Off the Leash - By Hank

As I was strolling through the Hallmark store the other day, (yes Kalispell still has a Hallmark store and yes, it is dog friendly), I noticed that the holidays have switched from your buddy Hank’s favorite of Christmas to the worst one, Valentine’s Day.  I don’t see much, if anything at all, rewarding about a day set aside to tell your loved one that they are special to you and the only way of showing that is gifting something as toxic as chocolate, (for those that don’t know, chocolate is deadly to dogs…supposedly).  My personal beliefs are you should be doing that every day and maybe buy your wife some flowers or your man some fishing tackle or better yet, your dog some pork fat just out of the blue without being forced to by some “official” holiday. 

So now that we all agree that Valentine’s Day is about as dumb as the neighbor’s cat, we can focus on the topic at paw.  What is Ol’ Hank going to write about this month.  To tell you the truth, I was really stumped this month.  What started out as a joke by Safety Man Tim has turned out to be a recurring article in this fine publication with this being its 12th submission.  So here I sit, (like a good boy), starring at the calendar trying to figure out what I’m going to do.  My eyes wander past stupid Valentine’s Day and by golly there is another holiday in February…President’s Day.

I first started my internet search by pawing in “Presidents who were loggers.”   Two names come up, Abraham Lincoln and Martin Van Buren.  Abraham Lincoln was famous for his quote, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax.”  Abe knew what he was talking about because as a young man he spent time clearing land and splitting rails for fencing with his trusty axe.  The axe would be used as a symbol of Lincoln’s frontier upbringing and his hard work.  It was also used to create the image of Lincoln as a down to earth common man.  The axe would turn into a powerful symbol of free labor and individual enterprise.   

Martin Van Buren is the lesser known eighth President of the United States and was called the “lumberjack” president because he was from New York, which at that time, was known for the timber industry and his humble background associated with working class occupations.  Van Buren was also a widower at the beginning of his presidency so he had no one to act as White House hostess to administrate social events.  Having to assume the duties himself, records show that the parties were lackluster and did not pick up until his eldest son’s new wife took over duties.  In my mind, I envision a bunch of rich people showing up to a party and Van Buren walking in with a big plate of bologna sandwiches and a half drank case of warm beer.  If that doesn’t say logger, nothing will.

Lastly, I must touch on the Gipper himself.  Known as the “Ranch in the Sky,” Ronald Reagan’s rural property just outside of Santa Barbara was his escape from the stress of his presidency.  Whenever possible Reagan personally tended to the property.  The sound of Reagan’s chainsaw echoed throughout the valley as he cut firewood for the home’s two fireplaces.  When not in use, his saw was housed in the tack barn beneath a sign that read, “Work Safely Around the Gipper’s Chipper.”  By the end of his presidency the ranch would be cleared of every unnecessary tree and dry brush.

As Presidents’ Day rolls around, which technically is Washington’s Birthday according to the federal government, I think it is a great time to reflect.  Some of our leaders have been great, some have not but we are all lucky to live in such a great country that we get to freely pick our leadership.   As we transition into a new season of politics, may God bless our country and our leaders.

Until next time…..Hank