With quotes from Groucho Marx and many others, this isn’t simply a hunting book. It’s not just a dog book, either. It’s a collection of stories about life disguised as tales from rabbit covers, muddy boots, frosty mornings, and beagles with noses that seem permanently tuned to adventure. Don’t have a beagle, that’s OK, this book still hits home.

Jarzynski, a retired Gowanda High School English teacher and lifelong outdoorsman from Lawtons, New York, writes with the patience of someone who has spent countless hours waiting for rabbits to break cover — and who has learned that the waiting is often the best part. His stories, including award-winning favorites such as “A Walk in the Woods” and “The Sweetest Sound,” blend humor, nostalgia, and quiet wisdom into essays that linger long after the final page.

The stars of the book may have floppy ears and wagging tails, but they’re never merely hunting dogs. They are teachers.

They demonstrate patience without complaint, forgiveness without conditions, and an uncanny ability to celebrate life’s smallest victories. Anyone who has ever laughed as a beagle confidently followed the wrong scent — or watched a determined dog proudly retrieve absolutely anything except what you wanted — will recognize the delightful comedy woven throughout these pages.

Photo by Forrest Fisher Hunting dogs or family pet dogs, each share in the fun and the success of the day at home or in the field.

Jarzynski reminds readers that dogs don’t worry about tomorrow’s headlines or yesterday’s mistakes. They live completely in the present. For humans who spend far too much time checking phones, calendars, and blood pressure readings, that’s a lesson worth chasing.

Even readers who’ve never carried a shotgun or followed a beagle through autumn briars will recognize themselves in these stories. They’re about friendship, family traditions, growing older, and discovering that the finest trophies are often measured not in game harvested but in memories shared.

There is unmistakable warmth and understanding in Jarzynski’s storytelling. It hits a chord of fond memories for myself. Like sitting around a campfire after a successful day in the field, each chapter invites readers to light focus, laugh a little, reflect a little, and perhaps remember a four-legged companion who left muddy paw prints on the floor(or the rug) — and permanent ones on the heart.

In the end, “Hunting Dogs & Lessons Learned” celebrates something every dog owner already knows: we train our dogs, but somehow they spend their entire lives quietly teaching us. And if they occasionally ignore our commands while pretending not to hear us…well, maybe that’s another lesson in humility. Look it up by title online. Very affordable.

Gotta love the outdoors

Outdoor Calendar:

July 10: 21st Annual Con Club Walleye Tournament in-person registration day, 4-7 p.m., 1 N. Mullet St., Dunkirk. For more info: email Chris at ncccwalleyederby@protonmail.com.

July 11: NRA High Power Rifle Match, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., East Aurora Fish & Game, 1018 Luther Road, East Aurora. Info: 716-652-5354.

July 11: Firecracker Shoot, Hanover Fish & Game, 125 sporting and 50 five-stand, register on “SCORECHASER;” 9 a.m. start time for shooting; chicken barbecue on site; Info: Matt Holtz, 716-912-2624.

July 12: Muzzleloader Shoot, West Falls Conservation, 55 Bridge St., West Falls, 10 a.m. start, lead projectiles only, $5 members/ $8 non-members, metal swinging targets. Info: 716-652-4650.

July 12: Ellington Rod and Gun, “Don’t Know Partner Trap League,” 1045 Hagerdon Hill Rd., Ellington; Info: 716-287-3987.