Thrill of the hunt

A history teacher at my dad’s high school sent him this picture.  It’s of a hunt that took place just north of Bathurst and St Clair.   I’m not totally sure how old the photo is, but I know that the photographer died over 50 years ago.  The more I gaze at this picture the more I get lost in time...

I’ve marvelled at the sight of a dozen scent hounds walking off leash and in line formation... Their spot is behind the lead horse and ahead of the second horse.  All eyes are clearly focussed on the leader, likely waiting for the command to chase.

Is the rider using treats to get their focus?  Is he using fear?  No... he’s using neither.  I see tails up, relaxed mouths and lots of eye contact... this pack is a well oiled machine.  Each dog is highly disciplined, has a clear purpose and is very respectful towards its leader.  These are working dogs who don’t need to be praised every ten seconds to know they’re doing a good job.  They’re working and they love it!

My imagination tells me that this pack is a mix of mostly veteran hunters and perhaps a lucky few on their first hunt.  These lucky few have spent countless sessions training in an enclosure... learning to follow the scent of a fox but not a raccoon.  Welcome to the big leagues.

 

Soon these dogs will be returning home for the evening.  They’ll undoubtedly engage in ceremonious play... they’ll eat... then they’ll sleep like stones until the morning....  A day in the life of some happy dogs.

This story reminds us that our dogs were bred for genetics, for purpose, for instincts, stamina, courage and a whole bunch of different things.  For many of us today, we show our love to our dogs with unbridled affection.  We must remember that our dogs LOVE to work, love to exercise, and love to think.  When we take care of these basic needs first, our dogs will shower us back with even more love than we can imagine.