A Father-Daughter Bond

Ava Blattner, 7, holds her new puppy, Gunner, while her father, Drew Blattner, finishes his morning cup of coffee on Friday, Sept. 24 at their home in Oak Ridge, Mo.

Ava sits on Drew’s lap to control the steering wheel of a UTV they are driving on his parents’ farmland in Cape Girardeau county after checking in on the cows Tuesday, Sept. 21.

Drew lifts Ava over the fence while taking care of their farm animals in the evening of Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021 at their home in Oak Ridge, Mo. The whole family, including mother Ashley Blattner, work together to feed the dozens of animals on their farm.

Drew and Ava sandwich Gunner, their new puppy, Thursday, Sept. 23 at their home in Oak Ridge, Mo. Gunner is still learning not to jump on people and what personal space is.

Ava reaches for the arrow Drew held for her, while she strung her bow Thursday, Sept. 23 at their home in Oak Ridge, Mo. Drew hunts almost every day and she will occasionally join him. Ashley stays back with Gunner as she rarely takes part.

Ava releases an arrow while doing target practice before an evening hunt Thursday, Sept. 23 at their home in Oak Ridge, Mo. Drew told her during practice to wait and slow down, since she is quick to release an arrow.

Ava whispers to Drew to communicate during an evening hunt as to not spook any nearby prey Thursday, Sept. 23 just outside their property in Oak Ridge, Mo.

Drew and Ava walk into the wooded area near their property during an evening hunt Thursday, Sept. 23.