Those that know me will probably attest that occasionally I make decisions based on an overwhelming desire in my heart, and with total disregard to logic thought processes that should be going on in my brain. Adding a puppy to an already two-dog household would be one of those decisions.

I would like to think a lot of thought went into the decision, as the process started last fall. During one of our grasslands trips, Emma really started to show her age with difficulty rising, muscle problems in her back legs and pain in a front leg. I knew I was driving her to premature early retirement if I continued to hunt her at the pace we were going.

The result was a phone call to Scott Berg, from Berg Bros. Gun Dogs. After several conversations, I sent in my deposit on a breeding that had just taken place between Berg’s Jack male dog and a pretty little female from Devon Matilla. It was an agonizing wait for the arrival of the pups in January, and when the Devon sent the first batch of pictures, I was pretty much already sold on the only little tri-color female in the litter. At my second visit when she curled up in my lap and went to sleep I was sold.

Finally the big day arrived, and on March 10th my Dad and I met Devon’s wife in New Ulm, Minnesota, to pick up the newest member of the gundogdoc family, Belle.

It didn’t take long for Belle to make herself at home, and while she may have seen her as an annoyance, the easy-going Emma quickly accepted the little pup. Maggie on the other hand tried to kill her a couple of times that first week.

Things didn't get any easier, with Maggie going through surgery and my attention devoted mainly to her. I am happy to report though that everyone is getting along famously now, and Maggie and Belle have actually become playmates, a day I never thought I’d see…I was going to be happy with just existing peacefully.

So, it’s official...I’m probably crazy. Adding a new setter pup to an already crazy life won’t rank amongst my wisest life choices. Somewhere in between family commitments, two jobs, triathlons and marathons, I’ll find time to train a pup to join the team. It will be my excuse for getting away from all the other craziness we call life. Oh, and they all make great nap partners on a rainy Saturday.