished teaching a class in gun dog training to a large group of kids and their dads. The two of them found this cute kid, and immediately made friends with him. At least they were having a great time when I found them. I never did learn the name of that young sheriff with the red cowboy hat, but I did snap a few shots of my two guys enjoying his company. He was apparently giving a dissertation dealing with closing one eye and shooting.

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As the years passed, so did Skipper. I ended getting another pup that I named Annie. She quickly became attached to Skye, and they were inseparable.

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Annie is now 9 1/2 years young, very active, and without any gray hair. When Skye passed on after a long good life, I got another pup and named her Moxie. Today you never find Moxie without Annie by her side. They are a marvelous pair together. They are both great hunting dogs, and definitely my inspiration to stay active.

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This is Moxie, my youngest. She will be turning 2 at the end of October. Without a doubt, she is one of the most affectionate, and easy to train dogs that I've every had. I love her hook shapped tail (not very commonly found with labs).