Sunday, January 14, 2007

Going to the Dogs

We quite literally went to the dogs last Thursday.

Cuppa and I go for a walk on most days, or at least we intend to. We have also intended on taking Molly with us one day. She's our neighbours' beautiful, gentle and sweet Golden Retriever. Said neighbours are a little older than us and while not even nearly housebound*, you understand, they are not quite as mobile as we are and not always able to give Molly a total doggie workout. On Thursday, our two intentions — to walk daily and to sometimes bring Molly along — finally dovetailed, and off we set on a little adventure. It was actually quite an adventure for Molly.

You see, twice recently, we had passed a group of people and their dogs in a local, fenced-in ballpark. We had seen the dogs romping about in great delight while their owners gazed on fondly from the sidelines, chatting amiably with one another. We thought that Molly would love it; opportunities to run freely in these town confines are scarce after all. And so we set off, we three. Cuppa and I were welcomed by the humans while Molly was greeted enthusiastically by her fellow canines.

Including Molly, there were six pooches there that day, and I managed to get them all in the frame below, not necessarily as easy as it seems with six dogs gadding about madly in all directions. Anyway, that's Molly lying down in the left foreground and Goliath [sic] between the two humans. In the background from left to right are Porter, Henry, Eddie, and Missy, although I may have mixed Henry and Eddie up.

Molly in Park 1

Photos to the contrary, Molly did a lot of running that day, certainly more than she is used to, so she did have to take several rests, rolling in and munching on what little snow there was. Although all of the dogs were young and neutered, the Airdales were randy and boisterous fellows, seemingly quite intent on having their way with that gorgeous blond. But Molly acquitted herself very well and wasn't intimidated in the least.

Molly in Park 2

We three departed in a happy state, Molly because she had so much fun being a dog, and us because it was pure joy to watch her having so much fun being a dog.

Molly in Park 3

I am told that she slept very well that night.

Molly in Park 4

*In fact, I can barely keep up with their hectic pace.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love the pics and what a good neigbor you are to give Molly her daily bit of fun and exercise. It is a great idea that I may pass along to my daughter if she wants to help some of her friends out.

Anonymous said...

How nice of you to do that for Molly and her owners. I'm sure it's a treat she looks forward to. I take our neighbor dog, Keeper, walking on a regular basis. We go down to a park by the river. There are no other dogs to play with, but there are sticks to fetch and tennis balls to run after. Such fun we have.

Anonymous said...

You are the best kind of neighbors, so thoughtful. And what fun for you and Molly (she looks a bit like our late "Beezie".) I like the photos, they tell a nice story.

Anonymous said...

There is nothing like the adventure of an unleashed dog park, especially for the big dogs. My Coco is too shy for such an adventure, but my previous tough little Lhasa Apso loved these parks. She had no idea that she was considered a small dog and had no fear of the big guys. I still smile when I remember.

Debra said...

You always have the most terrific pictures of dogs here.... Thanks for sharing them and your days with us! Blessings, Debra

Kila said...

Beautiful dog! Looks like a good time.

I like your site's new look!

Ginnie said...

I love the picture where Molly is completely ignoring the "big bad" doggie. She seems to be saying; "I'm way above all this silliness".

Tim Rice said...

Sounds like you and the dogs were having some good fun!

Anonymous said...

Goldens are just the dearest dogs. Molly looks so much like our Chowder (gone now 2 years). Gosh this brought back happy memories. She's a lucky pup to have you and Cuppa next door. What a sweet post.

Anonymous said...

Lucky dog!

Anonymous said...

What a great idea! Daughter and I stood out in the 71 degree weather here yesterday afternoon and chatted with our neighbor while watching the play with her 3 dogs...they are a show all by themselves! Looks like you and this dog had a great time!!

Gina said...

How fun for all! Except, perhaps, the rejected Airedales!

And, I'm reeling that you have baseball fields up in Canada! ;)

methatiam said...

Great picts, as always.

oshee said...

What a beautiful dog. It sounds like it was a great day. I've wondered why you don't have a pet of your own. You and Cuppa both seem to fully enjoy their company.

Anvilcloud said...

Gina: of course we have baseball fields. It's warm enough to use them from July 1 to July 15. :)

Oshee: we have a cat. While he was originally obtained by daughter, he lives with us.

Valerie - Still Riding Forward said...

I love it that you enjoy the nice dog from next door. My girl loves people and is very mellow. I would love to have someone to take her out for a run sometimes.

What a nice post!

Anonymous said...

Great pictures.

I'm always amazed at how good humans feel after an outing with dogs. We can't experience the joy they have in running and wallowing in the ground, but we feel spiritually in tune with them.