Dog Lover

Dear Rocky and Boulder McGraw,

Let me introduce myself — I am Brad Lowell, the publisher of the Blade Empire. In a recent column that appeared in the newspaper, you questioned my love of dogs. That assumption is far from true and I feel it necessary to reassure you of my affection and the history of my relation- ships with your four legged brothers.

I got my first dog when I was about five years old. His name was Duke and he was an English Springer Spaniel. He would walk me to school and then he would return home to walk my father to work. One morning he was cru- elly fed some poison and died on his way to my dad’s office seeking help.

That night with tears in my eyes, I watched out my bedroom window as my father buried Duke and I came to know the pain of losing a pet.

Since that time I’ve had Major, a Cocker Spaniel; Adolf, whose last name was Coors; and Bounder, who had no last name, but he could write. Bounder wrote numerous columns about a former college president who eventually was called before a Cloud County grand jury.

During my bird hunting days, I had two English Pointers. They were beautiful dogs and loved to hunt. They were a perfect pair as one would range in a wide circle, while the other one would remain close. They always honored each others’ point.

Adolf and Bounder, who were both rescue dogs like you, lived into their late teens. As a matter of fact, Bounder’s ashes are sitting on a shelf in our home with instructions that his ashes are to be buried with mine.

Of all the dogs in my life, Bounder had to be my favorite. He was so loving and was there for me when I spent time at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. and was in need of an occasional snuggle and lick.

In addition to their intelligence and loving natures, all of my treasured canines were extremely handsome. They were valued members of my family. I hope this account will con- firm my deep love and affection for dogs.

J.B. Lowell