Puppies Inspire Our Irrational Optimism

by
posted on February 7, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (1)

When a young boy hits a baseball off a tee for the first time, not even the most positive-thinking father declares him a future major leaguer. At least not without intending jest. At best, the kid showed an ounce of potential, but concluding he'll be a world-class talent? That's crazy. Yet isn't that exactly what we do when our puppies fetch a ball or dummy for the first time?

We know it's nuts. We know it's irrationally optimistic. But we just can't help ourselves. Take my 13-week-old puppy, Junior. Yesterday I played a little fetch with him, and he ran out and back with all five retrieves (I stopped there before he lost interest). And today he did so again, including the retrieve I captured in the video below.

Rationally, I know Junior's initial success proves very little. He's a puppy, after all--they always come when called until they discover an alternative to doing so. Junior played a little fetch. So what. Even your average mutt can accomplish that feat.

Irrationally, I have visions of the ball being replaced by a bird. Perhaps a wounded mallard that Junior busted through ice to reach. Or a pheasant in the fifth series of the national championship field trial. Crazy? You bet.

I'll bet you too have a weakness for such optimism. And maybe that's okay. Isn't dreaming about the future part of the magic of puppies?

Latest

Lasagna Soup Lede 3
Lasagna Soup Lede 3

Recipe: Venison Lasagna Soup

Lasagna is comfort food for many, and an energy-rich meal for hunters spending the entire day afield. To shorten the cook time and enjoy the same flavors, try this excellent lasagna soup recipe from Brad Fenson.

New for 2025: Chiappa 86 Wildlands Angle Ejection Takedown

Chiappa has continued its tradition of producing fine modern firearms with a pedigree in the past, with the 86 Wildlands Angle Ejection Takedown, a lever-action worth a closer look.

How To Use Trail Cameras to Find More Bucks and Bulls

Get some tips from Scott Haugen on how to optimize your trail cam grid this season.

New for 2025: Davidson's Exclusive Bergara B-14 FSP Hunter Stainless

Davidson’s has collaborated with Bergara to produce the first complete Bergara rifle with a stainless-steel barreled action available in the USA.

New for 2025: Leica USA Rangemaster CRF Max

Leica Sport Optics USA has unveiled the Leica Rangemaster CRF Max. Designed for hunters and long-range shooters who demand precision and reliability, the CRF Max combines Leica’s optical performance with cutting-edge digital integration and a new heads-up display.

Boone and Crockett Club Poaching Data Published

Did you know that the majority of wildlife violations never result in citations? Sure, with so much ground to cover, it may be easy to guess that most violations committed deep in the backcountry will never see the light of day, but the scale is still quite surprising. 

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.