Written by: Ed Felker, Dispatches from the Potomac
All photos by Ed Felker
There were a lot of dog photos I really liked this year. Of course Team Orange, my two Wirehaired Vizslas, feature prominently, but there are some other special guests, as well. This regal profile of Finn (above) shows him in his very favorite place, our home waters of the Potomac River during a kayak float.
The Loudouner Magazine assigned me the story about dog-friendly breweries in Loudoun County, VA because they knew I would take my research seriously! Winnie bellies up to the bar at Ocelot Brewing Company.
Also from the Loudouner article, this little fella seems to be eyeing a refreshing pint at Corcoran Brewing Co.
There is simply nothing better than time spent immersed in nature’s beauty with your best friends.
Winnie is an observer, always has been. And when it comes to water observation, whether she’s studying minnows or pondering her own reflection, she will do this for a very long time.
I took the dogs south to Bristol, Tennessee, for a most enjoyable week of hiking, fishing and relaxing. I love the late afternoon light in this shot of Winnie who loves resting in cool grass after a nice hike. Who doesn’t?
A second from the same event. . .
When Finn comes kayaking with me (he rides in the back), he wants to be in the water so badly that I have to constantly check on him. But Winnie is content to sit up front and calmly watch the river slip by. Kayaking alone with her is precisely as relaxing as it looks in this photo.
My friend Ed is a serious bird hunter. His dogs, like young Ruby here, are incredible bird dogs. But I also love that they are spoiled rotten at home.
Finn never ceases to amaze me. This year we started Therapy Dog work through Therapy Dogs International, and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I am more proud of this boy than I could ever find words for, but here is a brief essay about how this volunteer work came about.
Ed Felker is an artist, graphic designer, writer, and outdoorsman who lives in Virginia. He writes the Dispatches from the Potomac blog, which is worth checking out, if you like the outdoors, dogs, and fly fishing. Back in August, we published his account of how he realized that his dog Finn should be a therapy dog and how he made that happen.
Your article in the current issue of Virginia Sportsman was so beautifully written from the heart that I hope it will encourage other dog lovers to consider sharing their animals with those in extended care facilities. The rewards are priceless. Thank you.
Karen I apologize, I’ve just seen this lovely comment from last March! I hope you see my reply here and know how much I appreciate your kind words. Thank you.