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If you ask Sparky, he will tell you, and his answer will be similar to that of most other dogs. 1. Be with me; 2. Do something with me; 3. Feed me. Dogs are more dependent on us than we are on them. Especially for companionship and entertainment. Sparky is now my #1 hiking buddy. No one since Emmylou has shown that level of enthusiasm for the trail. And being a young, goofy, boy dog, he shows his enthusiasm even more.
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We did another 2 hour hike today. That's enough to tire him out, and more than enough for me. Of course he covers more ground than I do, although he's getting a lot better on the leash.
Sparky has developed a beautiful, sleek, shiny coat this spring. Black on top, some brown underneath.
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We didn't encounter anyone on the trail today, and we usually don't, so we haven't really had much opportunity to work on social skills. I'm not sure Sparky has any. I need to try him with some other dogs again and other people too. He will let me do anything to him, but I don't think he extends that privilege to everyone.
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The weather was beautiful today, just perfect. The air is full of pollen and the woods are full to ticks, but even that couldn't detract from a picture pefect day.
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1 comment:
Sometimes the loss of one dog gives another dog a chance to blossom, to become your new best hiking buddy. And there's nothing quite like the joie de vivre of a young rottie!
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