I’ve followed and admired Dale Spartas, mostly as a fellow photographer but also as a hunting and fishing writer, since at least the mid-1990’s. His photographs and stories have appeared in most of the well-known outdoor magazines over the years.
Two years ago, I was driving a shuttle at a Spaniel field trial in Three Forks, Montana, and was asked to transport a gentleman back from the field to the parking lot. It turned out to be none other than Dale Spartas! Since then, we have become friends and occasionally see each other at dog training sessions put on by the Missouri Headwaters Gun Dog Club in southwest Montana.
Below is Dale’s review of my book, Follow The Yellow Line. I appreciate his kind words greatly…
I met Bill Brockett at a Springer and Cocker Spaniel field trial in Three Forks, Montana, 25 miles west of Bozeman. Bill told me about his book, so I bought a copy, read it cover to cover, and decided to write this review on “Follow The Yellow Line: A Memoir by Bill Brockett.”
This book is about Mr. Brockett’s close relationship with President Gerald Ford, the Ford family, and the Ford administration, fostered by his responsibility of caring for and training the Ford family’s dog, Liberty, a beautiful and biddable Golden Retriever. I deeply enjoyed the insights into President Ford and his family, who were kind, considerate, caring people and not the least bit haughty. Liberty was an excellent student who strongly bonded with the President, the Ford family, and Mr. Brockett.
There were also stories about the inner politics within the White House which were insightful. Mr. Brockett’s progression through the Armed Services into a spot within the White House was clearly defined and interesting.
I found this book a soothing salve and a pectoral as to the way things should be within the White House, led by a compassionate and contemplative yet powerful man. Compared to the mayhem and chaos of today’s White House, it instilled my faith in America and the American Way.
Dale Spartas
DCS Photo, Inc.
Bozeman, Montana