Every once in a while, I’m reminded that no matter how hard you try and protect your pets, to do what’s best for them, dogs will still be dogs.
Take Sampson. Despite the fact that he’s had a partial CCL tear for 18 months, there are still days where he has that hitch in his giddyap. If he sees a squirrel or a cat on our walks, he can get to jumping and lunging around. That’s when I rein him in.
As much as I want to protect him, and keep him as comfortable as I can, there are days, when he just gets away from me.
Like yesterday. Delilah was at the door to go potty. I was sitting on the couch, trying to determine what I was going to post today.
Suddenly, there was a ruckus at the door, and I distinctly heard the sound of dogs bolting out the door. That’s dogs….like plural. Two dogs. Not just one. Two.
It took a minute for my brain to register, but when it did, I jumped up almost as quickly as they had bolted out the door.
And there, way up in the back of the yard, was Sampson! He went out the door, down the stairs, and up the fence line!
When he got back to the stairs, he looked at me, and I was totally prepared to help him up the steps, but then he gave me that look, and climbed stoically up the steps, then darted into the house and tried to initiate a wrestling session with Delilah!
At first I was ticked at myself for leaving the door open, but he was so proud and happy with himself, that I couldn’t help but share in that with him.
It’s not often that he gets the opportunity to cut loose, so those moments should be treasured.
The smile says it all.
Such a handsome pup!
Now THERE’S that smile we all know and love!!! 💜 I miss that “Butter!”
Awww, must have had a second wind that day. Yeah, just go with it. 🙂
I always celebrate when I see Abby and/or Holly play with the younger collies. Those are moments I treasure, as seniors exhibit joyful abandon on such rare occasions. I’m glad you got to see your boy cut loose and have fun!
Our kids will be kids and our dogs will be dogs, We can just pick up any pieces that break
Oh he is sooooooooooooo proud!!!! That is one GREAT shot too!
It’s no fun living life wrapped in bubble wrap. Yes, one needs to be careful and not go wild all the time, but now and then it is good to let loose, and if you get hurt again, it may have been worth it. I’d rather get hurt capturing a wabbit than sitting on my bed in safety all day. It’s hard to see us furry ones get injured, but it is part of life and a consequence of fun sometimes. So happy they had a little chase. I bet they were both smiling!
Sometimes a dog boy’s got to do what a dog boy’s got to do! And that is such a great photo!
Yes, that happy face says it all. This is something I struggle with a lot – the balance between letting our dogs be happy dogs, and keeping them safe (I plan to write about it at some point). We let Luke do more than we probably should with his bad knees, but I just want him to enjoy life (where he’s much younger that makes a difference too).
Sometimes you just have to let them do their thing.
Even with the start of arthritis in the lumbar region of her spine and in her one hip – in addition to the arthritis in both elbows and one wrist – Shadow still wants to run after her tennis ball and ChuckIt! ball at least once every time we come outside. I don’t have the heart to say no. I help her navigate the three steps to the room downstairs, but she wants to go up by herself.
Isn’t it fun to see that your mature gentleman still has puppy hiding inside?
Bravvvo, dear Sampson. Us dog mums get emotional when you guys outdo yourself. Keep up the good work buddy making her smile at your smiles!
It is so hard to keep them still when they just want to go. I’m glad that Sampson enjoyed himself so much–even if it did cause you a moment of panic 😉