Some of you know me. I consider myself an expert in at least two areas. One is 8th AF and in general, ETO. The second is fundamental aerodynamics and airframe structures by education and work experience. I wrote Angels, Bulldogs and Dragons - History of the 355th FG in WWII and I am the current President of the 355FG Association - all inclusive for all generations including Vietnam and Operation Iraqi Freedom/Afghanistan. We breed, show and raise Irish Wolfhounds. I hunt and fish and camp - but old enough to realize the hunt is about honoring the creature you stalk and there doesn't have to be a death in the family. I research, do occasional management consulting, make gunstocks, reload and won't keep a rifle or pistol that isn't very accurate. I have significant theoretical and practical knowledge about firearms and once was a tough competitor in both box and hand thrown Flyers. Too old to compete with the kids on many fields of competition.. but don't confuse old and slow with helpless. Looking forward to exchanging views. Bill
Welcome to you, Bill. It is good to have you visit and join our forum. I looked for your book, but could not find it, only references to it. Years ago, I responded to a fire alarm at a home that had a pair of Irish Wolfhounds living in the house. The male was the biggest dang dog I have ever seen, and they said he was still a juvenile. I was glad he was not hostile to us, because he could have hurt us.
The book is around - usually at Amazon and I have some on eBay. The ones I still have remaining on eBay are somewhat expensive (~$30) because I write something personal in the front cover. As to Wolfies - incredible breed and heartbreakers because they die of cancer and heart attacks like all the giants - but we are averaging 7-9 years. AFAIK there has never been a fatal attack on a human being in the US- I'm not even aware of a dog bite incident.
If they all are as easy going as that male-female pair, I don't see how they could possibily bite someone, even taking a biscuit out of their hand. He came around a corner, practically starring me eye to eye (well, maybe he wasn't quite that tall) never barked, just watched me closely at first. He was much taller than a Shetland pony that I had as a child, though not nearly as heavy. I would not want to have to feed him. I was reading that work is being done to try to breed those health problems out. Six or seven years is a short lifespan.
Thank you Gentlemen.. To Slipdigit - there are some significant strides in isolation of the genes affecting carcinoma's and cardiomyopathy. Losing a Wolfhound is tougher than any experience I had before with other treasured companions like the Golden's but they are all tough. When we have to put one down we make a Cheeseburger run, celebrate great rides to the stores and Burger joints then take them to the vet and hold him or her in our arms as he crosses the Rainbow Bridge.
Hey Bill when you comin back to Orygun. . . . ? Folks Bill and I never caught up but have written each other for years, sad as we were only 40 miles or less from each other for some time, heck I'm never home just like now anyway .......... cheers brother
E~ we probably will 'do' Cat's 60th in Merlin on or about May 11.. we think we have a 'preggers Wolfie and may take a pup with us to give to one of them. I'll keep you posted.
