Big A and I celebrated my dad's birthday today by going on a long hike in Sleepy Hollow State Park with my colleague friends and their families.
The other doggies were off leash, and Max started to protest-cry about that, so we decided to try taking his leash off. We did so with great trepidation, but Max did so great!
He'd frolic a bit up the path then loop back to check in on us and then weave his way up and then back again. In this way, he must have done twice the number of miles we did. Huck was content to trot on at our usual pace with brief pauses to "smell the news."
Pic: An incline in the woods.
12 comments:
I feel like there is a good life lesson there about letting people go at their own pace. I needed that reminder; I can tend to rush people (emotionally) rather than trusting that they’ll figure out their way.
Hooray for a day of outdoor movement, Big A being healthy enough to join, and colleagues you want to see outside of work. Happiest of birthdays to your darling dad! ❤️
-Steph
That is a great way to celebrate your dad! It looked like a beautiful hike!
What a pretty place for a hike. I'm glad Max had a chance to earn your trust and his own independence among friends in such a sylvan spot.
I remember being very nervous the first time I let my dogs off leash - and of course, they did great! Good job Max!
Enjoy.
Thank you, Steph...
I really can't imagine you rushing people, but that is a good lesson.
It felt like I hadn't been in a forest forever, and forest-bathing felt so good.
"Earning my trust"--Thanks, Nance; I like that. Someone called it "earning his freedom" yesterday, and I did not like the sound of that.
Nicole, it seemed like he was learning from the more experienced dogs on the trail... It's impressive. I'm a fan.
Thank you, Gillian!
Off topic, but I am so taken with the name of the park. I'd be expecting to encounter Ichabod Crane at every turn.
What a lovely walk! I could never trust Mulder off leash, we were never able to cure him of jumping up on people. He would jump on someone coming the other way in his excitement and break their leg or something. There’s something to be said about knowing your dog!
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