Off the Leash - By Hank

Mud…lots of mud.  That’s what the safety boys have had to say at the weekly staff meetings the last couple months.  It’s been a strange winter to say the least.  Up here in the Flathead we get winter for two days and then two weeks of spring.  My internal hair making machine doesn’t know what to do.  One day I’m shedding summer hair to build my winter coat and then the next my body thinks its spring and I start shedding my winter coat that I just made.  The results are a fine layer of fur falling off me at all times.  All this extra fur making makes a dog hungry but alas no one believes me that I need an extra portion of food or half of Safety Man Tim’s sandwich. 

The other day the two safety boys that frequent the office (Justin and Tim) were digging out some very strange looking what I thought were dog toys.  They look like a person with no arms and legs and they have a very odd look on their faces, almost like they were just told there is no Santa Clause or Easter Bunny.  When I went to play with them, I was told the harsh words that I never hear, “NO!  Those aren’t for you Hank!”.  I guess they are something called CPR dummies?  Apparently, you loggers spend a day each spring playing with these weird toys which I think is ridiculous that I don’t get to participate in the fun.  The safety boys wanted me to tell you guys that they are working hard on a good safety program this year.  You should be seeing pre-registration in your mail boxes before too long.  One big favor for your Ol’ buddy Hank, could you find it in your hearts to fill those out and get them back to the office as soon as possible.  Class size is limited and the sooner we get them, the easier it is if we need to move you around to make sure you get your class this spring.  You could include a dog bone if you feel generous.  I really like the brown ones.  The other colors are like clowns; they taste funny when you bite into them.

Now that February is here, I can’t paw an article without mentioning the biggest holiday this month that celebrates love and that special bond with someone special.  That’s right I’m talking about National Love Your Pet Day on the 20^th.  This day was established in 2006 and origins started in the United States but have spread world-wide. It’s a day set aside to honor the emotional support and companionship pets provide.  It sure seems that any dog that shares a house with a logger had been putting in overtime with the emotional support here lately. 

Being a logging dog isn't all naps and sunshine. We know the smell of fresh-cut pine before the sun even hits the ridges, and we know the sound of a diesel engine better than our own bark. We’re there for the long hauls and the quiet moments after the hard work is done. When the snow is falling outside and the market is as shaky as a pup on ice, we’re the ones who remind you that a warm house and a loyal friend are what really matter.

So, on this special day, maybe throw an extra bone in the bowl. Or better yet, take us for a long walk where the air is thick with the scent of freshly cut trees and there’s plenty of room to run. We don't need fancy toys or shiny lights; we just want to be where the action is, right by your side. After all, behind every great Montana logger is a dog who’s just happy to be along for the ride.

We are coming up on a big birthday and I’m not talking about Safety Man Tim’s big birthday.  Even though he shares the same age, I’m talking about the MLA’s 50^th Anniversary.  As mom, I mean Coleen, has started digging through some rather dusty pictures, I see the same look in those old timer’s eyes that I see in yours today: pride resilience and maybe a little worry about the future.

On May 15^th and 16^th, we’re gathering to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the MLA.  I encourage all you hard-working folks to take a couple days to park the trucks, put down the saws and come on down to Butte.  It’s time to look back on a career built on sweat, sawdust and the kind of handshakes that actually mean something. 

Think back to your first days in the woods-the roar of the equipment, the first tree you fell and the brothers and sisters you’ve stood tall with through every market swing and winter storm.  We’ve been “Supporting Logging Today and Tomorrow” for half a century now and that’s worth a few tail wags and a whole lot of storytelling.

So, come share a memory or two and help us celebrate the heritage that keeps Montana’s forest healthy and strong.  I might be there looking for a dropped morsal of food or a good scratch behind the ears.  Let’s make this golden anniversary one for the books!

Until next time….Hank

Until next time,

Hank