During our recent trip, I was so grateful to visit the canyon where K and I first mountain biked together 7 years ago. It's been a long and wonderful trip since then with so many mountain bike adventures. K stood proudly next to my bike on our recent trip.
And, she posed next to the "signature rock formation" for the area during one of our rides. The rock, sculpted by wind, is like a work of art.
Much of the ground in the area is slickrock. Dogs really should wear boots to protect their paw pads but K has always refused to move on the slickrock when wearing boots. In the next photo, you can see that her brother has great boots while K is barepawed. You can also see that the wind was starting to kick up, portending the sand storm that would hit the next day.
I was so happy to spend time with K in this canyon where "it all started". She couldn't run very far anymore but every step was filled with joy.
It's not often that a person knows, with certainty, that they are doing something for the last time. It was bittersweet for me to know that K won't be with us physically when we next visit this canyon. I was filled with thankfulness all the fun and love that she's brought to our lives.
I'll tell you more about this canyon soon. The Runner spotted a falcon nest with baby birds in it in the canyon wall, which we observed with a spotting scope. I saw my first rattlesnake. And, we got blasted with a classic desert sandstorm. It was eventful!
A bittersweet trip, beautiful photos, great memories, and the making of new ones.
ReplyDeleteWe hope you are all safe from those fires. Please take care.
A very bittersweet trip. Great pictures
ReplyDeleteNola
What a beautiful trip! I know what you mean about knowing you'll do certain things for the last time, and it is bittersweet. It must have been really hard to leave it behind this time and come home. K looks like she was in heaven there!
ReplyDeleteThis is so crazy. The feels you are experiencing right now must be like a roller coaster...we love you K
ReplyDeleteBenny & Lily
I'm so glad you were able to visit this special, beautiful place with K one more time. You are both an inspiration. Hugs to you and gentle pats to K.
ReplyDeleteSue T. in AZ
What a special place to return to with K once more! I can only imagine how hard yet fulfilling this trip must have been at the same time. K is still so beautiful against the red rock. It doesn't surprise me that she won't wear the boots either. She's her own girl. She always reminds me of Katherine Hepburn, so strong and determined! If that is your last trip there with K, why doesn't it surprise me that it was so eventful! :)
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you were able to take this trip with K. I am right there with K, I do not like and will not where boots. I am a barepawed dog for sure. Again we enjoyed all your photos, so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Goose
Ann..from..THE OUTER BANKS OF NC said...All I need to say is ..do what you do best... keep loving and keep living each day..and store up all those beautiful treasures...K and R are having the best days together with you and the runner..(Every day) there is a song to be sung...for the joy and beauty of life.....a kiss of the soul will bring peace and happiness...
ReplyDeleteI am glad you got to visit that special canyon that meant so much to you. I know the memories are so fresh in your mind- maybe feeling that 7 years ago felt like yesterday, and how did the time go so fast.
ReplyDeleteThe moments you spent with K and R during this trip are embedded in your heart forever.
And the memory with the Runner in seeing a falcon nest, and a rattlesnake- all moments that fill your heart.
love
tweedles
That you and K have had the opportunities to revisit special places and share a last waltz together remembering and cherishing is such a Gift. We are s thankful to the Universe that you both were granted this blessing...and that you chose to include us on the journey.
ReplyDeleteEveryday is a great day to be with you k, were so excited in every activity and adventure you have. You really Inspires Us :D
ReplyDeleteDog Shock Collar | Puppy Bond
Be safe from the smoke and fires of the forests and the smoldering embers of grief pushed aside. This is not a time that you need worry about making ME feel appreciated, dear friend. Just feel the bonds of care and friendship that will do little to change the ending or to prevent your pain but will hopefully ground you to a reality that you are not alone. Do everything you can while you can and know we are silently walking with you...always.
ReplyDeleteIt was good you got the time to revisit with K and she delighted in her time there again. You will have such beautiful memories.
ReplyDeleteYou capture K's spirit in your photos.
We are so happy that you got to do it one last time!
ReplyDeleteAnd we love that last photo, K!
Love ya lots,
Mitch and Molly
Siku Marie, White dog sums it up perfectly. Our heart breaks too!
ReplyDeleteThat last photo of K is fantastic. One of my favorites. It's almost like she's taking it all in.
Hugs,
Lily Belle
That last photo says it all.
ReplyDeleteThe trick to bittersweet moments is to savor every last drop of the sweetness!!!
Wirey woofs,
Jake and Just Harry
K is the best looking choc lab I have ever seen. My bf wanted a choc lab two years ago but I refused. Now having seen K and getting to know your labs, I have changed my mind.
ReplyDeletePlease stay positive and enjoy these days with K. I don't think she knows what sadness means. She would want to spend only happy days with you and her siblings.
I'm glad you had a chance to revisit so many favorite spots with K. These pictures are beautiful and surely will bring comfort when it is most needed. I did get a chance to read over your last few posts to catch up - your pics give me a virtual view of wonderful, serene places I more than likely will never see in person. Maybe I shouldn't tell you this, but I want to scream "NO" at the top of my lungs when I look into K's gorgeous eyes and chase the evil disease that lurks inside of her away - just like you screamed at the bear when your Mama-bear instinct kicked in. If only we could - our shouts would fill the skies.
ReplyDeletePeaceful trails,
Chester's Mom
Ooops - I meant to say when you screamed at the coyotes, not a bear.
ReplyDeleteYou're a brave lady - with or without mama-bear instinct!
Chester's Mom
The photos of K are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI experienced similar emotions taking my first Golden Retriever to his favourite beach, knowing it was the last time we would both be there while taking photos of him enjoying his walk across the sand with the warm glow of the setting sun on his fur. It was so hard to do (my dog just saw me with my camera out as normal!) but now I have one very special photo which means so much to me as it reminds me of that special time we had together.
Sending love to K.
Yes, there is a time when you know this is a farewell journey. And you will store all these wonderful memories and bring them back again and again. Bittersweet is an apt description.
ReplyDeleteJust take it a day at a time, and enjoy every moment.
ReplyDeleteHi Y'all,
ReplyDeleteSo glad to know y'all had these special moments in time together.
Y'all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog