Bright eyes. Happy smile. Ben is loving his Spring walks. He trots alongside like he always has, but every Spring – out of the cold of winter and before the heat of summer – his step is high, like a young pup’s trot. His age is betrayed only by the white of his face.
I love taking my dogs on off-leash hikes. I heard about the trails and dog-friendly attitude of Hashawa, an environmental center/preserve in Westminster. A dear friend (and one of Molly's fav people) was in town visiting and we thought it would be a great idea to go. On a sunny but cool Spring Sunday morning, we took Molly (Ben was resting at home) on a hike with some other friends:
We were making our way from the trailhead (after a 5 mile loop) back to the parking lot and came across this scene. Just love the trail of footprints, Molly's swingy skippy walk and that golden carrying a stick, perhaps a souvie to commemorate the day?
A great time was had by all - the four-footed and two-footed. The varied terrain was nice - you walk thru the woods at different elevations, thru open meadows, across hilltops, creekside, on ridges overlooking the creeks, lakeside thru a marshy area. I missed Ben on this walk. I know he'll love it here. We'll return to Hashawa soon, doing a shorter loop that he can enjoy with us!
"I approve." That's that's what Moll's look said to me as we ventured into the yard for a dose of Springtime playtime. Today it will reach the mid-70s. When I let her out in the yard this morning she went to the foot of the hill and plunked herself down for a little sunning session.
We have been dogsitting my brother's husky, Shada. In our backyard, Shada enjoys freedom from his leash - at his home he is never without it when outdoors. And he very much enjoys it. He patrols the perimeter and after a few rounds he settles himself into a sunny spot and chills out. I think it's safe to say that Shada echoes Molly's sentiment, "I approve."
Oh, such a familiar view and comfortable sight. One that says home to me. I think Ben is the perfect-sized dog. His lovely head, just the right size, settling into my cupped hands. Home. Those white hairs overtaking the black hairs just a little more each day. Can I tell you I just adore those eyelashes?
Dogs make me feel grounded. The both feet on the ground-realistic-live in the moment-do not dwell- know what's important in life-kind of grounded. And I love 'em for it.
Despite the wind and rain, looks like the weekend will be pretty nice. Was thinking about joining some friends for an off-leash hike with the dogs this weekend... but Molly turned up with a gimpy rear leg late day yesterday. So rest for Molly. No frisbee or soccer action. No cavorting after squirrels in the backyard. Even dogzoomies in the living room. A little rest does plenty good.
