SEPTEMBER 15, 2024

                                                                                           PHOTO: STEPHEN BLACKMON

Since its founding some seventeen years ago, G&G has been a dog-friendly company. So it was only natural that a number of staffers, canines in tow, met for a photo shoot to accompany our October/November good dog issue. For a few glorious hours, a pack of pooches ruled the roost—and their personalities were on full display.

Our tiniest but most spirited member, Ruby, a Jack Russell terrier, let anyone who approached her mom’s office know that they’d better tread lightly, not surprising for a dog who takes delight in attacking the wheels of rolling garbage bins. (But she’s a softy at heart.) On the other end of the size spectrum is Bucket, a gentle giant, who at eight months weighs in at seventy pounds. Bucket is a rescue. His mother was a Labrador retriever mix. His father? Who knows. We had a golden retriever in the group, Clementine, and two Italian greyhounds joined the party, among several other pups.

I brought my own dog, Story, a Lab who loves spending time in a duck blind or a dove field. She, of course, is perfect. Because I’m not the least bit biased. If you feel the same way about your pooch, I know you’ll love this issue. Our cover package goes deep on sporting canines, including a profile of a leading gundog trainer (along with his five training commandments); a look at top breeders and the dogs they love, from Labs to English cockers; and my own remembrance of my loyal but hardheaded Boykin spaniel.

If you’re a cat person…well, we’ve got a few of those on staff, too, and plenty of other content in this issue you’ll find irresistible, from a jaunt through Austin’s best honky-tonks to a delicious apple cake recipe to Vivian Howard spilling her guts about cast iron. You’ll also tour the ultimate outdoor kitchen and step inside a cozy beach cabin, and as usual you’ll find a rundown of what to read, listen to, and drink. Plus, meet the hardworking heroes saving the Southern wilds in our annual celebration of the region’s Champions of Conservation.

If you’d like to subscribe (and receive this issue), please consider doing so today, since we have only a limited number of issues set aside for new orders. If you’re one of the G&G faithful, expect to see the issue in your mailbox soon.

As I write this, I’m just back from a road trip to Smithfield, North Carolina, where I was treated to unmatchable Southern hospitality (sweet potato biscuits with country ham, anyone?) and a delightful dove shoot. I’m not sure who loved it more, me or Story. Like the new issue, it was a perfect harbinger to fall.

DAVID DIBENEDETTO

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & EDITOR IN CHIEF
CO-HOST OF THE WILD SOUTH PODCAST

Follow me on Instagram @davedibenedetto