K's happy running

A wall of clouds muted our sunrise this morning, generating a gentle pastel palette rather than the fiery glory of recent mornings.

From a higher ridge, a tree skeleton stood starkly in front of the steel gray sky with the golden orb burning through.

 K looked at me with a sparkle in her eyes that made me smile.

Since she had no bad effects from yesterday's mis-judged jump, I unlatched her leash to let her meander next to me. After lingering behind me, K cantered gently through the dry grass and rocks, seemingly testing her paw.

I took off her boot for the last 2/3 of our hike. Her injured paw with the toe amputation still doesn't look perfect when she stands on a lichen-covered boulder but it is improving daily. A month ago, none of her toe tips touched the ground when she stood because her paw muscles were so weak. Our specialist appointment was postponed yesterday due to an emergency (I hope that the emergency dog is OK) - so we see the specialist tomorrow about the hard lump and swelling on K's paw.

After our break on the boulder, K cantered gracefully through an aspen grove down into our flat meadow. In her lifetime, I've taken many photos of her running - but I've never seen her eyes looking as happy as in today's photos. I think that she has a new-found appreciation for the ability to run!

As we approached home, our path intersected with R and the Runner's path. R greeted us with extreme enthusiasm as he streaked toward us like a meteorite!

I held my breath and allowed K to play with him briefly. At this point in her recovery, I need to let K regain her strength rather than being over-protective.

These are my first true action photos with my new camera. I captured K at a full out gallop, in a blur, before corralling her.

So far, we've seen no bad effects from K's wild romp in the meadow. She and I are enjoying each day, especially since she finally can run and play like a puppy. That makes me smile! K is coming back!