I asked Morris if he wanted to go for a walk. Such a silly question! Of course! He ran circles around me while I put my camera bag over my shoulder and my hiking boots on. It was a bit warm and humid so being near the creek and getting into the rocky ravine was nice and cool. Of course the water was nice and clear for a good drink.
Morris enjoys his 'rocky' kingdom and will spend time just nosing around or sitting with me on a rock.
I was actually pretty surprised that the bugs were not bad at all in the 'dry run'. It was nice enough to sit on a mossy rock and enjoy the sounds of the woods. Which we did of course. We also ate black caps and listened to a warbler. The breeze above sighed through the trees. It was a great hike. When we got back, I had to give Morris a bath. He also had 'spa' day. I trimmed his nails and groomed him. He loves being brushed with an equine curry comb. I must say, it does a great job too. I decided to give Dixie an outdoor bath. First we trimmed toe nails and she was very good about it. Then came the bath. I got wet, she got wet. But being the happy hound dog that she is, she took it all in stride and acted happy about it. I brushed her until she was dry then decided it would be nice to take a walk with her and let her run in the hay field on the ridge.
I thought I'd need a 'choke' collar as it had been a while since we practiced on a leash. But I was wrong, she never pulled or got silly. Belle, the spooky dog, followed us to the ridge so when I let Dixie off leash and told her to run and play. She did. Belle didn't know what to make of it at first. But I think she enjoyed it.
After a proper amount of play time, we headed back home and Belle followed close on our heels...just out of human touch. I feel badly for her knowing someone must have really beat the heck out of her for her to have such a fear of people, yet she is getting closer and closer. She is my shadow most of the time. After supper I went out and waited at the mule gate. Siera came trotting up along with Fred. I put Fred in an area with nice grass and took Siera out for a 'spin' bareback while hubby did chores. Then I spent some time with her, letting her graze while I groomed her...as the sun set. My day really had been complete. Hikes, dogs, grooming, baths ... all fun with animals.
I have no idea what was going on in HER pea-brained head on Sunday. SHE said, 'Morris, want to go for a walk?' Are you kidding me? Walk? Run? Eat rabbit pellets and 'water' everything I can find to make yellow snow? I'm like count me in! I did not however count on HER allowing Dixie to come along. I mean she is HUGE! She has to weigh at least 4 times as much as me. I weigh like 12 pounds. She is somewhere around that 40lb weight. She is a big lug. She has no idea how big she is. Seriously?
Come on. Would you want THIS to be charging at you in the snow? Well I had no idea that the snow was so deep. I had to snow swim if I went off HER and Dixie's trail. The snow was up to HER knees which is above my head. At least SHE waited for me and then gave me a lift when I asked for it. I mean...look at this face, could YOU refuse me? I don't think so!
We had a wonderful walk. SHE even took some video of us playing. Well, me trying to avoid Dixie and Dixie trying her best to annoy me. But I have to say. Dixie was very polite. She never chewed on me, she didn't knock me down, and she always asked permission to get close and in my face. I am so glad I trained her last year!
You never know when it is helpful to have a huge hound dog break trail for you. Besides, isn't she magnificent? I really think some dogs can fly! If only those ears were bigger!
Okay so this morning since all was quiet, I removed the baby gate and decided to see what would happen.
Morris is getting
better about being with Dixie in the same room. He used to growl and be
'owly' with her when I would carry him into the kitchen to let him out
the back door.
We use a cord that is attached to the house so the dogs
don't wander down to the mules paddock and get in trouble.
See Dixie won't cross the threshold?
Morris doesn't at first, but then decides to come to Dixie on his own. She reacts by laying on my lap [I was sitting on the floor] and acting submissive to Morris.
After I shot this,
I went to download it on the computer. Dixie quietly and cautiously
walked into the living room. I watched her out of the corner of my
eye. Morris was completely unconcerned and just watched her.
Dixie reached over
and carefully picked up one of Morris's squeaky toys and trotted into
the kitchen and went behind the kitchen table. Morris just watched.
Dixie dropped the toy in a corner and came over to me, wagging her whole body as if she'd just finished a covert operation.
