A Great Example of Integrity

My Dad was an avid coon hunter. I have many fond memories of those, late-hour, fall nights. It was a gorgeous clear evening at my home in the country near Marshfield from which the following story was inspired. With countless stars in the perfect cloudless sky, I breathed deeply and watched my breath form in the air as I exhaled. I closed my eyes and the emotion of those memories came flooding back. For a moment, I thought I could hear a hound baying in the distance. In our busy, run-about-lives we often forget the very things that God has used to shape who we are today. I hope the story revives familiar memories and emotions for you.

On a night brightly lit by a full moon, air crisp and clear, sun dried corn stalks whisper summer tales as a gentle fall breeze rustles through their golden brown limbs. A nearby stream babbles and gurgles with the waters of a recent misty, chilled rain. Then, somewhere in the distant darkness is the mellow, swooning call of a baying hound. The moment lays motionless. Breathing is suspended for just a moment before the hunters begin their trek toward the call.

These are the nights for which coon hunting was created.

He knew that this Black and Tan hound was special. Even before the day Rip was chosen from his litter mates as a coon hunter, he was destined for greatness. Rips greatness wasnt measured by a perfect shiny coat or by his prize winning stance or stature, but by his character, demeanor and keen sense ...