Take a walk in the hills of Idaho

We found a new hiking spot. A little further outside of Boise than we normally go but not that far.
It's called Macks Creek.

 The creek was small but it was there. Just enough in some spots to get Rye muddy. He loves to lie down in water, muddy or clean.

 He is such a good trail dog. He never has been that big of a runner, for a Setter. He is good at keeping an eye on our location and always finds us quickly if he does venture off into the brush.
He has been known to run the exact opposite direction from where we are though and I never thought it was him not listening. He just gets confused!
I try not to call him unless I have to because I think it adds to the confusion. I have seen him running towards us from a distance, I call his name and he turns around and starts running the opposite direction. Like he heard my voice coming from that direction!
I have found that cupping my hands around my mouth to call really helps focus the sound better.

 

 

As good as Rye is off leash, Indi is better. I never ever have to wonder where she is. She stays very close. She won't even go down to the creek without me going too if it's off the trail a ways. Rye will at least go get a drink on his own!  Rye is good at finding water.
Indi has developed much more confidence out in nature than when we first got her.  I have not had her spook at anything for a very long time and she just seems comfortable out there where she didn't always before. We have not met deer yet but I tend to think that she would be cautious of them and not give chase.

Oh, how Rye loves to wallow! He is so cute when he finds that perfect little watering hole and he sinks down in.

 

ode to my black dog

I drew a little something. But I didn't get it quite right. I thought I'd share anyway.


Indiglow.

Beast.

Freight train.

Thing.

Monster.










I was talking with a fellow agilityer about Indi and she said "well, I won't mention what so and so said about her...." So of course I wanted to know!  So and So said "have you seen that monster Claire has at her house?" 
I am the proud owner of a monster!

Another fellow agilityer was greeting Indi and asked "So, how much of a handle do you have on that thing?"  This makes me happy!
I love her exuberance! Her life! Her passion! Her Thingness! Yes, she is a little unpracticed at calm greeting behaviors but really, I swear, as soon as she gets to leap on you at least twice she will calm right down! I am so not good at being consistent with greetings. It is not my training strong point. I have read that a dog can learn that it is ok to jump on you, but not anyone else. She still hasn't made that distinction. I step on her leash a lot, when she is wearing one.

At least she doesn't normally punch random strangers in the gut like she did me tonight at the park! I tried to side step her oncoming approach but misjudged. She is large. I am happy that she loves to come to me.

It is very hard to be angry at this face! I hardly ever am.