Mike had a searching, inquiring mind which I had experienced somewhat at the Flatwater gatherings and on short trips for Prairie Chickens in eastern Nebraska. This past season we got together in the sandhills and I was fortunate to get to know him a good bit better while thoroughly enjoying Mocha's travels down the road to becoming a world-wise hunting companion. That's an exciting time to be around a dog in its development, witnessing its victories and disasters, more so to share in Mike's joy as the events unfolded right in front of us. Small events in the overall life of the man, I am grateful to have been there with him, sad that he has been taken from among us.