A Rough-Shooting Dog

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful surprise
Review: I found this one by accident in the local library. The title was the flash of motion; the cover confirmed that this book was, indeed, something I should have been seeking; and a few minutes' idling through the first chapter snared my full attention. Fergus is a rare combination of sophistication, rural woodsense, and honest observation (within and without). He's the "thoughtful action" sort of character, intelligent and very much at ease in his chosen home, who so puzzles and disquiets our urban cousins who simply have no frame of reference in which he fits. His springer spaniel Jenny sounds like a godsend as hunting dogs go, but with enough flaws to keep her off any pedestal, and enough love of the hunt to keep her in the field. My father's long-gone springer spaniel Maxie was the legend around our pheasant-oriented household in Nebraska, so for me, Fergus's essays about his relationship with Jenny provide insight into my father's character. Of course this book will be wrapped under my dad's tree this Christmas. Not to be missed--just don't read it in July, with grouse season several months away.

Rating:
Summary: A great book that is about more then just training ESS
Review: I read this book to learn something about training English Springer Spaniels. I walked away with a deeper reflection on myself. The Author shares his experiences during the time when he acquired his first Springer. He also shared with you things that where happening in his life (like the passing of his father) and the deeper understanding of nature that blossomed during that same period. A wonderful book and a great read.