The Start of a Doggone Good Year

I watched a movie not too long ago called The Big Year.  Loosely based upon a book of the same name, it tells the story of three birdwatchers (also referred to as "birders") participating in a voluntary contest of honor and interest:  to see (in the wilds of North America) as many species of birds as possible.  Birders can identify birds by sight or by call; birders record the sightings, but don't need photographic evidence of each bird spotted.  The concept fascinated me.  In order to spot birds, those participating in a Big Year trek thousands of miles, to urban centers and far-flung rural outposts.  And, birders do this all for the love of wild birds. 

I don't really love wild birds.  I love dogs.  And, today, I'm beginning my Doggone Good Year (on the first of August Dogust)--kind of like a Big Year, but with dogs, and with a few basic rules:

1.)  I will encounter dogs and their people in public places, during my regular, every-day life.

2.)  I will ask dog owners to participate in my project.  That participation will include a chat about the dog--some basic facts and interesting stories--and a picture of the dog.

3.)  I will chronicle the meeting on this blog, with special attention paid to the relationship forged between dog and person.

4.)  I will not approach children/minors with dogs for stories, unless accompanied by an adult.


The basic rules frame this project, but the larger idea is to capture as many stories of relationships--of bonds between dogs and their people--as possible.  Talking to a dog owner, about a dog, is rarely about the daily needs of a pet (feeding, walking, grooming).  Instead, stories flow naturally, the same as talking about a beloved friend, a partner, a child.  Talking to a dog owner, about a dog, is a matter of uncovering a loving relationship.  That's what I'm interested in:  How did they meet?  How long have they been together?  What do they like to do together? 

I hope that this year will lead me to many beautiful stories, and maybe to lots of breeds, too.  Just like birders, hoping to see rare birds in the wild, I'm hoping that a focus on dogs with owners, in everyday life, will lead me to meet as many dog breeds as possible.  I also hope that, if you're reading this right now, you'll continue to check back in to see which pooches I recently encountered.

Dog Day 1 of 365.

Rachael.