Scott Linden Outdoors

Don’t buy that cutie-pie pose …

Sheer, utter exhaustion. Flick, not me.

Not counting my chicks before they hatch, but at nine weeks, the pup slept through the night for the first time and it was indescribable. I don’t know how parents do it, but I know I am rested, ready to face the world for another 24 hours. Parents probably have their own methods, but I took him out for a couple laps up and down the 100-yard driveway before bed, then kept him awake as late as possible. Will do the same tonight – wish me luck.

I doubt he’ll read this, but thanks Manny – you are a gem, waiting patiently for me to deal with your apprentice in the morning before opening your crate door. You are a good uncle. Soon, your splint will be gone and we can be bird hunters again.

Maybe the peaceful night will make up for the slashes on my arms and hands. Flick has razors for teeth and he is learning how to use them. It is our challenge to discourage mouthing, but so far little has worked for long. Yes, it’s the price we pay for having a high-energy pup, but as the Monks of New Skete (among others) say, you don’t want a biter when he matures. We substitute more attractive targets when possible, pick him up as he offends, and growl “nah” often enough you’d think it was a cuss word around here.

It could be worse.