Rise of the Terminator (Belle is a harsh mistress)

[Elric]

While the old retrobate lolls about the house after being attacked by burly women nurses with sharp implements, I have taken up the arduous responsibility of hunting ALONE with the ferocious wolf beast of the woods, Belle.

As always, she does things in a way that makes sense to her, for mysterious reasons.

Anyways, in close cover, she has been working, then popping out to the trail to see if I'm coming up. Friday there was Pheasant scent on the way in, and we did an inch-worm, she bounced out about 40yds, waited for me to close to about 30yds, repeat.

On the big grass fields, she still quarters, works tighter, then either bounces out to start again or starts to zig-zag. Zig-zag is time to try to get to her. Except tangled grass can snag you...

Slimming down, think of Conan the Barbarian, start of the flick Ah-nod is running across a plain to get to a city. Either that or the Wheel of Pain.... Season ends in less than a month. Pray to God I make it.

 

[freebullet]

Lucky guy! Bird dogs can't be equalled. Really miss my old one and doubt the runt sized newer one will ever be qualified as such.

 

[Elric]

With some care on where I park, I now let Belle out without a leash. My vest and Ithaca are right behind my seat, quick to grab. She stays within 50yds of the car and when I wave her in the direction and say "let's go this way" it is like pushing the launch button on a furry nose-guided missile. When we get back, she might bounce out a bit, but when I start opening the doors and closing them, she says "hey, I could be in that car" and she comes at a good pace.

Of course, it could be the months of beef rib, sliced roast beef, sliced turkey, and sliced ham therapy.

Some old retrobate told my dad that she would be a heckuva dog at 6 yrs old. I... just... have... to... survive... that... long.... 4th year winding up.