Hunting Dogs

I have no doubt in my mind about the hunt and prey drive that my little dog possesses. I have never really given her the chance to strut her stuff, but every now and then she finds something of interest in the surface of the earth below her, so I let her have at it.

No going down holes, mind you, as a typical hunting JRT would do (I am no terrierman) - I fear for her safety. But on the other hand, I love to see her natural instincts at work. So, we surface hunt, then we dig. I shouldn't say we, she's the only one who does the digging, and if it's not my property, I get the job of filling the hole back in. She's a great excavator, and can open up a foot wide hole in a matter of minutes.

I haven't a clue what interests her so much below the dirt, as she's yet to actually catch anything, but she seems to enjoy the process, and her concentration in the hole is quite something (I do know of a JRT that hunts worms, so perhaps this is what she's after - thank God she hasn't found any).

She is a highly visual little dog as well, so she takes pleasure in scouting out rabbits in the parks. I don't let her have at those because the roads are far too close for comfort and when we're out and about in the woods, there is just too many cliffs to topple over - so leash it is.

These are from the Lowville photo-shoot. Dug to roots, then pulled her off. It was too windy and cool for me to stand there and wait for her to finish.

Below is 4D Prickles. My friend out west, Colleen Hoffman, owns this little spit-fire who actually catches what she's hunting for. Photos courtesy of Sue Hawes. I have to add that I'm ecstatic that I don't live in Alberta right now. October and this much snow? No thanks!

Happy Birthday Brandy!!!

A tiny little baby Brandy

Today my little dog turns 7! I can not believe how much time flies. It seems like only yesterday, on a cool, sunny October morning in 2002, that we picked up the tiny little biting and humping bundle of energy.

I can honestly say that it was the best $350 we've ever spent, hands down. She was a challenge in the beginning, but once we found out that this little bugger loved to learn (puppy class being our first indication), things turned around, and in a heart-beat she became "the perfect" dog.

Through the years she has been my greatest teacher in regards to training dogs (or dogs training people, however you'd like to interpret that), and has been a willing, flash hating subject in all my photography and artistic adventures.

She's been everywhere with me, and is a testament to her breed. We dubbed her the "Love Dog" (with the "Love Boat" theme attached to it) because a day has never gone by without someone making a positive comment or smiling at her while we were out and about. From the old, to the thugged out youth (the term "sweet dog" has been used on occasion), they all fell in love. She is a people lover, and will go out of her way to meet and greet, which adds to her appeal.

Independent, stubborn, tenacious - yes these all describe her, she is a JRT you know, however, she is also sensitive, loving, comical and a willing worker. Surprisingly she does like to please, but on her terms, nothing like a golden retriever or a border collie though. She is awesome at agility when she wants to be, or more like when I don't throw her off, and she has quite a few titles to her name so far. And, with a little help from me, she even went and got her rally novice title, something that I never thought possible because it involves obedience - not her strong point, kind of like math is not mine.

Photo by Gabrielle Deans

Over all, she is a fantastic sport partner, a great teacher and a wonderful best friend. There will never be another Brandy - she really is one of a kind and I'm greatful for every moment that we spend together.

Happy Birthday Brandy, and here's to many, many, many more years of fun and friendship!!

Photo by Gabrielle Deans

Photo by Gabrielle Deans