So Beautiful to Me

It's sometimes hard to think about the fact that I didn't like this dog very much. I never thought she would have my heart the way she does...she was such a naughty and frustrating puppy. I still remember giving her commands and her giving me that side-long glance that basically was her way of saying that no, she would be doing exactly as she damn well pleased. But we're both older and wiser now...

I'm always amazed at my own ability to communicate with animals. Maybe it's because I feel so lacking in my efforts at human interaction. I've impressed many a friend on the trail with my ability to know what Mabel is chasing based strictly on her body language. Tennis ball, golf ball, lizard, canine friends, unknown dogs, runny babbit, cat, rat, coyote or deer all have a different tell.

Two days ago, we went out a bit too early and had a rather hot hike. Mabel Lou and I had been hiking for an hour and were on the last hill top before the car. I saw our Rottie pup friend Otto entering from the levy and I could see our pals Hank & Sue had parked in front of us. There was a time we would have turned and went back for another round...just to be outside with friends. 

I told Mabel, "Otto, Hank and Sue are here... do you want to go back in??" 

She stood there looking around as if debating. I've never seen her do this. Normally, she would have simply trotted right back up the trail. 

So I asked her, "Do you want to go home?" 

She headed for the car.

 

But just yesterday, Hank & Sue decided we should pond... we haven't been going as it's cooler now. Plus we have to cross the stream up to knee deep in several places there and ... the water is cold to the two-leggers! And there is no close parking... we have to cross a busy four lane street with no crosswalk or park on the dark side, walk under the bridge and climb a steep hill to get in now. It makes for a long hike! Still Mabel was running and playing like a young pup!

We were finished with the pond when our pal Otto showed up.  His brother Bart had some medical tests done and we wanted to catch up on all the news. I asked Mabel if she wanted to loop with Otto on the dark side. She knows this is a long walk!  And she turned and trotted up the hill after him. A DOUBLE walkie!  She kept up, chased a coyote smell with Otto and was even in the lead a bit!

I just love this girl so. She makes me smile every day.