Friday, April 26, 2024
Sam Houston
FROM MY FRONT PORCH
Sam Houston is the publisher of the Hood County News. He is also an actor, author, playwright, performer and entertainment producer/promoter.
Many years ago I purchased a black Labrador while attending a Duck’s Unlimited banquet. She had excellent bloodlines, good confirmation, and when I walked by the small kennel where she was being housed, something tugged at my heart strings and told me she was “the one.”
I knew quite a bit about hounds. My Grandfather had been a respected breeder and as a young man I would help Granddad while he worked his dogs and soon I began to understand and appreciate the factors that make a dog a good “hound.”
This black Lab was by my side for the next 14 years. She rode literally hundreds of thousands of miles in my truck. She would lay in the office near my desk while I worked, she would “eye” me while I was working horses, and she would watch TV with me late at night.
She was more “human” than some folks I have known. I came to feel as close to her as anything I had ever loved. She was my constant companion, my trusted friend, and my partner. When she passed I said I would never have another dog because any new addition would never measure up.
It was 15 years after the black Lab died that I met my wife. After many years of being single, we took the plunge and married in what I maintain was the single best decision of my life. What I did not really fully appreciate was that when I married, I also got in the bargain two small dogs named Mable and Jax. Both of these animals had been abandoned and found refuge when my wife took them in. Mable is older, partially blind, and clearly had been traumatized and was skittish and fearful. Jax is playful, and while he is a small dog, he thinks he is the “man of the house” and our family protector.
Since we all joined as a family, I have learned to share the sofa, my dinner, and my bed with the dogs. There have been times when we have altered our plans to account for those two canines and to see their needs were being met.
Recently, I have found myself soundly sleeping, only to have to get up in the middle of the night because one of the two hounds has decided they need to go out and see what is prowling in the back yard at 3 in the morning. I complain about the two “wiener dogs” and in my mind, they are neither as intelligent, as well trained and behaved, nor as talented as my long-gone black Lab. Yet, I find myself smiling at their unique traits and personalities. I enjoy walking in the door after work and have them greet me and show me affection.
My wife and I have talked and when something happens to Mabel and Jax, we are not going to replace them. We don’t need the aggravation of having dogs, and the troubles associated with pet ownership. We want our freedom to come and go without worrying who is going to take care of the hounds. Who needs a dog anyhow?
Any takers on how long that will last?
Thought for the day: Dogs do speak, but only to those who have a heart and who know how to listen.
Until next time…
sam@hcnews.com | 817-573-7066, ext. 260
