Hey ,
We got some crappy news about Flashlight this week. Due to some arthritis and a rabbit that has determined to keep coming back for more in our back yard, Flash has torn his CCL (like an ACL for dogs). Luckily, we have an option to treat with medication and some therapy right now. Unluckily, keeping a rambunctious, bunny-loving, 6-yr-old husky mix at bay (even when he's hurt) is not easy.
I've been letting him do as many "dog led" walks as possible, which are epically long, but super satisfying for the dog nose and nervous system. Turns out, their walks are more about gathering info, connecting through checking in with who's been there, what's going on, and how they fit into the mix of the outdoors. It's almost like their form of scrolling on social media without the ads, AI, and mindless content. Instead, they get pheromones, butterflies, and if they're lucky, another dog!
(It's not lost on me that we can also sub these things for social media. Keep reading and to see what I found on my recent walk.)
Our most recent walk included a bonus of not only the above mentioned bonuses, but also, the neighbor kids, including my favorite little red headed 3 yr old spitfire - we'll call her Maeve. Maeve is like fire in human form. Her hair is the color of hot coals. She is always proudly showing off a new scrape from a recent adventure and she has absolutely no fear. I'm enamored with her and she likes me because I'm "Flashlight's Mom."