Scout and Scarlett
“How much poop can two dogs make?” I say out loud filling the second bucket of brown goo from my two Labrador retriever puppies. Each shovel of digested food makes me wonder why my wife and I decide on two large dogs instead of small lap-puppies. As I fill the second bucket of doggie-doo on this blustery autumn afternoon, my mind fades to Shih Tzus and pomeranians with their dainty little toots which might take minutes to retrieve.
Little dogs have their place offering sweet puppy kisses and soft fur to cuddle, but not in my world. I require a dog that works. Both Lab puppies, now 8 months old, retrieve their duck-dummy and swim like fish. Too young to hunt, both pups prepare for their future.
The dogs hustle up to me, pick up their chew toys, wag their tails and ask to play as I continue my work on poop patrol. Shaking thoughts of small dogs from my brain, I drop my shovel and order both dogs to drop. I pick up their decoys, order the pups to stay and throw their toys as far as I can. Knowing not to move until allowed, Scout and Scarlett sit and wait to be released. I quickly allow the dogs to run as they retrieve their toys.
The lake is too cold for the puppies to work so retrieving work must be done in the field. Sit, stay, throw the dummy, stay, shivering and shaking excited to retrieve; release! These orders are repeated daily to prepare the dogs to hunt real ducks and geese next fall.
The dogs scurry through the forest faster than any human might run, retrieve their ducks and drop them at the base of my feet; wagging tails ready to retrieve again. I immediately remember why I choose Labs over Lhasa Apsos — I am a working partner with my dogs. Without my dogs, being outside has little purpose. Without me to throw the duck-dummy, the dogs have little purpose to be outside. Our relationship is copasetic.
It is interesting how a pet might make one’s life better — a companion, a buddy, a friend. Coming home after a long day of work to a cold, quiet house can be lonely. Having a dog that relies on one for food, warmth, water and nurturing makes one crave to race home to care for the furry creature requiring love. After work meetings, a drink with friends, late night parties and emails to answer take a backseat to the golden lick-meisters waiting at home.
I consider myself fairly driven professionally and, while I need to complete all tasks and duties each day prior to leaving work, I now leave as soon as my work is compete. I have responsibilities at home requiring attention. Scout and Scarlett are not work, they are family.
This morning the dogs wake my wife and I at 5 a.m. asking for breakfast. After mixing a meal of sweet potatoes, bananas, brown rice and yogurt, I don my camouflage and head for the mountains to hunt whitetail deer. I pat each dog on the head, scratch their bellies and walk out the door. As I back my SUV out of the garage, I dream of putting the dogs in the back of the car with decoys, guns and waders as we head to the duck-blind in search of mallards, pintails, canvasbacks and redheads.
Picking up dog poop becomes almost enjoyable as I relive all the dogs offer me in return. I pick up their poop; they offer friendship, outdoor companionship, retrieve my ducks and love unconditionally. Sounds like a great deal to me!
Send comments or other suggestions to William Rutherford at bprutherford@hotmail.com or visit pensiveparenting.com.