Rev at Flat River, North Carolina
Rev at nine months old in the winter at Flat River, North Carolina. He and I play together in a much more sophisticated manner now. I’ve been taking lessons, and as Rev’s drive increases, games with balls, tugs, and frisbees are fast and furious. I have marker words for each thing: chase, catch, strike, switch, out. drop, hand. But at the point in his life when Juli Leonard shot this fun video, Rev was just trying to figure out his environment. David and I took him places and let him wander. And even when things were a little scary (a swamp fish jumped!), he managed to take most things in stride and still does. His basic goofy humor hasn’t changed at all in the ensuing months. I’m not entirely sure what he’s going to become as an adult, but I’m sure of one thing: we adore this huge, smart, sensitive pup.
Some years ago my sister, Laurie Sapakoff, met you at a wedding in California and then recommended What The Dog Knows to me. I found it fascinating. I am now re-reading it as it has, sadly, taken on a reality for me.
I live in a rural area in Australia and on 30 March 2021 my 83 year old neighbor of 19 years went missing. Because I am in a local rural fire brigade, I have been involved in a multi agency search for my neighbor. But despite 5 days of ground searching, 2 days with a helicopter above us and another 2 day of police divers searching Spicketts Creek, Malcolm has yet to be found.
They did bring a dog in last week but I was told it might be a bit early for a cadaver dog and they may bring them in this week. We are also on standby to continue ground searching on the weekend.
My fingers are crossed that he will be found but I also know he may not; some poor forestry worker or hiker my come across him over coming months.
So, as you can imagine, you and Solo have been on my mind. As it is unlikely that I will have the opportunity to interact with any dog/handler team, I find comfort in the fact that your book has given me some insights into this part of the process. And I know that at least one of my friends has ordered What The Dog Knows after I have spoken about it so much recently.
I remember your sister well. I’m so very sorry for what has happened to your neighbor. Please let me know what happens, as this will remain on my mind as well. Thanks you for being on your fire brigade. It has become ever more important these days. All the Best, Cat