By Beth Blackwell

Ripple is one of two puppies in Craisin’s last litter. Her father was Truckstop, a hound I hunted with for several years. He was very friendly and easy going so I thought he would be a great match for “Crazy Raisin.”  Truckstop had a unique style of hunting. He would appear to have little interest, then suddenly lock on and lead the pack.

In the early morning of July 4, 2017, Craisin went into labor. By early evening she was extremely uncomfortable, and I knew she needed veterinary attention. Kaitlyn and I drove her to the emergency clinic in Hendersonville with fireworks lighting the sky. At 11:45 the veterinarian helped her deliver a giant white puppy! We had to wait another 8 hours for sister “Racer” to arrive, so the sisters have different birthdays. Craisin had to have a c-section and spay so the puppies were bottle fed and spoiled rotten!!  Craisin had a bleed when they were two weeks old and spent four days at Upstate for surgery. The die was cast. Ripple always assumes that when orders are given, she is not required to conform. When we hack to the first draw you will hear her name called A LOT!! 

Ripple has the fabulous hunting traits of both her parents and especially likes to hunt right next to her mother. She is one of Tryon’s most beautiful hounds and is turning out to be a solid, steady hunter. Ripple is mostly white and has one icy blue eye, so is easy to spot in the pack. Keep an eye on her, she would love to take over for older sister “Booty” as the leader!

P.S. After a brief illness Ripple is now back in the house.