So yes, as you’ve been hearing, it’s looking pretty solid that Future Dog is going to be a Toller. And yes, arrangements are starting to be made for its arrival — knock wood. The thing is, I’m pretty superstitious, and I don’t want to jinx anything by revealing too many details. As my son Matt wrote in those Bud Light/NFL commercials (like the one where the dude hates quinoa veggie burgers, but he grills them at his tailgate anyway, cause last time he did, the Eagles won), “it’s only weird if it doesn’t work.” Still, I think I can safely shed a little light on the subject via these FAQs:
We’ve heard you’re going to Nova Scotia to pick up your Toller. Is that true?
When did a little driving ever stop the Beagle Man? Yes, I think that’s a pretty safe bet.
Do you plan to take your Toller on LA/XC-4?
Duh. Obviously, it’s not gonna be September this time. Future Dog won’t even be here yet. But I hope to have him/her in shape for a Spring 2015 cross-country road trip — probably timed to Robby’s graduation.
Where does the Toller rank in AKC breed popularity?
In 2013, Tollers ranked 97th out of 177 breeds. But it’s trending upward. It was 102nd in 2012.
Does it rank first in anything?
Yup. Words in its name. Five. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Count ’em.
What, exactly, does “duck tolling” mean?
Here’s what it says on dogtime.com’s website: “The word toller comes from the Middle English word tollen, meaning ‘to entice.’ Tolling is the act of luring game and it’s exactly what the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever does. While the hunter remains behind a blind, out of sight of ducks and other waterfowl, the dog plays at the water’s edge, romping and retrieving. These antics draw the attention of the birds, who swim closer to shore. When the birds are close enough, the Toller retreats to the blind, the hunter stands, scaring the birds into flight, and then fires. The Toller then swims out and retrieves any fallen birds.”
So do you actually plan to hunt ducks with your Toller?
Please. But I do expect to play a lot of Frisbee. Word has it Tollers are awesome at Frisbee. I see this as an area of concentration for us.
Once you get a Toller, will you then be known as Toller Man?
No. I will always be the Beagle Man.
What will you do if your Toller turns out to be just as stubborn as Ricky?
Blame Canada.
LOOK FOR A NEW BEAGLE MAN POST EVERY THURSDAY. OR PRETTY CLOSE TO THURSDAY. COULD BE WEDNESDAY. OR FRIDAY. LET’S NOT GET TOO OBSESSIVE HERE . . . 
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