It's not officially winter yet and we had 2" of snow the other day with 2-5" predicted for tomorrow. If that's not bad enough, it's supposed to snow this weekend, too! We've had record lows and the wind has been blowing. Luther doesn't mind the cold and the snow is a new novelty. He loves it! He loves to bury his nose in the white fluffy snow and smell things below. It must be quite exciting because he will run along using his nose as a snow plow. I told Luther that the dentist doesn't like you to eat ice but he pays no attention. Luther thinks ice is a delicacy. He gets wound up like the horses used to do and takes off like a bullet racing across the yard. It must be a good thing to be a dog playing in the snow.

Luther's First Bath

I knew that some day this event would occur but I don't think Luther had any inkling! Luther had gone hunting with Jimmy and spent some time in the mud successfully scouting for ducks that had been shot down. When Luther came home, he brought the smelly mud with him. That was bothering me. But when he went out in the back yard and dragged a dead fish out of the lake, tossed it and repeatedly rolled on it, that was it! Stinky dog!
Matt Carden had shared that Joy was about the same PH as a dog's skin so this was the soap of choice. Jimmy brought our unwilling candidate into the guest bath because this tub has a shower head with a hose. Jimmy looped a short rope around Luther's neck and after a couple commands, he stood still and let me shampoo and rinse him all over. I had expected more of a water fight but he was very cooperative. After a vigorous toweling, off he ran streaking around the house. Goodbye fish, hello Luther!

The Official Hunt

I haven't posted much lately due to our flying to Montana to pick up Luther at his trainer's, Lauren Hall Koch and the holidays. Lauren is diligent and very competent. The proof is in the wonderful, obedient dog we picked up. Lauren knows how to focus and communicate without heavy use on the peripheral training aids. Luther's gun dog training as well as house manners are fully credited to Lauren. Now if we can keep up her tutelage! The pressure is on us now to maintain his focus.

The Annual Thanksgiving Day Hunt is a big deal for Jimmy and his duck hunting crew and it was important to arrive home in time for this premier event. This year was especially significant since it was Luther's first official hunt. The club had built Luther a special area with ramp access from the river. Jimmy said Luther did everything he was asked with style and finesse retrieving 5 teal ducks and 2 Canada Geese! Jimmy was ecstatic!!!

The photo was taken by Bart Leahey on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. Luther looks like he fits right in.

Good Looks

Today Jimmy and I went to the local college to cast our right to vote. We saw our next door neighbors and they asked about Luther. Jimmy had a recent photo of Luther Lauren sent us in his wallet. Martha and Frank examined the photo and looked back and forth at Jimmy and me. Then Frank said, "Luther looks more like Bonnie!" Hmmmm....I'll consider that a compliment!

Luther's New Throne

Right now as I type this Jimmy is out in his duck marsh "enlarging" the blind creating a special area off one end for Luther. It will have brush around it on 2 sides and a ramp leading off the end. The ramp is wide enough and has cleats so Luther can climb up the ramp from the water without difficulty. Jimmy and Billy Wells, our cabinet maker and Jimmy's long-term hunting expert, have had several "meetings" to design, make materials lists, and construct Luther's special spot. Jimmy was going to keep Luther a secret from his hunt club and show up with Luther fully trained and knock their socks off. But Jimmy can never could keep a secret and he let it slip! He was too excited! With all the preparation, it's probably a good thing so they could design the perfect perch for Luther. Hopefully Jimmy will take some photos for you to see. Luther will be the official Appomattox River Rat of the Johnson's Hunt Club! Let's hope some lucky ducks find there way there this hunting season.

Loving Luther

Lauren confessed that when she takes a dog in for training, she tries to keep that dog separate emotionally since that dog will return to its family when the training is finished. Luther has managed to worm around that barrier. (He's Mr. Sneeky in more than one way.) The two of them have created quite a bond. She says Luther would do anything for her. The fact that he's been a fast and solid learner isn't the issue (but it helps). Lauren and her husband have been invited to our home and hopefuly, they will come and visit in the near future. And she can be assured that Luther will be here to greet her, too.

Willie's Legacy

Unfortunately, Willie is no longer with us. Lauren said she was in LOVE with Willie. Not only was he a proven performer in the field, but he had a winning personality. Originally, I had a different subject in mind for the above layout, but as art will, it took a direction of its own. I like it better this way. The layout suits both father and son--Willie and Luther.