A Brace

Two hoary-headed handlers Ride to the break away Their mounts tired for ‘Twas their third brace of the day Their scouts lead their entries By a rein, the other rein leads their horses At the line the scouts’ left hands grab their dogs’ collars Right hands snap the rein to the ring on a bit shank Read more

Last Call

’Twas at the National Championship in 20?? After all the entries ran and failed to make a case Not a single covey had been stood, bumped or chased The three distinguished judges were disgusted with the place At lunch they called a huddle to decide what now to do One had a flask of whiskey, one a flask of gin The third a batwing of brandy if you can believe that sin The senior judge said call ‘em back till we get one worth the win Read more

My Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving I give thanks For the opportunities To watch great all-age dogs Looking back on those years I give thanks for the chances God gave me to write up The best dogs of those days Read more

Rosco and Meg

Rosco said he’d scout for me No one else would, so I said thanks He led Meg out and cut her loose She grabbed an edge and took it, out of sight Rosco swung up on his ugly mare Reined her into woods on right  Next thing I know Meg popped out on the left Took that edge forward, happy, fast, to my delight  Read more

Opening Day

Opening Day On your way With your bird dogs It’s the best life can be Another season you’ve made To go forth behind them As they surge before you Seeking scent on the breeze Read more