The Last Of The Canines

December 19, 2008
It fell out!

These two razor-sharp canines have caused me much grief over the past two months and destroyed many a garment. The one on the left fell out about three weeks ago, but the one on the right hung on with all its little might. All adult (permanent) teeth are in, but that last little booger just would not leave, much to my dismay, as I really don't need a puppy with two sets of fangs. But today, finally, there it was, on the floor, looking pretty...dead.

Thankfully, Tessa recognizes the importance of dental hygiene. Gotta make 'em last!

Straightjacket Fits

December 13, 2008
Sandy Creek Park, GA

Per vet's suggestion, we had to order new gear - a harness. I am not fond of harnesses as they encourage pulling and hinder training, but Tessa had some unexplained pain last week and was diagnosed with possible whiplash or muscle strain in her neck caused by her incredible exuberance when out and about. The vet was unable to reproduce the pain during a very thorough exam and seeing that it took four people to hold her down just to get her temperature, while she was trying to spread her love among all of us, the diagnosis of muscle or neck sprain was made, in absence of other symptoms and findings.

The recommended course of action was 5-7 days of rest and no walks unless I can put her in a harness so as to not further strain the neck. Probably a good idea for her to wear one past the 7 days until she is able to control her love for the world. After some research I decided on the Ruffwear Web Master, and I am very impressed with its construction and functionality - it's simply incredible. These harnesses are marketed for hiking dogs, but also used in Search & Rescue where dogs need to be lifted in and out of boats and helicopters (yes, it has a handle, and it is fully padded). I think it will come in handy in many ways. Thankfully, she does not pull much more when in it and is easier to maneuver when over-excited around people.

"I can see Beijing!"

The Ruffwear harness allows free range of motion, and in no way hinders the Big Dig underway at the beach.

Life With A GSP [1]

October 26, 2008
[washing dishes]
November 5, 2008
[post-election hangover]
December 12, 2008
[watching "Cold Mountain"]
"Uh-oh, they're cutting up the cow!"
December 12, 2008
[dancing]

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving Day
November 27, 2008
Lake Hartwell, GA

Tally Whoa!

November 15, 2008
Sandy Creek Park, GA

Just another day at the park...lacking a yard, this is where we like to hang out for work and play, often a combination of the two. Tessa's favorite command is "whoa". Of course, it's a long road to perfection, but her puppy whoa is pretty solid and I often take the chance to get some shots of my otherwise fast moving dog.

The next day, we did our first track and retrieve of Tessa's quail-feathered dummy. Just trying to keep things interesting for her.

Did I say interesting?

November 16, 2008
Big Yak Inspection

Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center

November 9, 2008
Dove Field, Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center

The Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Jasper and Newton Counties is a 6400-acre educational and recreational wildlife center managed by the Georiga Department of Natural Resources. In addition to hiking and multi-use trails it offers dove, small game, turkey and deer hunting. Approximately half the area is in old field and pasture, with the pasture being converted to hardwoods. Other habitat types are a rock outcrop, mixed pine/hardwoods, pine stands, and bottomland hardwoods.The site contains 29 ponds as well as beaver swamps and several streams.


37 WMAs in Georgia provide dove hunting opportunities, per DNR, with a daily bag limit per hunter of 15. NAVHDA has a chapter not far from here, and they train at Whispering Pines which offers dove, quail, pheasant and duck hunting.


"There are heartbeats in the wilderness. They share our moments in the mountains, in the swamps, and in and on the waters of our land, wherever we might be. They are the large part of the reason we are there, whether with a camera, gun, fishing rod, or pack sack on." [Charlie Elliott]

Ocmulgee Indian Mounds

November 9, 2008

Ocmulgee National Monument

Bibb County, GA

The Ocmulgee National Monument is a great place to visit with a dog. It's free, dogs are allowed - on a leash - to visit the mounds with you, and there are several miles of hiking trails leading through woods, upland and wetlands, and a bird sanctuary, a paradise for a bird dog. We usually arrive in the early morning and have most of the place to ourselves - it's very peaceful.

Boardwalk across the wetlands habitats.

[Inside the Earth Lodge]