Saturday, Good. Good, I like Saturdays."But now and then there are Saturdays. Big temporal tipping points where anything is possible." - The Eleventh Doctor And that’s exactly what that Saturday was; the big temporal type. This past October I had an adventure and this is it’s tale. I had been working 6 days a week and feeling exhausted and empty in life. My anxieties kept me wound with no real time to breathe. Work life was becoming more than overwhelming and hard to stand for a multitude of reasons that are too much to share for they’re not all mine to share. It had become an extremely toxic place full of bullying, belittling and gaslighted conversations had in hushed anger. I was finding myself breaking down alone in my car a lot. Crying on my way home and trying to swallow my anger. I was losing myself and wasn’t sure how much longer I could contain it. I had booked time off months in advance knowing things were building and I would need it, without any real idea of what I was going to do. A last minute decision brought me north. With how tightly I had been holding onto myself it only seemed right to let go of everything and fall into something new and let the unfamiliar take me somewhere I could grow. Northern Ontario is one of those places I can never forget. I’ve been a few times and each one took my breath away. I often think back to it’s beauty and wish I was there again. So I said, ‘Why not?”. Really the only thing stopping me was my fear. It was my fear that also held me in that job I was trying to escape. This was a step in the right direction and I could feel everything both pushing and pulling me there. Who was I to fight it? day oneThat fateful Saturday I packed up the SUV and headed north, running out the door, Bandit underarm yelling ‘We’re going on an adventure!’ to no one in particular. Like that I let go of my life and set off into another one. One where the only thing that mattered was my dog and I. A weekend of discovery and laughter. Where time stands still allowing us to weave through it’s ripples and stand on the edges of lakes in the rain and in the depths of the forest letting our feet sink within the moss listening for deer and the wind to call us back into mother nature's embrace. Maybe some panting and snorts from a smiling pug looking up at me from his dog carrier. Probably a little more of me chasing him down trails afraid he might slip and hurt himself. Senior or not, trying to catch a pug on the run is not easy. They are fast and very dodgy. Like little old men or angry little dwarves on a mission to some far off mountain. Only snacks are their golden treasure. Back to the story at hand. I had originally thought of Algonquin to be our destination but all the campsites were packed with only a few open sites. Now, my ultimate goal when in public is to have the least amount of social interaction as possible so you can easily see why we had to find another place. After searching through the various parks within a 3 hour radius we came to land on Oastler Provincial Park. Like dropping a pin on a map and there it was waiting for me. There's no need to rush and push for attention, fate will bring you where you need to be if you open your heart and look. Site number 134 sat snug high above the shoreline in the radio-free section. No electricity and a hole in the ground outhouse were all the amenities I needed. Although, I will say that outhouses just make me think of old scary movies with bad special effects, kinda creepy, horrible smell, just get in and get out as fast as possible and hope you don’t get murdered in the process. I’d rather pee in a bush. The site itself was small and cute with just the right amount of space for a girl and her pug. I was pleased that I remembered how to set up my tent and it wasn’t long before we had everything settled, full bellies and were ready for our first trail. Rugged Trail. Parry Sound.Rugged Trail was about 15 minutes from the park, with a Tim Hortons conveniently on route. It's a little hard to find as it's behind the massive building sized pile of salt leaving you with an odd sensation standing at it’s threshold. The lake to your left, the salt behind you, the wind blowing wildly and all you hear is the tarps flapping about leaving the taste of salt in your mouth. It was the perfect first stop to waken me. I imagine the Rugged trail as full immersion. The trail itself is narrow and hard to distinguish from everything around you. I often found myself standing there wondering what way I had come and having to backtrack after hitting a dead-end. The trail mostly follows the shoreline weaving you through the rocks and forest canopy, crossing small streams and hoping stone to stone across wider currents. The path does eventually open up bit and becomes more defined once you’re a half hour or so in. It’s hard to say because we stopped a few times on the various points to sit and watch the water and distant shore. This trail is not for the faint of heart, it’s very rugged as the name warns and for an active soul. I saw a few people out with their dogs, I really don't know how they managed. There are a lot of staggered boulders and low branches and bushes with a lot to scale and climb. For people? It's fantastic but dogs? Enter at your own risk. Coming from a veterinary standpoint, I see too many possible injuries. Then again anything can happen anywhere, so does it really matter? If Bandit was still able to walk full hikes on his own I would have still carried him. He would have definitely hurt himself or at the very least wiped out a few times. Since discovering the joys of being carried in a dog backpack he’s perfectly content to just hang there while I do all the work. Nature is our happy place and he still loves exploring with me. Maybe he just loves being with me in general. Maybe a little of both. I feel I’ve left out a vital fact: Why am I carrying Bandit everywhere? Unfortunately he is getting to be quite the elderly little wizard of a man and with that comes an arched little back with a wide stance to compensate his awkwardness. His spinal arthritis has left him unable to adventure a hard as he used to. He can still do his daily activities but he’s weak and falls a lot. He’s become quite floppy. Smile always on of course. Never a sad complaint or a hint of slowing down. So he has a front carrying dog backpack. He loves it. He gets so excited when I pull it out for him, zooms about and spins in circles until I catch him. Yes, I look crazy. Maybe I am. Maybe by your standards, not by mine. Just me alone in the middle of the forest carrying my dog around, climbing over rocks and fallen trees, talking and laughing with him (I almost wiped out a few times with him in the muddy areas and what else can you do but laugh at how ridiculous you must look to a stranger). Overall, I loved this trail I just wish I had more endurance and was able to go farther but carrying a 20lb dog and a backpack with the essentials is exhausting and sweaty. day two: Oastler Lake Provincial ParkNorthern Ontario in October is the definition of a crisp autumnal chill. It’s the weather that leaves you craving a good book and cozy reading nook, maybe a mug of tea or hot chocolate to keep you warm. So yes it was cold. Our first night it rained. We were cozy enough inside our tent only our noses were left cold outside all of the layers. Two nights were enough, I would’ve wanted a cabin if we were to stay longer. If only we could have. Reality is bruising jerk compared to the soothing calls of a vacation. That’s life I guess. Oastler Provincial Park is nice enough, the view from our site was exactly what we were looking for, some might complain about the railway across the street but I live next to a dog kennel so I can sleep through most things. My only concern for you to consider is that there are no trails in the park, you do need to drive everywhere. That didn't bother me much either. We dedicated our entire second day to Killbear Provincial Park - another last minute decision. It took us about a half hour to get there. Twin Points trail: KillBear Provincial ParkKillbear was breathtaking. We started with the Twin Points Trail. This trail starts boring, so much so I almost turned back, but I thought to myself “You’re here and who knows when you will be again.”. So we pushed on until it opened out onto the rocks with views that inspired some of Canada's most famous artists. It was like a sign I was in the right place, art history was my life when I was a teenager and here I was standing in a living Group of Seven. I’d never felt so grounded, ironic since we were at risk of blowing away. They say when you're looking for happiness in your life it’s best to look back and remember the last time you truly were. It’s unfortunate to say that for most of us it was when we were young. Living out loud, running through the streets with our friends, stomping through creeks and collecting toads. For me I think it was when I was buried in my artwork, or when I was roaming the brush with my shepherds. Photography is my medium, both worlds of art and nature brought together and that moment at KIllbear was the seal, the final nod from the universe to say this is what you’re looking for, the vision of Obiwan Kanobi telling me to trust the force. I am Radagast the brown. Anyway, this trail was a dream. I laughed the entire time. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face and my little champ of champs walked nearly this entire trail by himself. I carried him, of course, on the rocks. They were very slippery and it was beyond windy. Oh his little rain coat flappy aroud. It was a priceless day. We made our way out and finished with lunch on the shore at the day use area. lookout point trail: killbear provincial parkOur next stop was Lookout Point Trail on the other end of the park. Bandit walked the beginning of this trail which dealt a lot of beautiful boardwalk through moss infused hardwoods and swampy areas, There were quite a few people on this trail which was not my favourite, but hiking people are generally good people, but there were children... Trust the person who’d rather venture to the middle of nowhere distant lake than the person who’d rather be in the middle of the city. As you may have guessed this trail has a lookout point. It actually brings you around to a sloping cliff that overlooks Gregorian Bay. If you want one view for your trip this will be it. We sat here a while watching the distance and clouds rolling through. PS: Don't buy boots from Ardenes, buy the xpensive ones made for hiking. A strong lesson learned. Day ThreeOur second night was a bit unnerving as we were the only ones left at our end of the park. You can think you’re a brave person all you want until you’re alone in the woods in the dead of night with only the moon to light everything around you. Our bathroom breaks to the creepy old outhouse were kept short and sparse as we huddled inside out little tent with a good book to distract my overactive imagination. Bandit could care less. He was out cold the moment he laid down. Day three brought our most peaceful morning with no sounds but us. We ate our breakfast and packed up before heading out for our final adventure before going home. Seguin fallsNow, Seguin falls was an adventure all its own. We got lost on the way, to be fair, google maps took us to a bridge that was closed and we had to backtrack. It was a very beautiful yet unsettling backwoods vibe. I’d probably still live there. The old ghost towns on Old Nipissing Road are what brought us here but it was very last minute and the trail was very… unstable. The bridge was frightening with barricades and holes in it, the trail that followed looked very rained out so we opted to head back and try a different trail. To be honest, the fact that there were ghost towns somewhere nearby left me very creeped out, I also didn’t really understand where they were. All for the better because it brought us to the other end of the Seguin Falls Trail on Lake Manitouwaba. This was a very quiet lonesome trail. It started to rain when we got there, luckily I had our rain coats. The rain made for a serene scene on the lake and it only last maybe ten minutes. This was my favourite spot. It was our last spot before heading home. Old Nipissing RoadLake ManitouwabaThe drive around this area was stunning. It felt like I was in TVD or some other teen drama centered in small towns perpetually stuck in autumnal weather and colours. I kept waiting for mysterious strangers to appear. At one point while I was driving a massive black raven landed on the road right in my path causing me to come to a complete stop. We sat there staring at each other for a minute before he flew off. It was an odd moment and you bet I looked up what it could mean. I found that the raven, like all birds, is a messenger. He asks us to look within for the answers needed to bring the changes we seek. A few common meanings include: courage, self-knowledge, healing, rebirth/renewal, change in consciousness, transformation of difficulties into blessings and of course magic! If that's not a sign I don't know what is. As if to that didn't drive it all home... while I was lost driving down random dirt roads a new job called me for an interview. It rang through my car with the clinics name on the caller ID, but I didn't answer in case the call got dropped. Instead, I waited till I got home. I ended up getting that job! It's interesting that when I finally stopped thinking and worrying that that's when I was delivered the answer I was looking for. I think sometimes we end up in places that are wrong for us so we can better appreciate the places that are right. Sometimes we just need to let go and allow ourselves to take up space, to breathe and just be for a few moments. Life has a way of working things out for you and bringing you what you need when you need it, not necessarily when you 'think' you need it. So pay attention and stay present. Not everything is forever, the good or the bad. Sometimes it's just a long weekend lost in the woods with you're munchkin sidekick. -N Camping essentials
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The Eleventh hourBandit's basically a 60 year old man now. Interestingly enough, twice as old as I am. In so many ways we are two halves of one beaming little soul. A Pisces and a Scorpio forever wound and intertwined through time. On October 23 of this year this wee Bandit of everyone's heart turned 11. Such a powerful number. He has become a powerful little beacon of hope and perseverance for anyone who knows him. His spinal arthritis, at it's most basic of explanations, has been trying to bring him down but he has not stopped or slowed down in the slightest. In fact it's making him faster, which is stressful! He runs everywhere(it is less painful/uncomfortable for him to run than walk). Insert me trying to catch him in the hallway because he has no brakes and all I want to do is go to the bathroom before I pee my pants but he needs to be with me or he'll continue to run around like a mad man looking for me. Thus, the little Ricky Bobby needs to be caught first. Back to his inspirational presence. Bandit literally falls all the time(no brakes) and gets right back up, smile and all. If that's not the best metaphor for life I don't know what is. We celebrated all month long with random presents and A LOT of treats! Oh! And a photoshoot of course. I live for a nice photo of my dog. - N bandit's Giftsautumn sunOn this particular Sunday Funday we decided to take a little stroll through a golden park of fallen leaves. The morning sun warm enough to bring just the littlest bead of sweat to your nape despite the chill wind rustling through the fiery layer of crunch beneath us. The suitably named Fireman’s Park in Niagara Falls is only about a ten minute drive for us but it's not a place we go often. While it has trails they seem to always be occupied by running clubs. One runner sure, fine. But a mob... not for me. It's a very picturesque landscape with the most perfect fall trees and a crystal still pond, hence the multiple photographers there with families for photo shoots. Very annoying. They kept giving us dirty looks and when we finally found a nice place away from them to relax and enjoy the scenery… there they were. Dirty looks and all. To say the least we won’t be hanging out there again anytime soon. The park itself was was great *cough* a photographer’s dream *cough*. -N&B travel playlistDrive IN Movie NightBring your dog to the drive in! We all love going to the movies, it's one of the best ways to escape the worries of the world and it's just fun! People have been going to the drive in since the thirty's, that's nearly ninety years! So why not include your best furry friend in the tradition, or start a new one with them. Bandit has only been to the drive in once before. It was last year and we saw The Secret Life of Pets with one of my friends and her chocolate lab. They had a great time but Bandit spent most of it over excited and hot. I think it was all a bit to exciting for him, as most firsts are for dogs. This year I'm working on being more comfortable with doing things alone and going to the drive in was on my list. So Bandit and I set out on another adventure. Just the two of us. Some people think that an adventure is always something fun and exciting but sometimes it's also doing something that scares you or makes you uncomfortable. The drive in being that for me. Remembering last year, I double checked the weather to make sure it wouldn't be to hot for him and planned out everything we would need. He had a great time! He did sleep a lot, but he also watched parts of the movies. We went for a walk before the movies started , in between movies and before heading home. We only live about a five minute drive away but Bandit always seems to have to go number two the moment we start driving. Cars rides: they put babies to sleep and they also help pugs poop. Facts of life. Here is a helpful list of Bandit's drive in essentials to help give you some ideas on what your best friend might need! Bandit's Drive In Essentials. 1. Treats + Chew If your dog is anything like Bandit, he'll surely give you sad eyes while you eat your own snacks. So bring something for them to enjoy or something you can share! Bandit loves anything really, mostly beef. 2. Dog Bed Remember you'll be sitting there for a while and if you're getting sore then so is your dog. Keep it comfy. Bandit's bed is a discontinued Martha Stewart Pets brand. 3. Toy If your dog is a toy driven dog, then consider bringing them something to keep them occupied. 4. Cooling pad! This is an absolute essential for anything we do in the warmer months. It was a little pricey but it helps keep Bandit cool in situations where he may otherwise have overheated. It's a life saver! 5. Water + Travel bowl A given. It's a good idea to keep a travel bowl in your vehicle if you travel a lot with your dog. 6. Leash + Collar Most places require this, but if you have a smaller dog you may not always bring it. Keep in mind you may encounter other dogs at the drive in and not all are as comfortable with making friends as others, so make sure you have control of your guy at all times. 7. Towel Again, our local drive in is in a field and sometimes it can be very muddy or damp. A towel can be used to wipe any dirty paws off to help keep your interior clean. It's a good thing to keep in your vehicle at all times anyway. 8. Baby Benadryl Bandit has allergies, and for him, this is an essential. Like people, sometimes sitting in a field can aggravate common allergies for dogs. Unfortunately, allergies are something new to Bandit in the past couple years. Old age man. **Remember to check with your Veterinarian before giving any medications to your dog. Get proper diagnosis' and dosage instructions. Don't ask your pharmacist! Ask your veterinarian!** 9. Kleenex! For the sneezes So many sneezes and boogers. I like to make sure I always have Kleenex when we're out. I don't want him to be stuck with crusty little boogies on his face and I also don't want them all over me and my SUV! We hope these were helpful! Find my own drive in essentials here! - N & B shop this postpuppies, poop & the inevitable. Happy National Puppy Day! The story of how I met Bandit. The short version. Late 2009, I was mid way through my Dog Trainer training and I came to the conclusion that I should have a dog of my own. I had grown up with German Shepherds and Labs so I wanted something small. Just to check the grass of it. I was originally looking at getting a Maltipoo. For those of you who aren’t aware, it’s a mutt. A cross between a Maltese and a Miniature Poodle. I had one picked out, she was somewhere north of Toronto. However, my mother refused to drive that far for a puppy, me being way too socially uncomfortable to go on my own. I sulked about it for some time while I endlessly searched Kijiji ads. Then one magical day, my life changed. I was teaching a new obedience class, waiting in the parking lot talking to clients, when this little old lady rolled up on a Harley Davidson complete with a custom dog seat. In that dog seat sat the baddest little pug you’ve ever seen, goggles and all. Picture a cartoon character whose just seen their dream, eyes large and full of love. Glistening. Or when Tina imagines herself frolicking with Jimmy. That look. I thought to myself. “I’m going to be as cool as that lady. I need a pug!” I quickly found some puppies that were local. My mother and I went to look at them and there were only two left. A boy and a girl. The girl came right up to us and was sweet but the boy, he walked over and took a huge poop in front of us and ran away. Ugh. My heart. He also pooped in the carrier on the way home. To this day he can’t be in a car for more than a minute before he has to poop. Gawd love him. I brought him home Christmas Eve. The best Christmas present in the history of my world. Thus was Pugsley ‘The Bandit’ Malone, my heart and soul. Although I don't know if you'll ever catch us on a Harley... maybe. Probably not. - N & B Bandit Born 10/23/09. Scorpio. Lover.
travel diary: Adventure Time featuring BMO! I try very hard to make my dog more than a priority, his life should be just as important and full of adventure as mine. Some of my days are ten hours or more working at the vet and I never want him to feel alone or neglected. So we adventure every chance we get whether it be an actual adventure or figurative one taken through film or word. As long as there's a cuddle or two involved. And of course treats! Today we had a little tag a long for our adventure. My mother's pug Baby joined us! For our outing we headed a bit deeper down the bumpy back roads, windows open, classic rock flowing, and let them lead us out to Lincoln. We found ourselves at Louth Falls within the Louth Conservation Area. While we had a great time, the trail and sights are beautiful, this is not one that we will frequent. The top path which runs parallel to the falls has no barrier and is a straight drop down to the rocky water below. The other trails are very rocky and I had to carry these two munchkins through a couple spots (Just casually walking over boulders with a pug under each arm, goofy smiles and all). Mind you they both were more than willing to navigate the terrain on their own. If you didn't know, pugs are stubborn! Bandit especially. He'll be sore and limping one minute and the ripping over logs and over rocks the next. Then he'll sleep for five days. Bear cub. Given both their disabilities this trail wasn't the best fit for them and their energies. They like to go fast when they're together. Baby has one eye and isn't always aware of her surroundings, she often runs into me or Bandit. Bandit on the other hand has pins in one of his front legs, as he broke it in two places when he was about three months old. I will say it was the first trail we've been on lately that didn't have anyone else around. Just me yelling at them alone in the middle of the woods. Talking to them like they're people. You know, normal dog mom things. We've had some truly beautiful weather the last few days. The sun bright and the sky blue. While there's still a bit of a nip to the air we've worked our way down to t-shirts instead of our heavy winter coats. Dog wise. I still need a coat. I really did love this trail though. The forest is littered with moss covered rocks and boulders, ferns crawling around the gaps and tree bases. The sound of the falls fills the air around you. It felt like a place fairies would gather. I can't wait to head back once spring is in full swing and the forest is truly living and lush. Maybe with just my man, he's much chiller when it's just the two of us. - N & B shop this postBaby's tee is a few seasons old and no longer available. travel Playlisttravel diary : Beachy Keen.On this radiant Sunday Funday, being the weekend warriors that we are, we headed out for a scavenge hunt on a peaceful beach in Charles Daley Park on Lake Ontario. We walked up and down it's shores in search of drift wood and smooth stones, maybe some sea glass for the old witch hiding inside me, or the small child in me. Still in absolute awe of nature and a sucker for a serene landscape. Bandit trudged about peeing on every log, stump and uplifted root system he could find. The water and the air were brisk but that didn't stop him from running through the little waves coming into shore. Such an adventurer. It was such a perfectly clear day we could see the Toronto skyline across the lake. We sat and watched the waves roll in and a fishing boat saunter about looking for a spot for a while. Bandit the Mama's boy he is, had to sit in my lap for it. Little over the shoulder kisses. I forgot my backpack so I was left stuffing sticks and rocks into my pockets, looking like a crazy person I'm sure. At one point I had to stuff Bandit's Tee into my pocket as well. It's cute but not practical, it occasionally falls down his neck and over his shoulders to the point where the lower hem falls over his little man. He then pees in it. We need to re-hem it for him. I keep forgetting. I always learn the hard way. So he eventually ran free and naked all over the place. Maybe rolled and dragged himself through some mud and grass. There's no such thing as a dog walk/hike that he comes away from clean. Neither does my SUV. Oh well. Just look at that smile! Totally worth the sand in my seats. - N & B shop this postTRavel PlaylistOn repeat!
Travel Diary : Two little pugs.Our spring faded back into winter. Nature has, like most of us, declared 'Namastay in bed!' as she tucked herself in under a fresh layer of heavy snow. I don't blame her. I'm not a morning person, yet I like to do as many things as possible before noon. Contradictory, I know. Bandit is also not a morning person. He's a dog (Sorry, couldn't resit). He's more than willing to sleep all day. Most mornings I have to carry him out because he's still in bed whilst I've been awake for over an hour and have made the bed around him.
Today we headed out for a late afternoon walk to accommodate him, I had also worked all morning. So with the sun low and our spirits high we set out for our favourite spot (Swayze Falls within Short hills Provincial Park) with a little monster in tow. My mother's pug Baby. She's a seat hog. Bandit hates it. It was quite cold so the little ones were bundled right up with their hoodies and jackets. Bandit always looks like a tank in his, it pushes all his neck skin up. You'll see. Imagine walking through the most pristine wood, the snow crunching beneath your boots, all is silent and still. Then, two little pugs come trodding up behind you snorting and grunting as the rip past and up the path. A dream if you ask me. Like Snow White with a few less dwarves. HIGH HO! - N & B Travel Diary : We're Going on an adventure.Today was such a perfect day. It’s rare that I have two days off in a row so I knew I wanted to spend at least one of them with Bandit. We started our adventure at Petsmart to try on harnesses. Prime walking season is upon us and It’s no longer too cold for little paws. Like the rest of nature we are slowly waking from our winter slumber. Long cold night a short dreary days. Bandit’s like a little bear cub. People look at him the same way they would look at one too. With an eagerness to cuddle behind their gaze. Maybe that’s just me. I would want to cuddle a bear cub. Walking into Petsmart with Bandit is also like walking into Cheers because everybody knows his name and just like Sam Malone he walks in with the same gruff and heads straight for the bar, actually the girl at cash with the treats. Even though he never eats them. He just likes to take them and hoard. A little bear or maybe that’s more of a squirrel? The many sides of Bandit. Naturally, he got all the pets while he lovingly started at me to make sure the stranger touching him was cool. He made new friends while I struggled with his awkward pug body. All chest. You will only understand if you’re next level crazy like me but it is so hard to find clothes that fit him! We love Roots’ Beaver Canoe brand but their harnesses are too small. Ultimately, we went with an ED by Ellen full wrap harness because … Well they’re cute as hell and they fit! Thirty Three plus tax though… My dog wearing all the latest threads while I shop at Old Navy on sale days. After buying some toys and some treats we headed to Starbucks. I don’t know about the rest of you but I love when the people in drive through get all excited to see a dog. Bandit loves it. Everybody’s happy. No I didn’t get him a Puppuccino. That’s a treat he would of gobbled but they’re only for really special occasions like his birthday because a cup of whipped cream isn’t the best thing for him. He’s down to a healthy 24 lbs from a whopping 35 lbs. Thirty minutes and a few heartfelt serenades later we arrived at our destination. Short Hills Provincial Park. I’ve been hiking here since I was a kid. I don't know why you’d bring a kid hiking? I know personally I was always on a leash when out in public because I was a little shit. Not like a rebellious one though just the same anti social type. The type that takes off in K-Mart only to be found, after the place goes on lock down, in a shelf of stuffed animals reading. READING. I’ve always been cool. So I can’t imagine child me in a forest. Probably crawling into tree dens and burroughs. Bandit on the other hand is a great kid. He is also anti social but he doesn’t like to be alone so he never leaves my sight or usually my side. He doesn’t even acknowledge other dogs or people. He just trudges along with his little wobble. Like a little hobbit following his human leader. If we could just find the talking trees we’d be set. His main concern is avoiding the big mud puddles or looking to me to carry him through them. I also have to carry him up steep hills, or push him up them. We often emerge from hikes with me covered head to toe in mud. I’ll look like I rolled through a puddle for my dog’s well being. I’d also kill a man for him. Just saying. Should the situation call for it. Today’s hike was next level. We only saw a few people and one dog. A dog an old lady warned me about in passing because he “looked mean”. First of all, no dog “looks mean”. You’re projecting your own personal ignorant beliefs about dogs onto a living being you’ve never met. Breedist. Second that “mean dog” was an absolutely adorable Neapolitan Mastiff puppy out working on his heeling abilities. Just trying to be a good boy. His owner was also a good friend of my dad’s so we chatted for a bit. Bandit stood behind me smelling a bush. During our hike it on and off snowed. The type of soft big snowflakes that just sort of drift and float down. It was like a fairy tale or a scene from a movie. The forest was quiet and it felt like we we’re the only ones alive. The whole forest to ourselves. Me and my little bear squirrel hybrid. He certainly sleeps like a bear because that’s all he did when we got home and the following day. I wrote this to the ambient sound of him snoring. Such a chill dog. Totally down to take on the world, to follow me to the end like the little Pikachu to my Ash or the Samwise to my Frodo, except I’m a lot nicer and no ring would come between us. He’s also totally down to watch all 22 hours of Harry Potter. Bandit: seriously the best decision of my life. -N SHOp this post |
Scorpio. Pug.
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