Happenings at Windswept Ridge East in SC
The past few days have seen a little cooler weather, but this relative. Basically, this means mid 80’s versus the low 90’s. So the summer heat is still with us here in the lowcountry. Hot and humid is typically the rule. I have been trying to get the dogs out a few times per week to stretch their legs, but I have to be mindful of the heat.

The shooting preserve season will open October 1 so I am hoping to head out a time or two before grouse season opens so EJ and Peaches will have at least seen a bird. It has been since mid-spring since they saw any birds at all. However, over the next month or so, the best I can do is head out to the national forest and hope to run into a wood covey or two. Slim chance of that, though. Bird counts around here are abysmal. But one can always hope.

Jack continues to grow, weighing in at just under 21 lbs yesterday, at about 5 1/2 months old. Below are some recent pictures of the 3 dogs at Windswept Ridge East: Peaches, Jack and EJ.

Update on Jack 8-9-10

Jack the Brittany is doing very well these days, he is getting bigger by the day. Jack runs around the yard while I clean kennels and he loops continuously when he is out! A typical brittany puppy, so full of energy. He went to the vet earlier this week for his rabies and other vaccines. The vet pronounced him in excellent condition.

I have also been trying to teach him a little bit about the “whoa” command. When I return him to his kennel and there is bowl of food and a bucket of water for him, I take the opportunity to stop him at the gate (holding his collar) and when he stops moving, I say “whoa.” The idea is that he will hopefully start to associate the “whoa” with no movement. This is immediately followed by releasing his collar and giving the the command “kennel” which what I use to load my dogs into their crates in the truck or into the outdoor kennels at home. At this point, he is being rewarded by the release and then access to water and food in his home area. I have noticed that there is much less struggling and taking less time to get to the “no movement” part so maybe things are starting to sink in a bit. I don’t think this is going to replace more formal “whoa” training that will come later on, but perhaps it will make the process easier when the time comes. We shall see!

Jack also goes out to the national forest for exercise with the big dogs. He does quite well charging through the cover chasing after the big dogs. Jack is finding some range these days so I have been running him with a bell to keep up with his location since most of the ground cover is taller than he is! On outings like this, I am also looking for opportunities to give commands to the big dogs (they need practice too!) with the idea that Jack can see how it’s done. Jack has got a lot to learn!

Garden and Gun Article on the Alabama Quail Trail

Garden and Gun is a great little magazine.  Check out the article on quail hunting here.  Enjoy!

Okay, I am trying to post another blog entry using MacJournal with a picture. Turns out there is an extra step that needs to occur. Below (hopefully!) is the 2nd picture that Sharon sent me of Gary standing next to a horse’s butt carved out of wood.
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Well, it looks like Gary and Sharon made it out to Montana for a couple of months of rest and relaxation. Well, as much as that can be with all the hunting, dog training and horseback riding they will be doing. I think they will be back in North Carolina later on looking for the “rest” part of that equation.

Along the way, Sharon managed to take a few photos. Check this one out. Enjoy!​