I am with out any doubt very pleased you noted the photo of my dog. That's a photo of SAM, long story, very sad.
When we lived in upstate NY, Adirondacks, I went to NH and purchased him, about 1976. Sam was 8 weeks old at the time, full registered blood hound and to look at him would make you cry. A month later I entered him in the Vermont state dog show, he took first place of all hounds, quite a dog. Several months later, at the age of six months I entered him in the NY state dog show. Sam took first place of all dogs. Mind you, I knew nothing at all about dog shows except he was one fine and loving dog. I began to teach him how to find lost folks, by having him find our daughter. I had him registered with the NY state police. Sam could find a diamond ring if you lost it.
One day when we were away, Sam was hit by a car, broke his pelvis, and Sam would never show again, but he remained the most loving dog anyone could ever own.
Sam died a year later from cancer, we believe from his injuries. I still miss him to day and never had another dog. I know he would have been the US champion blood hound, if only given the chance, I have his photo with me always.
Thanks for noting his photo,
Bill.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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I understand completely Bill, sorry to hear of the sad ending... At least you got to give him a wonderful home with lots of love! Bloodhounds are unbelievably smart and sensitive. You should get another dog... there are thousands of dogs in shelters needing a loving owner, and I bet you'd enjoy it! As Andrew said below, they made you feel better. No matter how bad my day is, when I walk in the door, I have three dogs that are always happy to see me!
I've had dogs since I can remember. My mom loved animals, and I had a collie that literally grew up with me. She lived for 16 years (I was 16 also). People in the neighborhood used to kid that all that was needed to be complete was to name me "Timmy"
(A joke for the folks that remember "Lassie").
Yes, I always notice the dog photos... I do a lot of volunteer work with my local humane society. I'm including a photo of my latest companion, a collie I saved during a rescue trip down to NOLA a few days after Katrina hit. Our group went down for a week and rescued almost a hundred animals of all types. We brought with us about 1500 pounds of pet supplies stuffed into a 40 ft horse trailer, and because I'm an amateur radio operator, I helped with others in setting up temporary communications for the area we were in. It was heartbreaking, but we were glad to help. This collie was found abandoned, frightened and hungry, surrounded by mud and water for who knows how long. For some reason, I was the only one that she would trust to come and get her, as she barked and growled when others tried. Maybe we just clicked? Anyway, I couldn't leave her at the shelter we were taking them to, so I made arrangements to foster her. After a year of searching for her owners, she became mine. She been here ever since, and never leaves my side.
Also shown is a photo of my other two dogs, both adopted from our local shelter. They're all wonderful dogs, and there's never a dull moment around here!
Thanks for sharing, and oh, I liked the rest of the shack also!
Alan