#coonhound

Went coonhunting and had a blast despite the mugginess and the mosquitos, and did I mention the mosquitos?

The coonhounds caught and killed a raccoon deep in some thick vines and blackberries, so we didn't have a visual. But I know Zaku was right in there with them because he came back to me covered in dirt, with mud and blood in his mouth, and a bite on his ear.

They treed a second raccoon a couple hours later. It must have been in a den because the dogs came back looking like they'd been sandblasted. I heard Zaku's excited scream-bark amidst all the baying, so he was once again in the thick of it.

"The Bluetick Coonhound is a breed of coonhound originating in the United States. The Bluetick Coonhound is known for its friendly personality, cold nose, and deep bawl mouth. It is most commonly used as a raccoon hunting dog, but is also kept as a pet. They are athletic, hardy, and need a full-time job or activity such as hunting, obedience, or agility to stay happy."

INPRNT

Listen to my weird, adorable boy

How many timeshave I seen you—the Eternal Hunter,always aiming for the bear,racing across the skyabove me.Here, now,on the cusp of morning,surrounded by chain-link fence,while my familiarruns in the shadows,ever seekingwhat her nose reveals.I look upand I see you there,a constellation of pursuit,and I wonderif my life will bean endless chase—forever racing afterwhat I can never catch.