The 6th annual Dark Horse 40 is now officially in the books.  It's taken me half way through the month of August to attempt to recover from the 300-400 hours that went into this event.  I will say this was the first year I did not suffer post race depression, as one adventure melded into the next...first the 40, and during and after....a new puppy!

     5 weeks ago, I decided I had spent enough time mourning my last dog Barney, and thought since my daughter was home from college, and could offer "puppy" support, now would be the perfect time.

     WRONG!!!  I never had a puppy before, and now know that there's no such thing as a perfect time to own a puppy unless you live in a cabin with dirt floors, concrete furniture, cats that still have claws, and an infinite supply of 2 ply paper towels.

     If I had half the energy of this dog, I would be in Beijing right now competing in every event that the Olympics has to offer. 

     If I ate the same things that she's been eating in the yard, I'd be on the Travel Channel, giving Andrew Zimern a run for his money where he eats the weirdest things that would make most of us gag.

     If I could run as fast, and pee at the same time without getting it on me, I'd be in the Guiness Book of world records.

     If I could roll over every time someone approaches me to pet my belly, especially the ladies, I could probably get rid of my wife (she suggested that one!)...go figure!

     If I ate my breakfast, lunch, and dinner as fast as she does, and keep it down, I'd give Joey Chestnut a run for his money on July 4th at the Nathan's hotdog eating contest.

     If I licked myself where she does, and as often, I'd be brushing my teeth a 100 times a day.

     If I could keep a straight face like she does, while staring in my eyes, all the while plotting her next evil act, I'd be in the world series of poker, bluffing my way to a fortune.

     And finally, if I were only as cute as her, and as lovable, and as promising as a lifetime companion, perhaps I could get my family to pay more attention to me...darn you Bailey...welcome to the family!

     This dog is a sweetie.  We are told she's half Rotweiller, and half Labrador.  I don't see it.  But what do I know?  She looks like a boxer, Stafforshire terrier mix to me.  For those of you not in the know, Staffordshire is a fancy way to say Pit Bull.  I might be wrong, but in any event, she's here to stay.

     I never had a puppy, and anyone who tries to describe what you are getting into, can't come remotely close....you need to see it to believe it.  Some how I can't believe that puppies are legal!  If we did all that stuff, we'd be in jail!

     So I guess my point is, I'm looking for forgiveness, or sympathy, for being late this month.  Between the 40, and Bailey, oh, and the shop, I've been pretty busy.  Come to realize, if I had to make my living writing these columns, I'd be on unemployment, or writing a guest editorial in those local 35 cent papers that I have protecting the living room rug.

     Keep your eyes peeled for the continuing saga of Bailey.  She is a living, licking, testimonial to how much I loved My dog Barney, and how much he was a part of my life for 10 years. 

     I have realized that along with my family, Bailey will be accompanying me into my twilight years, and I hope she comes to love me as much as I am loving her.  Barney would approve, and somewhere up above, he's wagging his tail in complete agreement!

                                  "Yours in paper towels"  George