Late last night, just before I nodded off, one last email came through from Nicky. After a year of naughty Badger tales (daffodil excavation, impish glory), Nicky reported that Badger finally became a cow dog. After months of chasing moths, butterflies, flies, bits of paper, Rooster’s back legs, and the occasional person he didn’t like all…
Category: Montana
Rain!
After months of no rain, a muddy feedlot is a joy to behold. Few sights are more welcome in southern Montana than that of overcast skies, mud puddles, and the resulting greening of pastures and fields. Ranchers’ smiles are more relaxed, moms aren’t quite as upset when you track mud in on your boots (this will…
Down and Dirty in the Pryors, or Springtime Badger and the Glories of Mud
Ah, Badger–tis spring, glorious spring, even if it is still snowing in Montana. I can almost sense your frothy delight as you anticipate digging up more of Nicky’s freshly planted bulbs. But today was special. You were special. You got to spend your hard-earned weekend in the back of the truck with Rooster and Spud,…
Remembering Dick LaFrance, or the Early Years of a Cowboy Veterinarian
In the spring of 2014, many people are making their way back from Hardin, Montana, where they were paying tribute to Dick LaFrance. Dick was a good veterinarian, an opinionated old cuss, a good man, and a good friend to many. I have heard my father use the word “hero” to describe very few people, but…
Heroism in Action, or I Told You I Could Get the Trailer Out!
The literal version of “tractor-trailer”…
Tips on Badger Love, or Why Badger Thinks He Is a Great Kisser
Oh Badger, just when you couldn’t get any cuter you have to go and mug Grace down for a kiss! Valentine’s Day was last week, you wee spot-nosed Lothario! I must confess that I and I alone am unloved by the Badger. I braved dodgy roads, bad drifts, and Google maps to try and include…
Winter Is Not a Season, It’s an Occupation…
Enduring Montana winters while out feeding cattle…
Winter Skies, Dinnertime Blues
Seeing the beauty of winter while waiting for a chinook…
Winter Feeds
Yesterday, while working from my impromptu vet-clinic office, my dad called me. “You should probably put on some warm clothes. I need some help with that water main and we need to feed the cows.” he said. I cannot say that I was surprised by the pronouncement, but I did have to laugh. Dad’s edicts…
Leftovers Are Overrated, or Every Good Dog Has Its Holiday
What happens when your dogs eat all of the leftover Christmas turkey…
A Dog’s Will, or What I Wish for Christmas
A few year ago, just before Christmas, a longtime vet-clinic client sent me this card. I cried when I read this. Truth be told, I cry every time I read it. Heck, I’m crying now. But after some more sniffling and some time to think on it, I realized that there was cause for happiness…
Where Do I Sit, or Just How Many Dogs Can Fit into the Kubota
I returned from my usual Turkey Creek hike last evening with Eleanor and Beatrice to find this photo from Megan. While Doc Randall and mum, better known as my parents, are traversing Tanzania and sending me elephant photos at every opportunity, their third-child-in-everything-but-genetics child Megan stays at the house. She feeds the dogs, feeds the horses, makes…
Strayhounds 