Take a Hike

That's exactly what me and my PUs decided to do on Saturday when the sun began to shine and the thermometer topped off at over 50 degrees by early afternoon. We headed to one of our favorite local spots in the mountain called Cowans Gap. As Dad pulled into the parkin' lot I took note that the lake had a magical quality to it but I was too busy barkin' instructions on how to park to think much about it. I'll get back to the lake later.

Once out of the truck, we headed toward the other side of the lake. It was lookin' better and better all the time. This is the trail we found back in September and I was allowed to run free and untethered to a cumbersome 2 legger. My heart began to beat faster and my nostrils began to flare in anticipation of the impendin' freedom. As I saw Dad pull my electronic bling out of his pocket I very obediently sat while he slipped it onto my neck. I really don't mind this bling because rarely do my PUs need to push the attention getter button anymore because I have gained their trust in the return department. It's only for what they consider to be emergencies like eatin' wild poo or rollin' in aromatic dead carcasses. As much as I love to do that, I will forego those small pleasures just for the opportunity to run hither and yon to my heart's content.

Now this part is specifically aimed at you 2 leggers. Runnin', smellin' and investigatin' is what every dog should get the chance to do frequently. As much as I like the pleasantries of a comfortable abode, the chance to run freely the way my ancestors did creates brain activity and stimulation like no other enterprise I know. Let me show you the results of a recent scientific study:

Red line shows brain activity while on a normal walk tethered to a 2 legger.

Brain is engaged and interested but not what it is capable of.

In comparison, the brown line shows a dog unleashed.

I don't think I need to point out the difference between the two.

Still don't get it? I know, that was a little technical so maybe this will make it easier to understand. This is my wheaten colored Scottie friend, Rory B. Frock.
This first picture shows a typical day for Rory.

This picture shows a recent trip to a beach where he was
released on his own recognizance.

Now if you can't see the importance of allowin' your canine
to stretch his legs by the smile on Rory's face,

I'm done with you and you probably shouldn't have a dog anyway.

Now that I've hopefully shown you the importance of free range canines, I'll show you some pics from my outing. I've taken too much of your time already so I'll keep the rest of the narrative short.

Trail blazin'

Decidin' if I should wade in slowly or do a cannonball.

Come on in Mom, this stream is so cool'!!!

I didn't know what this was but I quickly

lost interest when it didn't show any sign of life.

Dad said it was a possum. R.I.P little possum.

As we continued on our merry way,

I learned that possums are experts at playin' dead.
I will remember that next time little possum.

A couple of deer lookin' for their evenin' meal.

Now I see why the lake looked magical. It was a huge ice cube.

If I didn't have to be back on this leash I woulda showed

you a double or triple axel. Maybe next time.

Mom and I bein' a couple of Ice Posers.
I was afraid the ice cube was gonna melt 'cuz I was lookin' so hot.

I am so glad my PUs both agree that I need to get out

and stretch my long, brown legs on a regular basis.

I can't imagine why when all I wanna do is sleep when I get home.

Well, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Monday is here and it's time for all you 2 leggers to stop

free rangin' and get tethered to your jobs.

Not to worry though, us dawgs will hold down the fort at home.

Chester ;0=)