Gusto!

According to Merriam-Webster, gusto is defined as:  a) enthusiastic and vigorous enjoyment or appreciation b) vitality marked by an abundance of vigor and enthusiasm.

When I was a kid, my grandmother loved using this word.  Sometimes it was in a positive way, other times not so much.  As I've been getting quite a bit of running in lately, the word has come out of my mouth many times.  Katie (above) hunts for a rabbit with gusto.  She also plays with her kennel mates with gusto occasionally a little too much gusto.  Her drive and search is incredible for a young hound, she hunts with such fervor and desire that is rarely seen in such a young hound.  Even when she is out with some older hounds, she is all business... and I love it.

Taya jumps on her box for some lovin' with gusto.  All the hounds like attention, but none with the gusto of Taya.  She pushes herself up against me and nuzzles her nose into my chest.  Taya also chews her rawhide with gusto.  Some of the older hounds lose interest in rawhide as they age but not her.  As I watch her gnaw and toss around her "bone" I just have to laugh.  She is one unique hound for sure.

Maury jumps on my legs with gusto.  One of these days he is going to take my knee out but I let it go because he is such a nut for affection.  His voice on the line expresses his gusto for running a rabbit.

At the end of the day, many times I ask myself what I would do if I didn't have these hounds?  43 years of chasing bunnies around and I still enjoy it more & more.