Heading out with Jason to take Hera and Nos, our dogs, for their daily run yesterday afternoon in my Hyundai Tucson, I got rear ended by another motorist. Jason and I were heading south on Bronson Avenue and the motorist, a young man driving his father's Nissan Duke, left the parking lot at McDonalds and was attempting to change lanes. While he shoulder checked to see if the left lane was clear, he drove into the back of my Tucson. Thankfully, Hera was not injured; she was riding in the back of the car. There were no immediate injuries, though Jason messaged me this morning saying he is experiencing pain and going to see his doctor. I am fine this morning.

We turned onto Powell Street and called the police to report the collision. The young man at the wheel of the car that collided with mine is called Nolan and he is starting his first year at Carleton next month. He did the right thing in stopping at the scene of the collision and accompanying us to the police station to file an accident report. The visible damage to my car is a dent in the bumper on the left side. I will need the services of an auto body shop to take care of this damage.

August 15, 2012, the day I lost Juno, my four year old Brittany. She developed a malignant tumor in her mouth and by the time it was detected there was nothing that could be done. I had her euthanized on this day, two years ago. I was with her till the end, doing my best to ensure the experience was as easy on her as possible. While I try not to dwell on the past, I make a point of remembering her as she lived and the time we had together. She was a dear little dog, very lady-like in temperament, but also a keen little huntress in the field. She was the third Brittany I owned and like the two who came before her, Christie and Maggie, remain in my fondest memories.

Hera, the Brittany I own in the present, named Hera in tribute to Juno (Hera is the Greek form of Juno) turns two years old this coming October. She will join me in the field for her second season this Fall. She had a great first season, pointing ruffed grouse and woodcock for me. I look forward to taking her into the field this season. While I harbour a touch of sorrow over the untimely loss of Juno, life goes on. In taking to the field with Hera, I honour the memory of Juno, Christie and Maggie, in carrying on the tradition of keeping a working hunting dog.