Garden mister has a new app

Temperatures at the Wisconsin Hunt Test hit the mid-90's, which was more than uncomfortable, it was potentially dangerous to the dogs.

Judges and handlers kept an eye on the dogs in the field, breaking off a turn after a dog had completed a hard run. The handler was instructed to cool his or her dog down and return later for a second run.

We went through a lot of ice and water, of course. One thoughtful handler pulled out a garden mister of the sort used to spray plants with water-based fertilizers or insecticides. Filled with plain water, the mister was used to wet down the hot dogs. The mister works better than a garden hose, which even if had been available in the field, usually results in a dog that squirms away, with water running off the coat like the back of a duck.

If you decide you'd like one, buy a new one. Don't recycle one that's had its share of Roundup or Miracle Gro. This compact version works fine, as does the version with the flexible tube and wand, which helps you get to the dog's undercarriage.