Life comes full circle

[Jon Sheets]

Last February, when I posted Hold Them Dear, For They Own Our Hearts I was uncertain of things to come. Annie Oakley and I had just lost our best friend and hunting partner, Abby. All my best laid plans evaporated faster than the tears. We were left lost and forlorn, in the new dynamic in which we found ourselves.

Life goes on. We were fortunate to find a fine stud candidate with Long Gone Kennels in New Hampshire. Oakley carries a lot of Grouse Ridge and Long Gone blood. Lloyd Murray acquired the dogs from Grouse Ridge when they retired. He knew of all the Grouse Ridge dogs in Oakley's pedigree. We chose to breed with his 2X Champion Long Gone Porky. This past Sunday (8/29) Oakley blessed us with a litter of beautiful, healthy puppies.

Oakley and I will be breaking in a new hunting partner! Certainly not this season, but for many seasons to come. She, one of her daughters and I will make new memories, for a new generation.