by John Jeanneney
My old German tracking dog Joeri (pronounced Yori) and I are
winding down from our tracking careers. For me that career lasted 40 years.
Dogs, even if they are of German origin, aren't as fortunate.
Having to finally retire, when you are a dedicated and
passionate tracker, is not easy. Here are the ways that Joeri and I handled the
transition.
First, let me write about
Joeri, who understands well that the bond between tracking dog and handler
endures, even when adventures in the woods are over. Joeri is beside my chair as I write this. If
I go to another room, the bathroom, for example, he follows. He sleeps with me
on my bed.
In parallel with Joeri I have my own souvenirs. On my desk
are my "trophy antlers” that a little, six point buck knocked off against
my jaw and chest as he charged me near the end of the track. The buck "cold
conked" me and gored Sabina, my tracking dog. With a deep gash in her
flank, Sabina was licking my face as I came to and opened my eyes after the
blow. We kept on tracking.
Getting old is not easy; Joeri and I comfort one another.
 |
| Joeri sunbathing in John's office, next to his deer leg. |
It saddens me that you are no longer able to track, John. Take heart in knowing that you have created a legacy that has positively impacted thousands of trackers, and even more hunters. Many special moments have been created between hunters and tracking dogs because of a movement that you began decades ago.
ReplyDeleteDear John and Joeri,
ReplyDeleteI have admired you both for many years. No, it is not easy getting older. My husband is the same age as you and our Greta a bit older than Joeri. I watch them now with a smile and remember their youth, when the world was theirs.
Now master and his sleepy girl enjoy the love and comfort they give each other.
It's a blessing to have such a companion in this life. Many will never know this kind of love.
Maribeth
God bless you, you have helped pass this joy on to me.
ReplyDeleteMr John, I'm not sure that you can fully realize the effect that you have had on Tracking in North America. By sharing your knowledge about tracking wounded deer with dogs you have trained many a new tracking team. Through your Legislative efforts you have opened many states up to tracking that were previously closed. Now many other experienced handlers have started teaching new teams that are trying to learn and they use your book as the text book. Through these ambassadors you have multiplied your presence many times over. You may not be in the woods physically but you are out there with your ambassadors many times every season. You can take great satisfaction knowing how much you have helped. You will still be along with us on our tracks and I will still call when I get stumped. I am not saying that you are retired but have moved to an advisory role. Thank you Mr John.
ReplyDeleteMr. John,
ReplyDeleteThanks for everything you have done to make tracking with dogs possible. I've enjoyed all the books, articles and even radio interview from Louisiana. I have learned a lot from you and the knowledge that you have passed on to the instructors. Although you will not be tracking, I hope to read more of your articles. Joer seems to be a fine dog as all the dogs that ya'll have owned. Best Wishes.
God bless you John. You have left your mark on the world, no doubt. Without you, I would not have Jager, my little buddy who will track his fist buck this fall. The love you show for dogs and your passion for tracking and the outdoors shows in your smile and in your eyes. Your legacy lives on in ever pup that runs the woods tracking deer and bear. All I can say, is, THANK YOU.
ReplyDeleteIn the world of hunting there is nothing more important than passing on tradition. John, you took that a step further by actually creating a tradition here in the States, and that is a legacy we all honor.
ReplyDeleteMy hat's off to you sir!