Today started out with a bit of a nip in the air, but by the end of our walk I had removed my hat and was ready to start taking off my jacket. I have to balance out the time Simon and I spend hiking on leash with time for him to run free of his leash. Today was an off leash day. We walked along some paths in privately held land that allows for off leash dogs. Simon was super thrilled as we neared the water. This was no still lake or pond, but a gushing stream singing its siren song to Simon. He was in bliss and fortunately the air was not so cold as to form ice along his coat, which has been known to happen!
Simon picked up a number of scent trails as we moved along and when he does so, I always wonder what other creatures have been roaming around in the area. I often ask him if it is a coyote, deer, fox or even a mountain lion that he smells, yet he never responds. Simon is captured in the scent and never in a mood to share those secret smells with me. Occasionally, as his nose is leading him about, I call him back to me and reward him lavishly for his return.
Although we saw no coyote or deer today, Simon did spy a nice little red squirrel. He stopped, stared at the little guy and licked his lips. Gently, I reminded him to leave the little one alone. As he turned away from the squirrel, I could see his body relax and feel mine relax as well. Times like this make me recognize where our training has paid off, but also something more perhaps. It reminds me of our the connection we share and that is bliss for me.
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