Fall is upon us and another year yawns as leaves change color and cascade to the ground. Geese flock overhead and the cool rains which will eventually turn to snow have begun. This is the time of harvest, a time to reflect on those things past.

I still walk to the field and most times on my own. My guys seem to know that during that walk I gather my thoughts and my memories. I can still see Bryan and Jason in my mind and in my heart and I always will. They are as much a part of this place as any of us.

The dogs are the heart of this training field and of this facility.

Many years have come and gone and many miles have been traveled by those who have brought life to this place. Some are here only in spirit. Others return time and again and I look ever forward to seeing them as they climb the hill which leads to the course. I have been made so much richer by knowing each and everyone of them.

Through the years we have both proven and disproved many of the myths that have been written and accepted regarding the dogs we share our lives with. In doing so we have ruffled a few feathers in the dog world. I do not consider that I have any enemies though. There are those for which I hold no respect, but that too is part of life and part of learning. Those that I do respect far out weigh those which I do not.

As I walk along the road across this property I only hope that in some way I have enriched those lives which have so much enriched mine. In this busy world I sometimes forget how much you all have taught me. This is why I am stopping to tell all of you which I so fondly call my guys how proud I am to have shared my work with you. You are all each one of you very special to me. In the days and months ahead as we show the world the true ability of the dog, it is you not I who have made it all possible and enjoyable. These boys, are my thoughts, on this cloudy fall day.

©Mike McConnery/Baden K-9, 10/18/06

If you have comments please email us using the form provided below: