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In 2016 I had just gotten my pup and was so excited to make new friends, explore this world where dogs were the focus and exciting new adventures were ahead. I imagined doggies, guns, ribbons and socials all focused around the exciting hobby of duck hunting.
I decided to begin with a FB search and was fortunate to find a wealth of clubs around my home state of Tennessee!!! To my surprise the TN River Club was in my back yard and a country mile away as the crow flies. The FB Group stated that a training day was coming soon. I hardly slept the night before and woke at 5am with Teal who had been sleeping on the pillow beside me. We were going through puppy training for potty time and had been rising early for a month or so.
I put on my hunting boots and her little green puppy collar with pink name tag. leash and got ready. Winding through the curvy Obion County back roads passing corn fields and ponds until I arrived at the host home and kennel of Lisa and Tom Neel. Well respected in the HRC world and a mostly lab club with all welcome to join. I had messaged Leslie who was excited to drive up the 2 hours to make sure I was comfortable and enjoyed the day together. She was excited to see her "grandpup" and make a day of it.
I can not express how much we got out of that first visit. I mostly stood and watched or sat in my lawn chair with Teal beside me. The noise, excitement, barking, splashing, launching bumpers, snapping of the wingers and poppers coming from the guns at the line. Teal was as alert as a kid watching an exciting game at the ball field. She was welcomed and encouraged to play with her bumper by Tom and Lisa. Leslie was able to run Boy and show what a Boykin could do.
Lunch came and the club provided a meal from the local chicken place. Laughs, planning of the next club event and the smell of home fried chicken in paper boxes were the reward of everyone waking up early and preparing for the club met.
If your new with a pup of your own ..... I encourage you to do the same. It is amazing how friendly and welcoming folks are in the Gun Dog World
