Jesse

After Mickey and Cassie died, we missed the clinking of dog tags against metal food bowls and the occasional barking and the tapping of doggie toe nails on tile floors. The decision to give another dog a home was unanimous but this one had to be completely different from our beloved dachshund and sheltie. They were irreplaceable. We had to 'start over'.

Meet Jesse. Jesse is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

Jesse -- 9 weeks old

- as published in Canadian Kennel Club Official Section, December 1997

Origin and Purpose: The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was developed in Nova Scotia in the early 19th century to toll (or lure) and retrieve waterfowl. The tolling dog runs, jumps, and plays along the shoreline in full view of a flock of ducks, occasionally disappearing from sight and then quickly reappearing, aided by the hidden hunter, who throws small sticks or a ball for the dog. The dog’s playful actions lure the curious ducks within gunshot range. The dog is then sent to retrieve the downed bird.

It's safe to say Jesse will never be used for the purpose for which he was intended, but even at a young age we could see signs of his instinctive ability to toll and retrieve.

With all the bushes and trees in our area, we constantly found ourselves on hands and knees crawling under vegetation to pull this playful pup out from under.

Jesse has grown up to be a beautiful dog. His intelligence and dignity are awesome. Every day spent with him is a learning experience, not just for Jesse, but for we, his family, as well.

Joshua and Jesse

First Snow

Every year, some of the Duck Tollers in the Vancouver area get together on Labour Day weekend for what's called, The Toller Picnic. Have a peek! All these red dogs in one furry location is worth a hundred laughs.

Jesse's littermate ~ Lenore