Spotlight On: “Katie”

Katie, (April 2006 to June 2019) - Each hound has a unique story as they navigate through their retirement years.   Some remain in the kennels and some migrate to my farm to live in the barn, and in a number of cases to the house.  Although many hounds may not be happy living in the house, some clearly are “To the Manor Born”.   Katie was of the latter category. After nine seasons in the hunt field, Katie developed health challenges that required her to be inside with medical care. Katie’s reaction when introduced to the house was immediate, she zeroed in on the leather couch and deemed this the best place for her recovery.  She played with the other dog’s toys when no one was looking because all hounds know they are working dogs first.   Her appetite soon improved and she recovered, settling in to the daily routine with the other house dogs.   Although she always got along very well with the other dogs in the house, there was a quiet attitude of superiority and entitlement that remained polite.   Katie understood that while our pets are our loyal companions, she although loving and loyal, was more.   

As part of a pack of foxhounds, each hound has the responsibility to work together as team.   Katie had been a key member of the team, often being the first hound to find the fox.   She was a smaller hound, so she had the advantage of getting into tight spaces.  For her nine seasons, she worked with her pack mates to provide sport and many times she was responsible for the success of the day’s hunting. 

After her initial recovery, I decided one day to take Katie out during cubbing season to see if she missed hunting, and could have a few days out during the shorter cubbing mornings.   After about an hour out the verdict was clear,   Katie politely stayed with me looking up with the clear statement  “I’m done – I prefer to stay home on the couch”.

And that is what Katie did.  She was a loving member of the household, always quiet and polite.   She spent 3 years sleeping on the couch, and in her designer dog bed. I had the privilege to be there when she was born and to send her on her way.    

Each hound has a story that makes those of us that are part of their lives better people.   

Meg Valnoski, MFH