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.

K. is a Rescue Angel

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.

C. and I with rescue mutt Thad.

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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