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Musings
by Richard Biby, Contributing Editor
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog." Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise." "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. "Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man." So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile, because they "just don't understand."

Roca (C) 2006

Cabin Creek Labradors are raised and loved on my 16 acre farm in Maple Park, Illinois. I am a strong believer that all dogs should be with you and not in a kennel. All my dogs are members of my family and most will have an AKC title. Tracking is my main passion. Tracking is the dog finding and following the scent of one person through varied terrain with many different obstacles. This sport is truly one of incredible team work and the bond it forms with you and your partner is incredible. I also have dogs in the breed ring but mostly save that job for my boys.

As the years have progressed I have found that the line I have had for 8 generations is the most amazing and they have gone on to do many great things for many people; Champion Trackers, UDX dogs, agility, therapy,etc. but still have that sweet loving temperament and live long healthy lives well into their teens.

This breed is truly the best. I have had several other breeds in my life but this is the one that can do it all. Through the years we have bred many couch potatoes but also had great success in the breed ring, the agility field, as hunting partners, and advanced obedience dogs. At this time we have had 2 Champion trackers which has a pass rate of 3 percent probably my proudest moment ever.

The labs of Cabin Creek bring me endless joy and great fulfillment.

815-901-5759

Member of:

Labrador Retriever Club, Inc