January 31, 2012

Coveting her Football

Although she hasn't disclosed her "pick" for Super Bowl Sunday, she loves her football.  When will she let me know who we'll be rooting for? Hmm ...

January 26, 2012

Picture Perfect

Thursdays we offer live music at The Paddle.  So, at the end of the night on Wednesdays, we remove our first table and erect our little stage in preparation.

Every Thursday, when Wyeth & I come in to work, she always runs to the platform & sits there - as if she's waiting for something grand to happen.  Even though it's a weekly ritual for her, I always find myself laughing out loud.  Always amused by little girl ...

Today, I ran upstairs & grabbed my Canon & clicked away;  I swear, she's meant to be in front of the camera. 

January 16, 2012

Looking Good in Black

Posing for a quick photo before their walk in the 'back forty', Phoebe & Wyeth proves just how fashionable they are - donned in black! 

December 26, 2011

It's All Business

Just waiting for the bird to flush ...

... then a little stroll with Phoebe, sans the vest.  I love the eye contact, the connection between Phoebe & Wyeth in this photo.   Very sweet.

December 11, 2011

"These are a few of my favorite things ..."

Presenting the bird to Phoebe.  With her 20 gauge open, Phoebe kneels down and ever so quietly say "out" - Wyeth's command to release the bird.  I just love this picture:  the snow on my dog's face & that earnest look of hers, Phoebe's softness and, of course, her coordinated outfit ... and the wintery morning backdrop of a Vermont farm.  Definitely, this is going down as one of my all-time favorite photos of my two friends!  (Click on photo to enlarge.)

December 9, 2011

Frisbee & a Friend

Little feet stopping on the other side of the office door.

Wyeth cocks her head.

A soft rap on the door.

Yeah, Emily has come to play with The Paddle Pup ...

... who can't hide her excitement to see her. 

Tail wagging, and wagging, and wagging ...

Once outside, a quick frisbee 'refresher' for Emily & all is calm between these two friends. 

Listen to the video - darn cute.  Emily's discusses with me why 'Wyatt' (that's what she calls her) is "so frisky".  

November 22, 1011

"Back in the Saddle" (sans stitches & rarin' to go)

Phoebe snapped this photo of us after our training this past Monday; 

Thanksgiving morning can't come soon enough for the three of us!

November 18, 2011

Today, It Was All About the Mouse!

(click on photos to enlarge)

Click on video for short video ...

While I was in a meeting, Phoebe took Wyeth - and her two dogs, Oscar & Lucy, for a hike in Niquette State Park.  According to Phoebe, she got wind of the mouse (mice?) & made a b-line right to this stump ... love the photos, Phoebe - thanks!  It's my pup's birthday (2 yrs!) this Sunday.  Guess what I'm giving her as a birthday present?  Yup, a little bird-hunting!

November 1, 2011

12 Days Later ...

... and she's healed!  Stitches are out, watch out birds - here we come!

A special 'thank you' to Millie Armstrong (and "company") at Petit Brook Veterinary Clinic - ever the professionals, yet so sweet & caring

- just a great bunch of folks! 

November 1, 20100

Two Awesome Days of Bird Hunting ... ending in ...

Leslie Wheelock & her daughter, Page, join Phoebe & Wyeth to pose for the camera.  This was the first of our two days of training on Leslie's beautiful    400 plus acres in Colchester.  

... 6 stitches & 2 weeks of laying-low!  (For Wyeth, that is!)

Just home from the vet.

This was the best two days of bird hunting we have ever had in Vermont.  Truly.  Wyeth found every bird, held point and retrieved-to-hand.  Just beautiful.  Phoebe was an excellent shot - and between the two ... well, poetry-in-motion.  

Looking for the last bird. Wyeth got wind and b-lined through the thick cover, on the edge of the woods.  Right through the barbed wire.  Off ripped her orange hunting vest, but absolutely no sound from her.  (I remember wincing ... like it was me, you know that feeling?)  Phoebe crawled over the fence, shotgun up, after her.  Boom.  The Paddle Pup went on point at a 45 degree angle downward (she was on a rock ledge, bird - obviously - under her nose).   Tail up, body dead still and nose (we shortly found out) inches from the bird.  Phoebe looked at me and whispered:  "I can't see it?"  "Trust her; it's there," I whispered back.  Over Wyeth she stepped to flush"" the bird" (kicking at the dead leaves) and off it flew.  The shot, the retrieve ... just perfect.  Phoebe had tears in her eyes as we were reliving the pure execution between Wyeth and her.    It's truly a team sport where both parties have to have a mutual trust. 

As always, whenever my dog goes through barbed wire (or any other menacing obstacle), I always pat her down.  Nope, no blood ...

Until we got into the car, all our gear stowed away.  Wyeth was "standing" on the console (front feet only, of course) ... straddling the front and back seats as we backed out of the field.   It was then that Phoebe noticed the gash (later we found out there were two) on her upped left arm, above her elbow.  Wyeth could have cared less, she had other things on her mind ...

P.S. Wyeth is going to be fine ... keeping her on a leash for two weeks - well, that's another story  ;)

October 25, 2011

If Wyeth were a fish ...

As many of you know, Wyeth had her very own mixed media sculpture made by Vermont artist Rachel Laundon. 

At that time, Rachel was also the featured artist in the downstairs dining space.  Her school of fish was one of our most popular art shows in our past 6 plus years since we opened our doors.

One day we struck up a   conversation about the Paddle Pup & what she would look like if  she were a fish.  Two months later, here's what my friend came up   with, along with  the caption:   "If Wyeth were a fish, she'd have a belly full of frogs!"

Thank you, Rachel - I absolutely love my Wyeth Fish.

P.S. Many of Rachel's fish adorn the walls of our small dining room upstairs. Now, affectionately called The Rachel Laundon Room,

the fish will be on display as long as Rachel wishes ...

October 10, 2011

Early Morning Point

 (Above) In the field across from home, Wyeth spots her first turkey

& goes on point.  (Below)  Turkey in-flight, with Wyeth's eye on the prize. 

(Below) "Calm down, girl, calm down ..."

(Photo courtesy of Phoebe)

P.S.  There's a lot more to this story but that's for another day  ;)

October 7, 2011

New Colors - It's all about the dog tee!

Now available in white (with black lettering), charcoal

(with gray), ... as well as "Wyeth brown" (with light blue) .

Women's (fitted)

& Men's sizes.

Small Paddle logo high on the back of the tee.   $18

Phoebe is sporting the new charcoal tee as she admires The Paddle Pup!

September 30 & October 3, 2011

R.I.P, Mr. Frog.

His last swim ...                                              It was inevitable ...

A few days later, still looking for her frog under the lip of the pond ...

September 28, 2011

A Rachel Laundon Original

(work still in progress)

Jumping for Joy

Wyeth, the Paddle Pup, as captured by Vermont artist, Rachel Laundon ...

check back to see this work in progress ...

September 14, 2011

Poetry in Motion

If you've been following these Paddle Pup page entries, you know that I have been attempting to teach Wyeth to actually catch the bumper in the air as she jumps off the dock.  Why?  The purpose being to let her know that she can reach the object, thereby creating the most ideal "Big Air" jumping situation - achieving both distance & lift with the right amount of speed.  This technique in the Dock Dog world is called the "chase".   

Well, the summer is almost over & today, yes today, trusty sidekick Phoebe once again rose to the occasion!   The rest is history ...

(Click on photos to enlarge.)

Setting up for a smooth toss.                    Calling Wyeth, beginning the throw.

Good follow-through.                                Wyeth hits her mark, eye on the prize.

The take-off.                                                   Reaching for that bumper.

Connection!                                                    Holding & landing.

Splash-down;  love Phoebe's                 Returning with her bumper!

reaction:  "Awesome!"

As a side note:  I was thumbing through my new Gun Dog magazine today when I came across an article by Dave Duffey titled "The Most Critical Characteristic:  What makes a good sporting dog?"  His revelation:  ENERGY.  Well, I think there's no denying - Wyeth's has all that, and more ...

Another day, another great jump ... posted this photo to show the height Wyeth is reaching.  FYI:  The spots on Phoebe are the "spray" of water from Wyeth's coat as she runs down the dock!    Cool, Huh?

 (photo taken 9/17/11)

Cute outfit, Phoebe ;) 

September 2, 2011

Wyeth makes the new 2012 Ugly Dog Hunting Catalog!

(Am I proud or what?!)

She's the handsome dog swimming with the orange Avery hexabumper!

By the way, Ugly Dog Hunting, based in Hinesburg, Vermont, is a awesome company!   (Click on image to enlarge!)

August 26, 2011

Wyeth's "Infinity" Pond & Her Frog

Under the lip of the far side of Wyeth's pond (the infinity side, wink) lives Mr. Frog.  Of course, being a frog, he likes to swim in the water ...

at least until the Paddle Pup shows up!  Wyeth is fixated on that frog & today

she held point for the longest of time.  Thank goodness we're going over to the Adirondacks tomorrow morning to look for birds!

August 6, 2011

A Glorious Saturday Morning with My Two Best Friends!

(click on photos to enlarge)

Okay, seldom ... actually rarely ... do I take an entire summer morning off to just hang-out at home.   But, that's exactly what I did today.  Truth be told, I made that decision last night as I drove home from work.  I've been a bit tired (in a good way: been busy at The Paddle) and have missed just hanging out with my dog with no self-imposed time limit. 

So, I woke up, told Wyeth we were going swimming (she gave me that cock of her head as if to let me know she understood look) ... & out the door we went.  What made my morning so much more fun was Phoebe's surprise visit to our dock.   

She knew I had a difficult time the other afternoon taking pictures of my pup while I was also throwing the duck for her retrieves.    She had come to help!  (Yeah)   So, I got in the boat, rowed out a bit and readied the camera.  Phoebe, armed with both the mallard and white bumper, took the dock position.  And, as for Wyeth:  she's always ready. 

At one point, I thought it would be a good picture to shoot her straight-on.  I rowed out about 30 right in front of the end of the dock.  Wyeth got in her usual 'down' position & didn't seem to mind until the actual jump.  She'd get to the end and twist her body to jump off to the side, as if trying to avoid jumping on me.

( I wonder if dogs have a different sense of depth of field.) After a few attempts, both Phoebe & I grew concerned that Wyeth was becoming confused with the change of protocol, perhaps even a bit agitated & then it became a safety issue for her. So, we nixed that particular photo angle.   

(Next time I'll bring my long Canon lens!)  

As a rule, we always end on a "good note" so we decided to go back to the usual toss & jump routine (with me in the boat out of the way) so that Wyeth would feel both confident & successful.  (A lesson I learned from my friend, Jan Nahorn of Mason Creek Kennel - Wyeth's birthplace.)

After the picture-taking, we then took a spin around the cove & even ventured out to the broad lake until the wind came up, followed by the white caps.   Slowly, Phoebe turned Wyeth's Boat around & we headed for shore. 

Thanks, Phoebe, for taking the helm while I enjoyed watching you -

my two best friends in this whole wide world!

August 4, 2011

Wyeth's Own Stash of Lighted Frisbees!

Wyeth loves these Aerobie Skylighter Flying Discs so much that we are now selling them at The Paddle for less than you can find them in stores:  only $12, plus tax.   (Regularly around $16!)  

Click on camera to watch the Paddle Pup last night enjoying her 'pond' & the frisbee!   You won't be able to see Wyeth actually catch the frisbee (too dark) but she did every time it was thrown! 

"Way to go, Wyeth ... way to go!" 

July 28, 2011

Dock Dogs - Here We Come!

Click on video camera to watch Phoebe & Wyeth: 

pure harmony in motion!   The toss is so important - Wyeth goes after the object, trying to reach it ... and consequently, gets the 'lift' needed to propel her farther over the water.   Her record last year was 19'4" at the tail.  Although there is no way to measure at my house, both Phoebe & I think she's jumping bigger than last year.  I guess we'll find out at Dock Dogs this fall ...

July 26, 2011

Wyeth's (New) Boat

"Where's Phoebe?"

Click on camera for a short video of us cruising around Sunset Cove in Grand Isle while our best friend, Phoebe, watches on.   A couple of days "taking it easy" (and slow) & we'll be all set to enjoy a longer, maybe speedier jaunt.  Although, in reality, how fast can one really go with a 2.5 horsepower motor?! 

*   *   *

Any day, our new dog ladder will be arriving - can't wait to see if she'll jump off the boat for a retrieve.    I'll keep you all posted ...

July 19, 2011

Otis Pays a Visit

Our very good friend, of long standing,

Jennifer Silpe drove over from Underhill to

visit us this morning.  For her co-pilot, she

brought along one of her two Wheaten Terriers,

Otis, to meet Wyeth.

They got along famously.  Once the initial 'meet & greet' was over, they were more interested in the pond and Rosie's Beef Jerky ...

(Above) Meeting for the first time; Otis checking out the pond; Jennifer entices the two pups to dive after a Rosie's Beef Jerkey treat ... & Wyeth takes the bait!

(Below) A little dog begging going on ...

(Click on photos to enlarge.)

July 14, 2011

Diving for Golf Balls

Wyeth's new favorite thing to do with Phoebe ... searching for golf balls at the bottom of her pond! 

In her free time, Phoebe often practices her swing out back, shooting for the

tall tree back on the edge the woods, right on the tree line.  About 185 yards. 

Wyeth waits until she hears the smack of the ball hitting that tree & off she goes - bounding through the tall haymeadow to search for the ball.  And, she normally finds it and returns, dropping it right at Phoebe's feet.

Here's a new twist of Phoebe's golf ball game with The Paddle Pup. 

The videos will crack you up!

Under the water ... for over 30 seconds!

Click on video cameras:

Video 1

Video 2

July 8, 2011

Another Jumping Season!

We're off to a good start. 

The dock, in all it's shining splendor, is now in the water in front of our home.   Once again, glistening in the sun, with the waves lapping against it's underbelly. 

Beckoning Wyeth to come and play on its back ...

And as Wyeth's "trainer", of sorts (one could argue that she trains me), I thought it would be a smart idea to get her a new throw dummy.  You know, perhaps give her a little extra spark in her jump.  So, over the winter I purchased a Dokken Deadfowl Trainer from my favorite hunting dog supply company, Ugly Dog Hunting.  I chose the" Mallard" simply because I liked the bright colors.  I tucked it away in my office closet until the warmer weather.

It's finally summer ...

Today, I decided it was time to test out my theory. Wyeth was certainly excited about her new present.  Jumping up and down, wagging her tail ... to my delight!  She loved it.  But, truth be told, she also was thrilled to retrieve her basic white bumper we used last year.   What can I say?

She just loves to jump.  I guess it doesn't take a "secret weapon" ...

Wyeth and her new Mallard.  (Click on photos to enlarge.)

July 2, 2011

Wyeth's First Sculpture!

Vermont artist, Rachel Laundon, Mandy & Wyeth's "portrait"; 

Rachel is sporting a "It's all about the dog" t-shirt!

WOW!  I love Rachel! 

Okay, there's a new art gallery in the Champlain Islands - Grand Isle Art Works.

The owners (and customer/friends) of The Paddle's have been asking me to visit

for a short spell now.  I finally did a few weeks ago.  What a gorgeous renovation they did on an old Vermont farmhouse.  And, what a spectacular collection of Vermont artists are housed within its walls.   

That's where I saw Rachel Laundon's art work.  She primarily sculpts fish, beautiful, bright, fun fish.  I was amazed.  Then I saw a dog sculpture she had done of a boxer.  Immediately, I called her up on the phone and asked if she would consider sculpting a piece of Wyeth. 

And here's the end result. 

Wyeth's first art piece that now hangs on the wall over the hostess stand.  The light from the overhead track seems to cast a halo around her head.  (It just happened that way but it seems fitting, wink wink). 

I can not say enough about this artist.  She's really awesome.  In fact, our next art installation here at The Paddle will feature her fish.  Her show will debut on Monday, July 25th and run through mid-September. 

I encourage you to visit her website: www.rachellaundon.com

June 24, 2011        T-SHIRT SPECIAL

Summertime & Dogs

We thought it would be fun to offer periodic "deals" on our PaddleWear & Accessories.  So, what better first offer than on our t-shirts inspired by, of course, our official Paddle Pup - Wyeth!

After all, summertime and dogs go hand-in-hand.  If you have a dog, you know what I'm talking about - swimming,  and jumping, and hiking, ... and just lazing around on the front porch ---------------------------------------------------------->

Gotta have this tee!

It's all about the dog.

Authentic pigment-dyed brown with light blue lettering on front;

small Blue Paddle logo on upper back.   100% Cotton.

$13.00

(Reg. $18; you save $5, plus no shipping charge)

Call (802) 372-4814 and we'll ship yours today FREE ...

or stop by The Paddle & pick one up.  Offer good through July 15, 2011.

Pictured above, Chef Phoebe & Wyeth, the Paddle Pup!

June 22, 2011

Rockin' on the Porch, Cars & Ants

Wyeth "quartered" (crisscrossing) the field all the way up to the tree line & back down this mowed swath of pasture coming right upon the bird (no wind) and locked up on point! (Click to enlarge.)

Summer is really here;  I know because as of today, we're open seven nights a week ending with a "double" on Sunday.  (Brunch, you know ...)

It's all good, actually great.  We love the summer at The Paddle.  For lots of reasons.  But, with the warmth and the long days, the reality of losing that extra bit of free time sets in - as it did this morning.  Sitting on the front porch, with Wyeth on my lap.  I was watching all the cars drive by, while my pup was eyeing an ant lugging a huge piece of something across the floor planks.  She was fascinated.  Fixated. 

Enough.  I picked up the cell phone and dialed my trusty first mate for bird-training:   "Phoebe, will you go with us to Leslie's field to plant my last two chukkars?"   I really thought I'd hear a long pause but no:  "Sure, I'll walk over and we'll go!"

Quick action. Called Leslie.  She was in.  Called Everett. He was home and would help me catch the birds.  Got my boots, training vest, checkcord.  Got Wyeth.

And, off we went. 

And, my little hunter did great in spite of the wind dying as soon as we arrived at Leslie's farm in Colchester.  

With almost 54 years beneath my belt, I know that there are only a few things in life that are certain - Wyeth's nose being one of them.  Happy hunting, my little dog, happy hunting!

(Sure beats staring at that ant, doesn't it?)

May 21, 2011

Swimming in the Pond ...

... with her good friend, Emily, who is the daughter of Rick & Wendy Bellows.

(P.S.  Emily can also throw a pretty good frisbee for her four-legged friend!)

May 23, 2011

Phoebe and Wyeth taking a break

during their ritual walk around the "Back Forty" ...

(my, oh my ... that wind)

April 28, 2011

Her Own Private Idaho ...

With all the rain comes Wyeth's very own pond, of sorts -

and she just can't get enough of it!

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

April 3, 2011

"Bumper Love"

I recently joined The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA), and along with my membership came a subscription to the organization's monthly magazine "Versatile Hunting Dog."

The March issue recently showed up at the post office and imagine my surprise - as I'm flipping through the issue, I spot my dog!  Yes, Wyeth is one of eight dogs featured in Nancy Anisfield's article, "Bumper Love." 

How proud do you think I am?

Can you spot Wyeth?  She's on the right page, first dog, second row!  If you'd like to read Nancy's article, click on the photos to enlarge ...

March 18, 2011

"Jumping for Joy"

(click on photo to enlarge)

Dock Dog season is approaching.  And so I've begun researching strategies to improve our team's performance.  Not that Wyeth did anything but spectacular last year at the Champlain Valley Fair's competition.  Second out of 68 dogs is not too shabby at all. 

But, the synchronization - you know, the "dance" - between us can be richly improved.  It really stems from my inability to throw the bumper where it should be.   You see, my friend, Jan from Mason Creek Kennel (Wyeth's birthplace) suggested last year that I throw the object (bumper, in our case) right in front of Wyeth so it could appear to be catchable.  Thus, she concluded, it would help my pup jump farther. Well, I never heeded her advice.  Didn't think I had to ...

... but I've had a lot of time on my hands during these few past wintery Vermont months to research what the most successful Dock Dog teams do to earn their place in jumping fame.  And you know what?  Jan was on to something. 

In anticipation of the summer, I've been investigating the secrets behind the most successful Dock Dog champions ... here in the United States, as well as abroad.  (That's right - this dock jumping thing has become global!)  The key, apparently, is learning something called "The Chase".   According to SportMutt:

"There are three aspects to a successful Big Air jump: Speed, Lift, and the Ability to Hit the End of the Dock. ”The Chase” is a technique that helps ensure the dog gets that ever elusive Lift. The idea is to set the dog at the start point, the handler stands at the jump point, the handler releases the dog and times the throw so the dog will Chase the object at the moment the dog jumps. The purpose is for the dog to jump up and out after the object, thus getting the Lift. The motivation for the dog is to try and catch the object. It’s that simple."

So, all these ramblings lead me to the real purpose of this little story - Wyeth is now jumping for a frisbee.  She KNOWS she can catch it and loves the challenge.  I figured a few weeks ago that we could introduce the idea of "The Chase" in the Paddle's back forty, the snow serving as a soft cushion in which to land.  In theory, I figure that once we have warm weather we can, with a few modifications, transfer this technique to the dock.  Makes sense, right? 

This story would not be complete without crediting Phoebe with Wyeth's success.  Literally, I brought home this special soft frisbee one afternoon a few weeks back.  Proudly presented it to my business partner.  Phoebe, being Phoebe, took control of the situation and introduced the frisbee to my pup inside The Paddle.  First, just encouraging Wyeth to take the disc in her mouth, followed by short, ever so short tosses to my dog.  Then it was outside and literally within minutes Wyeth caught on.  Hmmm.  Thanks, Phoebe, for all your help - and devotion - to Wyeth Ray.  You know, she adores you, as I do ...

P.S.  Phoebe's middle name is Ray! 

The meaning of Wyeth Ray = "courageous guardian"

Taking a break while coveting her frisbee ...

February 9, 2011

"Wyeth's World"

The painting is entitled "Christina's World." It is one of the best-known American paintings of the middle 20th century. It depicts a woman, disabled by a earlier bout with polio, lying on the ground in a treeless, mostly tawny field, looking up at and crawling towards a gray house on the horizon. It was painted by American Andrew Wyeth.

The dog, disabled, in effect by the deep snow, gazes across the white field, attracted by the work of a tractor, as distant, both in mind and ability (and  in this case mistress), from reaching that alluring goal as Christina from the gray house on the hill.

The dog's name, by pure coincidence, is Wyeth.

February 4, 2011

King of the Mountain!

Behind The Paddle, the snowplow's pile keeps getting larger ... and larger ...

and taller and wider.  Wyeth seemed a bit intimidated by it's 'growth' over the past week or so, running around the base, staring at the tippity-top.  Curious about the enormity of the thing, I suspect.

All it took was a toss of a tennis ball and now ...

February 2, 2011

The BIG snow storm!

Click to enlarge.

Photo by Phoebe ... using her Iphone! 

January 7, 2011

Phoebe's Idea of Dog-Sitting

                                                             "Want to come over?"

When I'm busy with office work, Phoebe often offers to take Wyeth to her home to play with her two dogs - Oscar, a Miniature Dachshund, and Lucy, a Cockapoo.   You know, a play date.  I know my dog loves to go because she can't wait to follow her outside & jump in her Subaru. 

And now I know why - click on the video camera to see for yourself what goes on during their playtime ... with Phoebe's encouragement!

(Video from Phoebe's IPhone)             

January 6, 2011

Wyeth and her Outerwear

Never thought I would in a million years, but I did.

I caved in and bought some outerwear for my pup.  Sure, she has sported a blaze orange safety vest throughout the hunting season.  I consider that different than wearing a coat ... or boots, for that matter!  (I've always teased Phoebe, for instance, when she has "dressed up" her little dogs in sweaters. I mean, come on - dogs are dogs, right?)

But, that's exactly what I went ahead and did.  Ordered two winter coats - a black polartec fleece and this red soft shell jacket.  And, are you ready for this - polar trex boots that are great for insulation and traction! 

Now, I have to admit that she doesn't wear the coats all the time - just in extreme weather conditions.

Click to enlarge.

And, as far as the boots go - we'll still trying to master those contraptions.         I  think they'll work well, however, when I learn how to properly tighten the cam buckle (think ski boot) and the top closure.  Just a bit more 'field research' I figure.  (I really need to master this - I hate to see her paws bleed like they have been when the ice builds up between her pads.)

As far as the coats go - what can I say?  They look handsome on her athletic pointing dog body.  Very stylish, indeed.   However, to say SHE loves her coats, I'd be over-reaching.  I think Wyeth craves being outside so much that she would put up with most anything I had her wear. 

So, I let her run, and hunt, and explore ... and she's blissfully ignorant of how she amuses me, not to mention how sporty she looks!

With a big smile on my face, this little story ends.

- Mandy

January 2, 2011

Feeding my Chukkars

Recently I acquired the last 30 chukkars remaining at Everette Dubuque's bird farm down on South Street in our little town.   If you've been following this Paddle Pup page you know by now why I wanted them - for Wyeth's bird training.  Of course, with ownership comes responsibility ... so I'll be feeding my new little friends all winter long.   

Wyeth comes along in the truck with me;  she loves pulling into the barn's driveway because it means birds.  I have to admit, after my caretaking job is done and I get back into the truck she does go a bit crazy.   The scent on my clothes.

For my pup, it's the sign of good things to come ...

December 24, 2010

A Christmas Eve walk with my dear friend, Daphne!

(click on photos to enlarge)

Daphne & Wyeth                   (I love this shot!)                  Playing with my dog

Daphne leads the way ...

December 14, 2010

Hanging out with my two best friends ...

Wake up to fresh snow!  My cell rings as I'm on my way out for a morning hike.

It's Phoebe, asking what I was doing.  "Taking Wyeth out for some exercise,"

I replied.   "Want some company?" was all she said.  All she had to say. 

I absolutely love hanging out, spending time with Phoebe. 

Ten minutes later, we were on on our way.

The three amigos ...

Phoebe leads the way ...                           

December 6, 2010

Hunting Grouse at Weller Mountain Fish & Game Preserve

in the Adirondacks

Wyeth takes a break from her hunting to "check-in" with me; 

(Below) George Fowler poses for the camera while hunting for the elusive

Ruffed Grouse.   Click on photos to enlarge.

A big "thank you" to my friend,

George Fowler, for inviting Wyeth

and me over to the Adirondacks!

George had asked me months ago if I would like to bring Wyeth over to Weller Mountain Fish and Game Preserve where he has been a member for 50 years.  He told me how beautiful the 18,500 acre reserve was but, boy-oh-boy, was I taken in by it's enormity & Adirondack grandeur.  Just simply gorgeous.

Of course, the fresh blanket of deep snow added to the deep woods mystique.

I loved being there with my my dog trying to find some birds. George was a gracious host and made me feel so welcome.  Between "hunts", we drove around the property (thank you, Four-Wheel-Drive!) so that I could see some of the preserve's quaint cabins, as well as learn about it's rich roots dating back to the 1800's.  I can see why this is his favorite place.   It would certainly be one of mine ...

Hmm. 

In fact, it already is ...

To learn more about this very special preserve, please visit:

www.wellermountain.com

George Fowler is the Owner and Editor of our local newspaper, The Islander.

November 27, 2010

The season's first snow.

Wyeth and I took a little hike today in Niquette State Park, just off Raymond Road in Milton. 

It's definately one of our favorite places, especially in the "off-season."  There's very few things I enjoy more than seeing my pup run ... and jump ... and hunt ... without a care in the world.  Just being a dog.  Too cool.

And, what made today even more special was the sudden snow shower.  We both came back a little damp and a tad tired (in a good way).  In fact, she's lying on her bed right now as I write this.  Hmm.  I should probably wake her up, play with her some more so she's down for the count during service tonight. 

Gosh, I sound like a mom ...

(Self-Portait)

November 20, 2010

It's Wyeth's first birthday!

So, what are we going to do today? 

A little bird hunting ...

         ... it's all about the dog, remember?

Click on note!

A cake for all of us to share ... while Wyeth gets her own all-natural

dog cupcake ... a present from Tamara (the gal on the far right, above.)

Pointing a chukkar on her birthday ...

November 10, 2010

Wyeth, my model?

During a recent training session down at the home of Ugly Dog Hunting, Hunting Dog Photographer Nancy Anisfield asked me if she could take a few photographs of Wyeth swimming.   Of course, as her proud "mom", I lit up with enthusiasm.  I mean, this terrific photographer wanted to capture some images of MY dog.  I couldn't wait to get her in their pond. 

What I failed to mention is that a client of Nancy's is Avery Sporting Dog. Doubleclick on the photos and see the bumper's perfect product placement ... not to mention Wyeth's very white teeth!  

A future catalogue photo?  

Hmm, who knows. 

I'm keeping my fingers crossed ...

October 3, 2010

Off to Wingshooting School ...

It's apparent, quite apparent, that my shooting skills need to be greatly improved. 

Years ago, I shot quite a few clay pigeons with a little old Beretta BL3 - a sweet  28 gauge shotgun I got over in Maine.   (I loved that gun, but that's a story for another time.)  I wasn't a bad shot back then. Let's put it this way - I managed to hit more of those orange discs than I missed.

A few weeks ago, I ordered a rather nice automatic clay pigeon thrower so that Phoebe and I - and our friends - could practice our shooting.  My good friend, David, put it together and cautioned me to watch the lengthy video with all the company's precautions & warnings.  Phoebe offered and sat through it.

We decided to stop prolonging the inevitable and lugged the machine and marine battery that "drives" it over to our buddy Leslie's property in Colchester.    It took the three of us to find the perfect site in one of her pastures to plant the thrower.  Out came all our shooting stuff - guns, shells, clay pigeons, ...

After a little treaking, the thrower worked remarkably well.  

Leslie did great. (She's actually a committed hunter of bigger game.)

Phoebe was runner-up.  (Good job, buppa!)

And, as for me.  I broke one.  Just one lousy orange clay pigeon. 

I could blame it on my new beautiful 20 gauge, light weight Caesar Guerrini ...

but that would make me a pitiful fabricator of tales.  No, it was all me.  How possibly can I shoot a bird for Wyeth as it flushes out of it's cover if I can't shoot a simple, straight-away?

So what's a girl to do?  I know - enroll in the upcoming Orvis Wingshooting School down in Manchester Center, Vermont and bring her best friend, Phoebe, along for the ride.  

Keep your fingers crossed that this pricey instruction helps me be more of a fitting hunting partner to my extraordinary little bird dog, okay?  I'll need all the help I can get ...

- Mandy

October 10, 2010

The Whoa Board

Thanks to my very dear friend, Marc Tomasik, Wyeth & I have a new "whoa board" for the next phase of our training. Whoa boards are used for teaching the dog not to "creep", to "honor" a point and most importantly, it enables the handler to stop the dog quickly, on the spot,  in dangerous situations.    The concept around the board is that a dog will rely on a picture and this board provides the pup with a visual boundary in which to learn the skill, to be consistent with the "whoa".    In addition, dogs typically don't like to be off the ground;  this little height helps reinforce the command. 

With all that being said, I have to say that my ltitle pup loves her new whoa board.  She now runs up on it on her own volition ... and stops when I give the command.  She definitely is a "working" dog - she thrives on having a task!

- Mandy

Whoa, Wyeth ...

October 18, 2010

Orvis Wingshooting School

(click on photos to enlarge)

Mount the gun well & focus only           Bruce keeps a close eye on Phoebe's

the object!                                                        shot ...

"Okay, left-handed - I can do this!"       Mounting & firing left-handed!

A chilly, brisk autumn day.  Brilliant hues surround us.  The crackling of dead leaves as we walk along the shooting course.  The occasional fluttering or scampering of something out in the woods.  Oh, and let's not forget the billows of smoke from the shotgun as it is opened. 

Yesterday couldn't have been any better. 

More of the story and photos coming soon ...

- Mandy

One of my favorite photos of us - Wyeth taken by photographer Andrew Wellman.  Andrew was at The Paddle photographing new food portraits

for ourweb site;  after the shoot, I asked him if we could pose.  (Actually,

those who know me will know why I particularly like this shot - I'm hidden!)  (7/12/10)