Walking in the woods with dogs

 I love walking in the woods with my dogs. Seeing them move to and fro, the way they take in the sights and multitude of smells, the way they 'happy trot' down a path. Ever notice how quietly dogs tread through the woods? Minus the occasional stick snap they are almost completely silent making their way. I used to plod my way through trails... now I step lightly and slowly and deliberately. When you do that, when you become so very aware of everything... I am able to take in the sights of ferns unfurling, the shelf mushrooms and moss, the sounds of a trickling brook, and the leaves rustling overhead. And oh, the deep woods smells... a scent that I could never describe adequately... lush, a green carpet of moss, wet bark and pine needles. There is a great pleasure to be found walking in the woods with dogs.

Happy to be here

Getaways are good. We returned from a week at our favorite dog-centric destination, Glen Highland Farm’s Canine Country Getaway.

We visit the Farm at least twice a year, and have done so for 6 years. This year, my dogs are 13 and 12... Which means that each visit here carries a bit more sentiment than the last. Coming here with them is more meaningful beyond anything I could ever express in words. There's something about this place... I think it's a little bit magical.

A heartbeat at my feet

A heartbeat at my feet.

This marvelous boy celebrates his thirteenth birthday today!

My “old soul” pup... you can get lost in those eyes. There’s a comfort there.

I thank DOG for every day this one graces me with his presence.

Happy Birthday Ben!

April and youth

April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.

William Shakespeare

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.

Trail dogs at Hashawa

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.

"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."

It's all in the details.

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?