2007-12-08 (D)
After traversing the brief distance from car to shelter in freezing mist, Rache, Nick and I said hello to Uma. Uma was adopted several months ago but was returned to the shelter last week after the couple who'd adopted her split up. Rache and Nick had once upon a time hoped to adopt Uma, so while it's sad that she was returned, it was wonderful to see her again.
Uma gets along well with Gideon and Ava, but hasn't yet met Rikki or Rocket. Until they've been introduced and become acclimated, Uma's being housed in the kennel area while the other dogs stay in the more house-like rooms of the shelter.
After putting Uma away, we set out to walk Gideon, Ava, Rikki and Rocket together. Rikki invited himself into the car while Rache searched for her cell, which she carries in case something happens on our walks.
After that, things devolved a bit. Too many dogs going too many ways! Gideon dug in his heels and was returned to the shelter. Rocket, patient as always, sat next to me and watched the circus below while waiting for the walk to resume.
After reaching the trailhead, Rikki decided he wasn't up for a walk, either, and hightailed it back to the kennel. Ava and Rocket again waited patiently while Rache returned Rikki to the shelter.
Apparently Gideon was all kinds of game for a walk with Rikki no longer in the picture. Rache, who we'd expected to return dogless, instead came with a merry-looking Gideon.
Our walk was abbreviated due to the cold, but not so abbreviated there wasn't time for treats.
Once we returned to the shelter, Liesl joined us with Christmas hats to dress the puppies in. Much merriment ensued! Well, it was merry for the people, at least; for the dogs, could they speak, it might have been best described as "exasperating." But how can the cuteness of puppies in holiday gear be resisted?
This was, indeed, an excellent way to ring in the season.
Next week, we might be seeing a different cast of puppy players (Uma, for one, may be adopted in the interim), but as always, the experience will be one to soothe the heart.
Uma gets along well with Gideon and Ava, but hasn't yet met Rikki or Rocket. Until they've been introduced and become acclimated, Uma's being housed in the kennel area while the other dogs stay in the more house-like rooms of the shelter.
After putting Uma away, we set out to walk Gideon, Ava, Rikki and Rocket together. Rikki invited himself into the car while Rache searched for her cell, which she carries in case something happens on our walks.
After that, things devolved a bit. Too many dogs going too many ways! Gideon dug in his heels and was returned to the shelter. Rocket, patient as always, sat next to me and watched the circus below while waiting for the walk to resume.
After reaching the trailhead, Rikki decided he wasn't up for a walk, either, and hightailed it back to the kennel. Ava and Rocket again waited patiently while Rache returned Rikki to the shelter.
Apparently Gideon was all kinds of game for a walk with Rikki no longer in the picture. Rache, who we'd expected to return dogless, instead came with a merry-looking Gideon.
Our walk was abbreviated due to the cold, but not so abbreviated there wasn't time for treats.
Once we returned to the shelter, Liesl joined us with Christmas hats to dress the puppies in. Much merriment ensued! Well, it was merry for the people, at least; for the dogs, could they speak, it might have been best described as "exasperating." But how can the cuteness of puppies in holiday gear be resisted?
This was, indeed, an excellent way to ring in the season.
Next week, we might be seeing a different cast of puppy players (Uma, for one, may be adopted in the interim), but as always, the experience will be one to soothe the heart.