Hike Mates and Rescue Mutts
December 05, 2022
What’s in a hike?
C.K., their rescue mutts, and I packed and hiked at a nearby State Park. I had an annual State Parks pass. Having one is a good investment.
Using our maps, we decided to pack about 5 miles, taking our mutts. We packed food for us and the dogs, water, collapsible light dog bowls, and dog poop bags.
I carried about 10 lbs and used both hiking poles.
Rescues
Our dogs had sketchy first beginnings. All were neglected, abused, diseased, starved, over-bred.
Knowing my three legged, toothless, old lady mutt would struggle, I boarded her and she enjoyed some cushy time with a wonderful neighbor.
After lots of skilled veterinary work, good diet, grooming, patience and love, all mutts were loyal, glossy; good companions, and polite.
Hiking was good for dogs and humans. Humans rescuing dogs are angels.
Both human companions understood my limitations; mutts were happy sniffing exotic smells, experiencing nature. Both were well-behaved and had their tails up.
We decided for woodlands and some water; pavement if possible.
Tightening my lower pack belt we took off.
Migratory Hot Spot
This time of year, many birds migrate to the Gulf Coast to over winter. The water was a magnet for many birds. We were rewarded by seeing rare migrants calling other continents home.
Distraction
Birding is a good distraction from pain.
Mine.
Even though I tanked up on OTC meds, I could hardly get into my car; careful, slow walking was on my agenda. It was both a blessing to stop to let a dog sniff, and rearrange loads while resting.
I cinched the pack belt tighter. The pressure around my waist felt good.
We hiked for a few more miles then had to stop to water the dogs, as they seemed thirsty. K’s dog, Jewel, gulped water; so did my small mutt. Both carried their tails lower: they were getting tired.
We were able to finish the miles, but I was in pain and the dogs’ tails were down. If I had a tail, mine would be down too!
We went back to our cars and drove home, glad to have “civilization” near.
I rested my back with pillows in my own bed. Thad, the mutt, conked completely out in his.
It was a good start. Still, I have to wonder how I will do thousands of miles next September.
Macbeth
Then, I remembered my Shakespeare about how sleep “knits up the raveled sleeve of care.” Just before I too conked out.
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