This spring on weekends with permitting weather we’ve been taking the dogs, Foster and Maggie, to a nearby park as soon as it opens for hikes and runs. There’s a few nice trails through the woods and there’s seldom anyone at the park for the first few hours. Maggie is always out front covering more distance then probably the other three of us combined. She runs ahead on the path to explore and then runs back to make sure we’re okay and still coming. I usually follow Maggie and then Foster likes to follow me. Bonnie will usually follow and keep an eye on Foster.
During these park visits we’re able to allow Foster and Maggie off their leashes. This is a big treat for them because on their regular morning walks in our neighborhood I have to keep them leashed.
They love visiting the park so much they’ve gotten so they stop at the back of my mini-SUV and give me the “Can we go?” look when I take them out each morning.
It’s funny how easy routines become established. I guess we’re all creatures of habit.
Both our dogs are rescue dogs. Foster is the short guy and is part Basset Hound — he’s the one with seizures. Maggie’s the taller dog and we think she is part Greyhound or Whippet — she runs like a deer. Their coloring being so closely the same is a coincidence.
I just noticed the harness Maggie’s wearing and my dark glasses could make it seem she was my seeing eye dog. That could certainly explain those really bad shots I take sometimes.
“I just noticed the harness Maggie’s wearing and my dark glasses could make it seem she was my seeing eye dog. That could certainly explain those really bad shots I take sometimes.” LOL!!!
Great excuse, Earl. :) A really nice post. I’m sure that they get a really big kick out of going exploring. I know Hobbs likes it to and I’ve not done it in a while. Hobbs is lucky, in reading your post, I’m going to take him exploring this weekend, Saturday morning to the park down the street. Hi, Bonnie!
Yes, Maggie especially loves to run free. She seldom stops for longer then it takes her to check on us. Foster likes it too but he’s got one speed…slow. :-)
I can’t tel who’s having more fun here – you or the dogs. Very nice shots.
Ken, thanks. True…we all enjoy it.
Well, if those dark glasses are your secret, I want to know where I can get a pair!
The photos of the dogs are a welcome treat and their matching coats is a fun coincence. Animals pick up on routines so quickly, don’t they? In the top picture, Maggie seems to be saying, “When do get on with it? Enough with the camera stuff.”
Anita, yes, you noticed me tightly gripping Maggie’s harness. She can’t stand still long and was certainly wanting to be off again down the trail.
Oh, there’s no secret…I can make bad photos effortlessly. ;-)
A blind photographer? I’m not going to accept that one either. LOL I like the routines/rituals that are in my life and consider them essential. Some of my worst days can be those days when I change my routines and find things out of sorts.
Monte, you might be nearer convinced as to my lack of “vision” on occasion if I showed you some of my really, really bad photos! ;-)
I also feel more at peace when doing routine things I’m comfortable with.
Thanks!
Doesn’t having those “really” bad photos, and admitting to them, mean a sign we’re getting better at this? :-)
I can only hope you’re right, Monte, and that hope is what keeps us making photos isn’t it.
A fine picture of you and the dogs ready for a run through the woods. It sounds like such fun. Dogs really know how to enjoy themselves when given “no leash” freedom.
Beautiful dogs Earl. Your comments about Maggie bring back memories for me of our previous malamute when we would take her for similar walks. She would run off ahead, and often come back to check where we were. Sometimes we would play a game with her where I would hide behind a tree to see how long it took her to notice. She would come running back trying to find me. Good memories and a reminder of how much I miss her.
Dogs rule!
That’s a wonderful set of photographs – they are filled with happiness and joy! Whenever I have the time I go for an early walk in the park, it’s the best start to the day and it not only invigorates but it is also so good for the soul. Thanks for sharing those great images!
Awesome! It’s also getting very warm here where I live and I’ve been hiking with my dogs a lot lately. Although he’s a bit out of shape from not really doing much this winter time, we’re slowly working our way to 10miles and eventually a 16miler this fall when the weather is just right and the fall leaves in Shenandoah’s are turning.
I’m glad I found this website, I enjoyed your photos very much.
Welcome and I hope you’ll return often. I’ll certainly pay visits to you photoblog as well.
Your Bulldog “Tito” is beautiful and certainly a big guy — a lot of muscle there. Foster could never be a hiking dog…those short legs could never do any real mileage. He’d want to stop every half a mile and take a nap. However, Maggie is full of energy and fleet of foot. The only thing I’d worry about her is could she stand up to the wear and tear long term.