Day 19

5/30/22
I had the joy of walking with Lilly and Ranger by the lake today. I then hooked Gus up on his leash for a second, longer walk. I take him solo because, somehow, he needs my full attention!

Our goal was to walk down to the point, which is a glorious meander on any day. There are swans, beaver lodges, loons, foxes and sometimes the occasional white-tailed deer. The entire experience is a sensory overload for our boy and his nose is following scent after scent. I can tell he absolutely loves these walks!

Today, as we neared our turn-around point, we heard a hearty "Woof" from a cabin porch. Jumping off his perch came the biggest golden-something known to humankind! More bear than dog, he galloped towards us with his owner in hot pursuit. "Don't worry," she called, "he had an invisible fence." When he trotted into the road, she added that she had neglected to put the collar on this morning!!!!

I thought Gus would be intrigued and excited to meet a new playmate. How wrong I was! He, too, must have thought this was a large bear and decided to be the bravest Gus he could be...from behind my back. The lady hurriedly grabbed the dog by the scruff of his neck. (In my memory, she had to reach up to do so.) She then proceeded to encourage him back into the yard.

Gus and I didn't wait to see if she succeeded or not. Hackles up, growling for the first time in his little life and keeping his one good eye on the monster, we headed back from whence we came. I didn't know the little guy could be that perceptive! I do not believe the golden-bear meant us any real harm, but he didn't look welcoming! Gus must have sensed this too.

On the walk home, I found myself remembering times when my "Fight or Flight" response has kicked in. Every single time, it has been when a loved one is at risk. My children, my husband, my grandson, my dogs and any other being I carry in my heart. Could Gus have been protecting me? Wouldn't that have been nice? I doubt it at this point, but Lilly and Ranger certainly have stood between me and a threat time and again on our many walks through the years.

There's hope for Gus yet! He has had a course of ten classes for obedience, but I believe it's time to start moving toward the goal of becoming a Therapy Dog! More classes, here we come!