Lola Dioji had her fourth birthday in January. She’s a very active dog in the field. Her energy level remains high for long periods of time. She’s so determined when after a swimming duck that I sometimes fear she’ll drown, but my fears are probably unfounded. She also has one very strange quirk. She often [...]
Archive for the ‘dogs’ Category
Every Dog Has its Quirks
Posted in dogs, Hunting, tagged hunting dogs, Labrador Retriever, pets on March 5, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Where have the Pigs Gone?
Posted in Archery hunting, boar, dogs, Hunting, wildlife management, tagged Hunting pigs in California, Pig decline in California on June 9, 2009 | 1 Comment »
About twenty-five years ago, I shot my first pig. It was a surprise pig as I ran into it while hunting turkeys. The sow weighed about 200 pounds and I spined it with an arrow from about 30 yards. At the time, pigs were present in Alameda County, but not prevalent. Ten years later we [...]
Do Dogs Smile?
Posted in dog, dogs, Hunting, tagged dogs, pets on January 19, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Yes they do. Val, a Labrador retriever that now hunts in the happy hunting grounds, was a very happy dog. She had a smile on her face most of the time, until she got so old that everything ached. My young lab, Lola, was very fond of Val. Val tolerated Lola and even warmed up [...]
Working with Lola Dioji
Posted in dog training, dogs, tagged dog training on December 9, 2008 | 2 Comments »
Started a new program with Lola. We’re working on holding – called force fetching by the dog trainer. I pried open her jaws this morning and inserted a piece of plastic pipe….had her hold it for 30 seconds or so and then had her drop it. After a while she seemed to relax and accept [...]
When Your Dog Doesn’t Retrieve
Posted in dogs, Duck hunting, Hunting, hunting dogs, outdoors, pheasant, tagged Duck hunting, hunting dogs, retrievers on December 8, 2008 | 2 Comments »
Duck hunting has been on the poor side this so far this season, but we know that it always seems to average out and that’s what seems to be taking place. This weekend was pretty good hunting and three of us bagged a dozen mallards and a honker on Saturday – and that was the [...]
Closing the Book on Val (Feb 14, 1994- Nov 25, 2008)
Posted in dog, dogs, Hunting, hunting dogs, tagged hunting dogs, pets on November 26, 2008 | 4 Comments »
I stood facing away from the other patrons with Val’s leash and colar in my left hand and a receipt for $89 in my right. I tried to maintain some kind of dignity, but there was no way to stop the tears. I’m a cryer, but I thought I might be able to hold it together [...]
Life With the Dogs
Posted in dogs, Uncategorized on May 9, 2008 | 1 Comment »
Our canine companions are wonderful company. Val, the 14-year old yellow lab has seen her better days as a duck retriever, but her loyalty has never been more endearing. Lola our 18-month old yellow lab has energy without bounds and never ceases to impress me with her enthusiasm. Val has lost some of her [...]
