Some days I wonder why I thought 2 dogs were better than one. The extra demands, the extra attention, the extra training, and the extra effort along with considerations seem in some moments --- a stupid decision.
Then after a day of yard work, play, and walks, the 2 of them fall sound asleep next to me as I read a book on the couch.
And I know...
My blood pressure drops low, my heart rate slows, my heart fills with something warm.
The slow, quiet walk allows me more time to stop and look. There is no hurry. Charlie doesn't hurry when the weather is warm. He even asks for me to carry him so his short legs can take a rest [or he is tricking me into giving him a ride!].
Hannah bounds into quite a few photos that I try to take of the wild spring flowers. But she is learning that usually what I am looking at is nothing that is interesting enough to chew on, eat, or roll in.
Bellwort
Fern Curls
Jack in the Pulpit
Wild Ginger
The Crooked Kickapoo
Mayflowers
There is so much to look at on these out of the way trails.
The dogs get a drink and a dunk
in the foundation of an
old artesian well house.
in the foundation of an
old artesian well house.
Maybe the chaos isn't so bad.
It is keeping my mind busy and my body active.
Charlie goes to his side of the car and waits. I put him in his car seat and he settles down for a nap. Hannah tries to climb into the car too, she is ready to fall asleep in her crate.
When we get home the two dogs get up on the porch bench and watch me do yard work and hang out laundry.
I eventually join them on the bench and open my book on Hiking Wisconsin. I turn down pages of trails I am interested in and are labeled 'Dog Friendly'.
Maybe this two dog thing is really worth it.
Yes, going from one dog to two is a game changer. Just like adding children. Some days my daughter also questions her decision to add a puppy. Especially an anxious rescue one.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots!!
Oh thanks! Yes, rescues are different. Hannah was one, but she was 8 wks old when I got her.
DeleteI really miss my dogs, yes they are chaotic at times but they do bring peace to your heart.
ReplyDeleteThe Kickapoo looks a lot like the Medicine River which winds its way around our farm on 3 sides. Sometimes I go sit in the gazebo which overlooks the river and just watch, and listen to, the river flow. Sometimes there are ducks and geese to entertain me, and sometimes wildlife. I dont hike like you do, but nature brings me the same peace.
Thanks, I have the belief that pets be it a dog, cat, horse, cow, or even a snake enrich our lives and make us compassionate humans.
DeleteHmm. What about three dogs now? Maybe a big wolfhound, just to keep things interesting.
ReplyDeleteUm, no. Little dogs are fine, I've had big big dogs and prefer smaller in a tiny house!
DeleteBut that sounds fun...um sorta.
You are enriched by your pups! You enrich us with your pup tales.
ReplyDeletePets enrich our lives causing us to give out care and love.
DeleteLove your sleeping puppers and their Lego versions too. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteThanks, living the life and enjoying nature!
DeleteI think those two lovebugs will keep you young! They are such sweeties.
ReplyDeleteThey keep me on my toes!
DeleteYou bet....two dogs are worth it! They add so much to your life. Lori
ReplyDeletePets are incredibly important for the human spirit.
DeleteKay of Musings: Gosh Val… You are so very amazing. Your energy and determination is definitely keeping you healthy and young and I’m so in awe of you.
ReplyDeleteI have never owned a dog, have never wanted to, and I don’t feel my life has suffered one bit.
ReplyDeleteLOL. Perhaps because you are a traveler you don't need pets. I was brought up with a canine or cat companion all of my life and lived on working farms where the possibility of not having a pet was not even imaginable.
DeleteI don’t ever want to be dogless or catless! They are great companions even though they make for more work. RHill, TX
ReplyDeleteVery cute photos of the dogs and always enjoy reading about them. Enjoyed the nature shots, loved the shirt (I think this two-dog thing is very much worth it) and your last scene was a delight.
ReplyDeleteLD...I remember the early days with our border collie and it was beyond heck. He had been running the streets. Finally he was my close companion and I was willing to get up at four in the morning in a snow storm and walk him. He was the greatest creature.
ReplyDelete