GOOD DOG -- Visitors who have chosen Fridays to visit the Olympia office of state Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, usually get a few "pointers" from a pro who has a good nose for what's going on.

Schoesler's front man is Ruger, a young vizsla pointer.

"I got him last fall and he was hunting with me at 7 months old," Schoesler said. "I couldn't have asked for more out of dog three years older.  He was just great.

"But my wife told me when I got him that I'd have to take him to Olympia with me. I leave the farm and live in a camp trailer while the Legislature is in session. My landlady loe dogs, so it works out.

"But I bring Ruger into the office every Friday. He meets constituents and keeps us grounded."