One big thing about being a hunter is having dogs. I'm proud to say that I'm truly a dog lover. This past year my wife and I actually rescued two amazing dogs from a group "Paws of Dale Hollow". If you're looking to pick up a new best friend for your family I strongly encourage you to check them out and consider rescuing. I've always been the type of person who preferred buying from a breeder, and still would buy one from a breeder, but I have to admit the adoption process has truly been amazing. As an avid outdoorsman I decided I needed some kind of hound dog, running and howling in the back yard was definitely something missing from our home. We ended up with our two pups; Moxie who is a Plott Hound Mix and Dawn, who is a Treeing Walker Coon Hound. They both certainly needed some time to adjust but have settled in very nicely. I strongly suggest all people actually think and do a strong self assessment before purchasing a dog because you don't want to end up in a negative situation. The worst thing you can do is get a dog and then give it up because you can't handle it or your life situation is preventing you from being as engaged with the dog as you need to be. Remember, a dog may only be a part of your life but to your dog you are their entire life. Yes I agree, puppies are cute and cuddly but they also bark, go to the bathroom, need food and exercise. Dogs are expensive as well, vaccines, vet visits, heartgaurd and frontline are all things you must do for your dog and they can cost a lot of money. Also, consider the kind of dog you are looking at before getting one. If you are like me and you love hound dogs because you are a sucker for those long floppy ears you may need to consider another breed because if you live in a small apartment next to a lot of people you should not buy a "talkative" breed of dog. Moxie and Dawn are perfect examples of how amazingly loud a hound dog bay can be and I can guarantee you'll be having lots of complaints with a dog like them, unless your neighbors with deaf people. It is an amazing thing to give a great dog a home but also please know you will need to be patient. If you are rescuing a dog you have no idea what kind of abuse or negative situation the dog may be coming from. If your dog is shy, skiddish and not the loving pet you imagined having please give them time. I'm sure if you were abused you wouldn't be interested in snuggling up super close to a person either. With patience, love, food and a soft spoken voice even the most abused and terrified dog can grow to love and trust people again. Dogs are amazingly strong and resilient creatures, so please give them time and never give up on them.
Now, with those points I made I hope you can all some day take up the honor of having one of man's best friends living in your house. I firmly believe that a house without a dog is a house that is missing something. Love a dog today and you'll be better for it, and when looking for your next dog I ask that you at least give adopting a thought; I know its been one of the greatest things I've ever done.
As always my friends, Shoot straight and shoot often.
