Puppy Walking

April 3, 2009

Thought you-all would enjoy the photo of poor Angus with his broken leg being inspected by his sister, Angel.  He should be out of his bandage and collar shortly.

Angus and Angel are by Dynamo '07 out of Answer '06 and have a lot of American bloodlines.

Puppy walkers are special people who meet a demanding criteria.  First, and foremost, they must have a true love of animals; and secondly, they must be willing to forego any sort of order around their house.  Puppies will dig holes in your yard, chew on your porch steps, crash through newly planted bushes, and wreck general havoc around flower beds. Do not even think about leaving gloves, halters, lead ropes or sponges lying around your barn.  Their houses will need to sit well away from a road and having several of their own dogs or children to act as baby sitters help.

The role of the puppy walker is to teach them their name, to come when called and to lead.  They feed them vast quanities of food and snacks, show them that cats, cows, horses , and cars do exist and worry extensively if they disappear for any length of time.  A great many of them allow their puppies to take over the kitchen and have chewed table legs and rugs to show for this added privilege.

Why do individuals do this year after year?  Because they enjoy watching them grow and learn about life and know that their time with them will be the best time of their lives.  Each puppy comes with his or her own personality and, just as with people, some you enjoy more than others.  Some are better behaved, some chew and dig more, some are more loving and some you are ready to send back after a week! Some will turn out to win in the show ring, some may be drafted, but hopefully all will hunt with drive and enthusiam.  It's nice to hear the huntsman praise YOUR hound in the hunting field or see him or her in front of the pack.

Without puppy walkers, they would be raised at the kennel, which makes a great deal more work for the staff.  They would not have cuddles and hugs, things to destroy, sticks to chew on or someone to worry about them.  As a Master who loves her hounds and who has walked over 50 puppies, I cannot begin to say "Thank You" enough to those who take on this commitment!!

-- Linda Armbrust, MFH