News from one of our newest "members." Can you guess the identities of "Mom" and "Pop?"
Today was a big day. I should have known it was going to be special. Pop has had a cage full of Quail here all week. Traveler and me have spent hours checking on those birds. I like the way they smell.
We got up early this morning and only had a very light breakfast. We all loaded up in the truck an headed out as the sun was coming up. I thought it was a good time to get some extra sleep. When I woke up we were on a bumpy road. This always starts Traveler moaning and making a lot of noise. When he gets excited I always do to. I guess it's a bonding thing. When we stopped we were at Miss Vicki’s field.
This is where it got interesting.
Pop got out and started pounding stakes into the ground. Mom put Roxy, Traveler, and me on short leads attached to the stakes. This was the first time I had ever been hooked up to a pole, but nobody else seemed to mind so I guess it was OK. This is when we started playing the new game. I like this game and think I can be very good at it but first let me tell you how it worked.
Pop got the crate with the Quail and started pulling out a couple at a time. He would go out and hide the Quail in the grass and bushes. He let Traveler loose and then Traveler would run around and when Traveler smelled the Quail he would stop and look at them. I could see all of this happening from where I was. After Traveler stopped, Pop would go over and kick around the grass until the Quail flew. Then he would shoot it. After Pop shot the Quail, Traveler would go and get the Quail and bring it back to Pop. They did this several times while Roxy and me watched. Pop came back and put Trav back on the lead and let Roxy loose. She played the same game. I thought it was going to be my turn next but they made it different for me.
Pop turned Trav and me loose together. He runs a lot faster and longer than I usually do, but, I played along and went with him. When he stopped I got to watch the game close up. Mom took me back a ways but it was cool to see Traveler go get the birds. It seems they were concerned about the gun shot bothering me but that was silly. We did this a few more times and they put Traveler up. It was going to be my turn at last.
When I found the first Quail it was in a metal box. I stopped and pointed but only for a few seconds, I wanted that bird. Mom made me walk away a few yards and Pop made the bird fly then he shot it. Mom turned me loose and I got my turn to go get the bird. After I brought the bird back Pop threw it in the air and fired the gun again. I still knew how to go get it. Remember, I like this game. We did it again but they didn't make me back up this time. I still did my part. Pop was real happy and instead of taking the bird he let me carry it back to the Truck. I got to show Roxy and Trav what I can do. I think Traveler was real happy but he made it seem like it was no big deal.
It seems we are going to get to play this game every couple of weeks or so. I think I can be good enough to go to a higher level. This should be fun.
