I'm Not the Only One

Remember this dog?

This shot of our German Shorthaired Pointer, Brownie, was taken in late fall (which I know for sure only because of the leaves in the background; my photo archiving skills are remedial at best).

Looks cute and harmless, doesn't he? And remarkably calm for a four-month-old puppy.

Here's a shot from yesterday, Snow Day #1 of 2 (we got another punch of the white stuff this afternoon; school is already cancelled tomorrow) this week:

He's grown up quite a bit, but still looks fairly calm in this picture. That peaceful demeanor is beguiling, isn't it?

And it's a total, baldfaced lie.

Just before I snapped this picture, Brownie was tearing around the yard at supersonic high speed - doing what we refer to around here as the "Chicken Run" (origins on that terminology date back to Knute and I living in a 650 sq ft apartment with not one, but two of these dogs , during the then-worst winter in Rhode Island history; let me assure you it is quite possible to run in a vertical plane across sofa backs if you have four legs).

But like every GSP I know, Brownie loves to have his picture taken. When he saw me trying to capture his snow-induced insanity, he played the "Show Dog" card and made beautiful for the camera.

Stinker.

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Now, should you wonder if I exaggerate about my houndage, let me tell you that there are folks out there searching for help (maybe even right now as I type this post) in dealing with their neurotic GSP's.

Don't believe me? Then believe my StatCounter Keyword Activity Log. Just yesterday some poor soul stumbled across my blog after searching this keyword query in Google:

german shorthair pointer burys things near me.

And now I'm bursting with curiosity.

What things? (Brownie prefers burying his chewie chips in the darkest soil he can find, letting them cure for a few weeks to a month, then digging the reconsitiuted rawhide up and tearing into the house with a mouth full of pitch black goo.)

Near me? (Given that Brownie sees invisible dirt in every corner, nook, and cranny of my home, he not only burys his treasures outside, but is also fond of pawing up said invisble dirt - let's say, in the depths of the couch cushions - laying his latest bit of glory into the hole only he can see, then nosing the invisible dirt back into place.)

I only hope that the GSP who prompted this query is with someone who understands that Crazy is in the unwritten part of the GSP Breed Standard.

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Our Brownie is a resuced GSP, a lucky hound saved by the good folks at GSP Care of Ohio.

As handsome as he is, he is a handful. GSP's end up in need of rescue because they require so much time, patience, energy, and cashflow (we still haven't fixed the $300 seatbelt he chewed through in the very rear of Claudine, my van).

They're also very smart, devoted to a fault, friendly, and generally just fun to be around.

As a life-long dog owner and lover, I can't post about my dogs without begging you to think hard about your lifestyle before becoming a dog owner. Go over and check out what the American Kennel Club has to say about what it takes to love a dog.

And if you do decide to open your heart to four furry (and usually muddy) paws, please consider rescue. Google "Lab Rescue New York" or whatever breed and locale fits your needs and you'll find lots of great dogs in need of love. Or just visit your local shelter and bring home a Heinz 57; a good dog is a good dog - no pedigree required.

WM