A Walk With Wendy

A cold, cloudy day where gloves are needed when out for any length of time.  The bird feeders are busy with visits from the chickadees, cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, and whatever else stops by for an easy meal.

We got a late start getting the dogs walked this morning.  At the very back of the pack was Wendy who unexpectedly decided she wanted to come along with us.  Because of her arthritis, she very rarely goes on walks with us anymore,.  Instead Wendy tools around the yard and will roll in the grass or just soak up an incredible world of scents that I will never know.  Eventually she'll go back to the house to wait for us to return. Carl and the other dogs were a little ahead of us, so I waited for Wendy who will sometimes decide to wander off in another direction.  At more than 14 years old, and having been with us the longest, she is the matriarch of the pack.  Because of her position, I really believe that Wendy feels that she is my equal.  Yes, she's indeed right about that.  This may explain why she pretty much goes where she wants to, does as she pleases, and returns to us when she's ready.

I found that this morning was a rare, special time with just the two of us.  She and I don't have many walks alone these days.  Several times, she stopped for a moment to rest.  I told her to take her time, and as she always does, she looked at me like she totally understands what I've said to her.  After all of our years together, I think she does.  Too soon our walk was over and we were back home.  A brief time to spend with my old friend, but such a special time, and one that we both needed. 

~Wendy in November~