Puppies Inspire Our Irrational Optimism

by
posted on February 7, 2013
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

Herman Shooting 2020 Waypoint
Herman Shooting 2020 Waypoint

#SundayGunday: Springfield Model 2020 Rimfire Classic

Get a closer look at the Springfield Model 2020 Rimfire Classic, the latest addition to our #SundayGunday series.

Review: Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos Ammo

While much of the history of projectiles has been concerned with keeping a bullet together, Lehigh Defense’s Controlled Chaos is designed to do exactly the opposite, and it is extremely effective.

First Look: Hornady 22 ARC

Engineered to use modern, high-BC bullets, the new 22 ARC is designed for optimum performance in the AR-15 platform, but is equally at home in a bolt-action rifle.

First Look: Savage AccuCan Suppressors

Initially available in three multi-caliber options, Savage’s new AccuCan line of suppressors are lightweight, field-serviceable and reduce not only sound, but other disturbances like flash and recoil.

First Look: Remington 2024 Bullet Knife

Remington Ammunition has announced the release of the highly anticipated 2024 edition of their iconic Bullet Knife. This annual tradition has become a favorite among collectors, often hailed as America's most sought-after pocketknife.

Review: Rossi SS Poly Tuffy .410-Bore Shotgun

Over the years, B. Gil Horman has developed an appreciation for the little .410 Bore, single-shot ‘utility guns.' A great up-to-date example of this class is the latest iteration of the Rossi Tuffy single-shot—the SS Poly.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.