Dog Day Monday...

Today was all about the dog.

  Last week I found and picked up a book that moved me, touching my heart, reaching into my core and reminding me of all the love I receive each day. 

 The book is, "A Letter to My Dog" by Robin Layton.

The first letter had me in tears and I bought the book instantly.  While reading the letters and looking at the beautiful photographs I decided it was time to write my own letter.  There is a whole website full of letters and photographs.  I did publish my letter and photo there, but wanted to share it with the special people in my life.  So today, I tucked my letter and a photo of Spunky into the book and sent it to my Mom.  I hope it will inspire and uplift her as much as it did me.  I also hope she will follow my lead and write her own letter, tucking it and a photo within the pages of the book and pass it on.  It will be interesting to see where it goes.

You can visit the website HERE

So.  Feeling all mushy I decided that poor old Spunky Dog has been suffering way more than me for the past two months while I heal and recuperate from the plantar fasciitis from hell and then finally the surgery to fix things and seriously needed a day out.  Okay.  I needed a day out as well, but this day wasn't about me... 

Today was all about the dog.

Normally, when we want a day out, Spunky and I pack our backpacks and head out onto the footpaths and byways, gps in hand, walking just to walk, or trekking from geocache to geocache.  But I'm not allowed to walk.  An alternative was necessary.  So within my allowed boundaries I took Spunky dog out for the day.

We started the cold, windy but sunny day with a trip to the dog park.  Now, this isn't, strictly speaking, a dog park.  It is an enclosed heath where the forestry service lease grazing to sheep and ponies, but when it is not in use it is the ultimate in dog fun as an enclosed space full of bunnies, holes and open spaces.

Spunky knows it is time for "going' because I am putting my "Frankenboot" on...

 and I get the little "rub hair off on the carpet squiggle"

Patiently waiting for me to get my shtuff together and get the gate open

Oh snap!  Missed barking at the postman!

Running Free and simply enjoying the movement!

Camoflage!  You're doing it right!

My Spunky version of a Bev Doolittle painting!  :-D

From the dog park we took a drive to run errands.. okay errands may not be dog related, but this dogga 

simply loves to go!  Wanna go?!  are two of his most favorite words!

Enjoying the speed and the view!

After the post office we drove to our local Pets at Home, had a nice time shopping and checking out squeaky toys, picking out treats and getting advice about that pesky cat. 

Then.... MAGIC WINDOW!!!  

Spunky loves the drive thru.... doesn't matter who's or what, he knows that little que of cars and the scratchy speaker leads to a window where gorgeous smells waft out and food is handed over in neat little bags just for the dog.

Fresh air does wonders for the appetite!

After lunch we headed back to the dog park.  The wind was still blowing and the air was chill but the sun had come out and a second round of sniffing and digging and running did not go amiss!

By this time I was so very very cold....

Happy and hopefully a little bit worn out, Spunky willingly came back to the car for the trip home.

I am chilled to the bone, but both of us have a smile on our faces.

Best.  Day.  Evah.

Thanks Mom!!!

I know love.  I have a dog.

By the way... here is my letter to Spunky...

My Beloved White Shadow, Herald of the Momma, Walking Buddy, Geo-Dog, Protector Fierce, Spunky Dog,

You came into our lives to appease a 10 year old boy's desire to have a dog. Okay. I admit to have been wanting a dog too, but still... That boy chose you, that boy did his best to take care of and love on you. You, however had different ideas. Although you loved the boy, your soul was drawn elsewhere. Your heart recognized there was someone close by that was going to need you far more than that lovely boy ever would, so you became my white shadow.

From stable days when you would get excited the moment I put my “horse shoes” on, days spent roaming the desert, chasing jack rabbits (oh what would you have done if you ever actually caught one?) to walking days that started with pained lessons on how to walk on a lead, with Momma pooped after two miles. Onward to days of point to point geocaching and walking the entire Pedar's Way (although cooling our feet in the Northern Sea was a testament to my dog dragging capabilities, you have to admit the sea does have its amusements)... To the now, where I am injured and confined to hobbling recovery and you patiently wait for me to boot up and slowly make my way to the car, (okay, maybe not so patient what with the jumping and smiling and yipping) just for a lonesome run at the dog park. It was heart breaking to watch you get used to a new routine, looking back and then returning when I didn't follow you out onto the tracks across the heath. But you went because I asked you to, and somehow you learned to like it. (maybe a little too much!)

From little boys who were always under foot and ready to play with you to teenagers who locked themselves away in their rooms and had no interest at all. Into the days when those same boys began looking outward to the horizon, each opening their wings and flying into the big, wide world. You, my beloved shadow have been beside me the entire time. Always happy to see me. Always eager to please. Always ready to climb into my lap when I needed cuddles. Always ready to hit the trail and walk those blues away.

You warm my lap. You warm my heart. You lift my spirits when I realize how quiet my life has become. You are my strength. You are my humble reminder. You are my constant companion (although I really don't need your help going potty). You show me I can still laugh. You steal food then barf it up again. You close doors behind you. You readily show off every trick in your book (although your “dead dog” could use some work... hopping back up the instant you have rolled over isn't very dead-like). You bark to let me know there are intruders, and people on the street, and cats in the yard, and birds on the wall, and the postman, and the oil man, and to let me know there is sky. You finish my leftovers saving Bubba from the extra calories. You never let me skimp on my cardio. You clean my face, clean my wounds, you pet me back. You are the best dog that ever was. You patiently let me humanize you by putting words in your mouth. You put up with my incessant questioning of, “What'chyou want?”

Thank you, Spunky, for choosing me. I hadn't seen it at the time, but I needed you. Thank you for being there. Thank you for being you. Thank you for loving me with all your heart.

You have my solemn promise that I will ALWAYS be here for you.

Loving you with all my heart,

Momma