A MAGIC NOSE

“Yes, by God, I am! I’m sending him away!” “But Bill!” his wife pled. “No, Lucy. I found a very nice pet home with a farm family in Tupelo. He’ll be loved and cared for and live in the house with his family….just like here. I don’t want to do this, but I just can’t seem to overcome my disappointment. When I look at him and he looks at me, he knows…..but he won’t change. I’m sorry, but we’re leaving in the morning.”

Two was the only son of Old Blue, the best damn birddog in all Missouri. Everyone knew. Older bird hunters said of Old Blue that he could smell a pheasant across the plain and point a covey in a hurricane. He was a legend. It was generally agreed by those who knew or knew of Old Blue that he had a “magic nose”. It was this “magic nose” that Bill had hoped would be passed on to at least one of Blue’s pups; but, for whatever reason, there had been no pups; and Blue was getting old.

So, Bill urgently searched for a suitable mate. Blue had a reputation and Bill would have pick of the litter; but, instead, he found an aged couple in Louisiana with a beautiful “red” to sell….even give away...to the right home. Cajun Queen was outgoing and friendly. She was a deep chocolate red with only a few white dapples on her backside. She seemed to like Bill immediately, her tail telling the story. She sat at his feet as he stood there looking at her and she stared at him, waiting for him to respond or say something. When Bill brought out one of Blue’s toys for her to sniff, she grabbed it, tossed it the air with a flick of her head, and rolled all over it when it landed. She jumped up and sniffed it again, then rolled all over it while she made small whining noises. The couple were very excited about her reaction to Bill and to the toy. “Queenie” was going to be happy in her new home and was to be the mother of Blue’s pups. Yes, it was a very good day.

Old Blue responded well to Queenie. They soon seemed inseparable and would roam the farm together. Of course, he was teaching her all about this new place, what was expected and where things were and how to deal with those damn chickens and ducks. The cows were friendly enough after Queenie let them have a good sniff of her. She licked one on the nose. Later, she and that cow became fast friends. Old Blue taught her the schedule and they were early risers, always up before dawn and ready to help Bill with the four dairy cows or with the feeding of those damn chickens and ducks. Yes, Queenie fit right in….and was quite happy. One evening, Lucy exclaimed, “I declare, Bill. Queenie’s gained some weight. I’m sure she’s on the nest. She’s been snoopin’ around lookin' for a place to have her pups.” This was it! Bill got so very excited. That night, he slept not a wink. He and Queenie were at the veterinarian’s office when the doors opened the next morning. By the end of the day, it was official.

Just three days later…..“Bill! Bill!” Lucy hollered. “Bill! Bill!” “What’s going on?! What’s happened?!” Bill exclaimed as he ran into the room. Lucy’s eyes fell to the corner of the bedroom. There was Blue, laying peacefully in his bed, but not stirring. “Oh, God, no.” pled Bill as he bent down. He held Blue in his arms and wept like a baby. Blue was gone. Just then, Queenie came into the room and walked over to Bill as he held Blue so close. She sniffed Blue’s body, then started whimpering quietly as she returned to her “nest” hanging her head. She did not leave her nest for three days….for food or water or any activity. She mourned….and it may have made the difference.

You see, there was only one pup, one pup that survived. The others were stillborn. Some said Queenie’s grief was the reason. Who knows? The circle of life is God's way. Bill had given up hope for a magic nose. Now, he just wanted a good birddog. The pup was dappled and spotted like Blue. Bill had pictures of Blue as a puppy and this puppy looked just like him. So, Bill decided he would name this puppy Blue II. “Those are mighty big tracks to fill” said Lucy. “Can he do it?” “Hell, yes. He’s Blue’s son.” So, his nickname became Two and soon it was time for his training to start. He was certainly smart enough and the basics went very well; but Bill's outlook was seriously dampened when, instead of pointing, Two would jump and wag and bark at him. What was worse, he could not seem to break Two of this reaction.

It was a long drive to Tupelo, Mississippi. Two was in a crate in the back of the pickup, instead of on the front seat. Bill did not want Two to look him in the eyes and to change his mind. He dropped Two off at his new home. The family was waiting anxiously and all seemed quite happy to have him, especially the little girls. Two was nice to them; but kept looking at Bill, wondering what was happening. Bill cried a bit as he was driving away. He loved that dog. He was Blue’s only son…..but the disappointment was so great. “He’ll be happy there. He doesn't have to point.” Bill thought as he drove.

He had told Lucy that he was going to visit his sister Hanna on the way back. She lived just outside Texarkana. Six days and six pounds later he was back on the road home. Hanna was a great cook, but work on the farm was calling and he would be driving most of the day. As he drove, he wondered if and when he might ever have a birddog as good as Blue again. Oh, he knew a magic nose was just a dream. After all, such a trait was a gift from God, only given to a few. He couldn't be lucky twice. It wouldn't be fair to the others who dream of owning a bird dog with a magic nose. It just wouldn't be fair, but.....

As he turned into his drive, he broke into a smile and thought, “How'd he do it? Why…it must be 300 miles.” Two was sitting on the front porch, thin and very dirty, but he struck a handsome pose. Bill ran and hugged Two hard.“How did you get back? God only knows.” Two was licking Bill's face wildly, so happy to be home. Suddenly, Bill realized the power of Two's trek from Tupelo and was struck with awe. Two had traveled 40 or 50 miles a day and had known exactly what direction to take. He knew he was going home. Bill slowly rose, intently staring at Two. Two whined a bit as tears trickled to Bill's smile. Bill gazed upon his dirty young birddog. Bill's lips were quivering as more tears came streaming down his face. He could barely utter the words....“Why, Two. You have a magic nose.” Two jumped and wagged and barked.

Two and Bill are the very best of friends, together everywhere. From milking cows to feeding those damn chickens and ducks, Two and Queenie are there. Jim doesn’t hunt much anymore. He decided to put Two's nose to better use. Now, Two’s a trained rescue dog. Just last month, he saved a little girl who had gotten lost in Cooley’s Bog. At gatherings, Bill struts and tells proud, heroic stories. And what about Two? He jumps and wags and barks and shares the glory. Bill boasts, “like father, like son!” and speaks fondly of Old Blue; but all know the greatest achievments are those of Two. His deeds fill Bill’s heart with love and pride. Two is a hero, times over; so, with every rescue, his legend grows….. a dog named Two and his magic nose.

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