Dogless just isn't the same anymore is it Chris...?
This is my first season without Gracie and it kinda sucks...
I carry her bell with me and her whistle on the braided leather lanyard you made for me many years ago. She was a puppy when you first sent the lanyard but through my carelessness she chewed it up and you sent me a replacement. I always used it whenever Gracie was outdoors with me and though it has a 'sweat and grime' (patina) polish to it it's still whole.
I blew the whistle a few times on the first of our '24 VT grouse season just to reminisce and possibly summon her spirit... but then my vision got a little cloudy and I've gotta see those grouse when they flush...
Thanks Chris
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