Most Sunday’s, over the past few years, I have enjoyed being outside in nature. The peace and solitude of being alone in the wilderness has always provided me an opportunity to reflect on life. So when two random dogs from the nearby lodge decided to follow me the other morning, I was introduced to a new and interesting dynamic to my Sunday morning commune with nature.
I am fortunate to be able to just strap on my snowshoes, head out from the cabin and travel into the wilderness. The other morning as I started out I heard some crashing in the woods. At first I thought it may be some of the recently sighted wildlife; wolf, moose, mountain goats, but then I heard a couple of woofs and two lodge dogs appeared. Seeing that I wasn’t a bear they stopped woofing and continued to follow me.
At first I was irritated, thinking that my solitude would be broken by the two noisy mutts bounding around. But then I accepted the fact that perhaps it would be good to have a dog or two on the trek as a precaution. There had been reports of some fresh cat tracks around the area. Dogs are sometimes referred to as ‘cougar bait’ in this part of the world … better than me becoming a main course!
Since I had no idea what the dogs’ names were I fell into using the usual nickname for them … to me I just refer to all dogs as ‘dogface’. So off we tromped over some beautifully fresh snow-covered terrain; me, white dogface and black dogface. For the most part they did their own thing, however they did seem to enjoy the trip with their boundless energy, snoofing into snow banks, and fearless curiosity.
Watching these two creatures enjoy the journey made me smile. I found myself feeling grateful for the opportunity to have had these unexpected companions show me another way a snowy terrain could be a wonderful playground for all to enjoy.
And would I ever invite some other dogfaces for a trek? Perhaps … but only after they had been trained to stop standing on the back of my snowshoes.
March 5, 2013
Hey – Humanface great to hear that you are finally appreciating the company of dogs. They put smiles on our faces, they do not judge, they hold no grudges, and the later you stay out the happier they are to see you. What is not to like?
March 5, 2013
Thanks Rick and say hi to Cody for me!
March 5, 2013
Hey! Great post! A walk is ALWAYS more fun (and funny!) with 1 or 2 dogs roaming around. They live IN THE MOMENT (something we all can do more of!!) They are great company, great entertainment, and it’s interested to see when/how/why their instincts kick in. I hope you have their company on more trips! You can alway use “Nutso 1” and “Nutso 2” as names 🙂
March 5, 2013
Carol this blog made me stop and think of Jenny & the many fun times I enjoyed with her before
she passed on. I enjoy reading your blog. Sorry I didn’t get a chance to see you back in Jan.
David
March 5, 2013
David – so sorry to hear about Jenny – I did like that ‘dogface’ … keep well.
March 5, 2013
Just think how fun it would be have a few grand kids out in the snow with you. I took 3 of ours to TO last weekend to see an Ice Festival at Bloor and Young. They loved the snow and the cold did not seem to bother them at all, but me I was frozen and my glasses were fogged. I think they would love to see the country side via your eyes Carol….. Great hearing your stories again from BC Carol, you really seem to shine in your element there. Talk soon.
March 6, 2013
What a great Grandpa story to share – thanks! Perhaps one day I may enjoy becoming a Grandma …