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Sunday, August 12, 2012

Changes

One of the gifts that has been bestowed on me since K's death is a deeper friendship with R. Although his heart will always belong mainly to the Runner, R has taken on a new role in my life. He sits close to me whenever I'm home alone, and he looks at me with a depth of spirit that I've never seen from him before.
During our trip to Southwest Colorado, I spent some time playing training games with R every day that I could muster the enthusiasm for it. One training game was teaching him a calmer "stay". You can see his calmness in this photo next to a lake where we camped for one night.
Even when enticing scents wafted his way, he stayed for me albeit with his nose high in the air.
It was the only night that we've spent in an organized "campground" in a very long time (we prefer camping in out-of-the-way places) but the views of the lake were well worth the tradeoff of being close to other campers.
The lake became even more beautiful as the sun began to set behind lingering thunder clouds.
I showed you the full orange and pink sunset over this lake yesterday. Mother Nature is an incredible artist.

And, of course, when a Lab like R is close to water, you know what happens. This is my black and white photo for this Sunday.
As my friendship with R is evolving, I find myself wondering whether he's going to be happy to "share" us humans when a new dog inevitably joins our family sometime in the future. R has taken on many of K's former roles - simply by being my nearby companion almost all the time. He's also become an enthusiastic snuggler, seeking out opportunities to cuddle up close to me, a new personality trait for him. Although I wish with all my heart that K was still here, I do love the new side of R that's emerging.

37 comments:

  1. Sounds like R is trying to fill an empty spot for you. I think dogs are so smart and R probably knows how much you are missing your dear K. The mountain scenery is just stunning, gorgeous photos.

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  2. I LOVE that black and white picture! I have always felt when living in a multi-dog household that when one dog passes on another dog takes over the roles he or she played. If more than one dog is left then sometimes they split those duties.

    Thanks for your kind words for Nina. She is doing okay and has eaten a bit more the past few days.

    Cindy

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  3. I know exactly what you are talking about. When our boy Bubba passed at the beginning of the year, I worried about his life long companion Toby. But Toby did just fine, and has truly blossomed into a funny and goofy boy that has a way of making me laugh. I think you are seeing a blossoming of R, too.

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  4. WOW, your pictures are amazing. Especially the sunset ones, though of course the B&W evoked a special smile ^^

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  5. I had commented from the start that part of K's remaining time would be to pass along secrets to R about keeping the humans under control!

    When she felt her young grasshopper was ready, she knew it was time to head for The RB -

    There is a big piece of K in R - she left it there until you meet again

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  6. Ah Sweet R. I am so glad he can bring a smile back toyour heart.

    bert and my Vickie

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  7. KB, I am so glad you are back, I have missed your heartfelt posts and photos. The last shot of R just melts my heart, what a great capture of a dog doing what he loves. I agree, your K taught R well and he is doing his job beautifully.

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  8. I love that B&W picture! So cool. R is such a sweetheart
    Nola

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  9. Wow- such beautiful photos! R is such a gorgeous dog :)

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  10. R probably misses K as much as you do. Great bonding moments
    Benny & Lily

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  11. Amazing photos, KB! I, too, love that b&w!

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  12. Don't worry about how R will act when a new dog comes along. K taught him how he is to behave and I'm sure he'll do her proud.

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  13. Such beautiful pictures. We are glad R is comforting you!

    Licks,
    Ruthie

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  14. Such a gorgeous view of the lake. I'd love to get away to such a place. Maybe next summer. But my favorite photo is the last one of R. It says everything that needs to be said about the joy of the dog world.

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  15. I know what you mean. Although I have a wonderful bond with all of my dogs, my bond with Sherman is deeper than with Leroy, however I do often wonder what the bond would be like if it was just Leroy and I, I have a feeling it would be different.

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  16. What gorgeous shots! I have serious vista envy right now.

    Blueberry did a lot of what R is doing when my first heart dog passed away. She kept a close eye on me, but when Bunny came along, she was very happy to go back to being my husband's number one girl. She never seemed bothered by Bunny's presence at all!

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  17. Ann...from...Outer Banks of NC..said...another heart-warming post KB....continue to be the wonderful person you are.. your love for K will always be there through your cherished memories...when you go and look out into the world... lift your heart in celebration..reach out with love between this physical world and the spiritual world and continue your special bond with K.......And with R... he has such an array of beauty...In the picture his eyes tell me....he still misses his sister...But he lives his life with passion.....And I cant help but love him......I know he brings such joy for both you and the Runner..... HUGS

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  18. I agree with the Frenchies that R is probably still missing K too. Its my feeling that he is nicely maturing and will dote on a new dog and love showing off what he can do.

    You may not think about it, but you have a perfect life for dogs at your home in the mountains. First you love them, and you enjoy training them, take good care of them,exercise them, its all perfect!

    I love the lake picture too!

    Cheers,

    Jo and the petz

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  19. R is growing up and his new role fits him well. I have no doubt that he learned a lot from K and now is his time to show what he learned.
    Blessings,
    Goose

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  20. I am so glad that R is starting to fill your loss just a little. I know it takes time, but R seems to be giving it his all and that makes me happy. Spectacular sunset.

    Anne and Sasha

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  21. Glad to see you are also emerging.

    R will be fine with the new dog when the time is right. In fact, he may blossom even more when he's in the role of senior dog, doing the showing and teaching and being looked up to by the new addition. And he knows you and the Runner have more than enough room in your hearts for two dogs - or more - at a time.


    Jed & Abby

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  22. I have had many owners comment on how the remaining dog alters personality when they become "only dogs... glad he is learning new ways to behave - and hopefully they will remain when a new dog enters the house.

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  23. I'm so glad that R is helping you heal...and you are probably helping him too! Hugs to you both! What awesome photos!!!

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  24. My goodness - the photos of the lake are just beautiful. R does look very soulful and is missing his buddy too.

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  25. I know exactly what you're saying. Mitch is George's heart dog but Mitch and I became deeper friends after Maggie passed and I was thrilled with this and then along came Molly - nuff said.

    Sue

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  26. What a wonderful job R is doing! And what utterly stunning scenery!

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  27. Bless R and stunning last picture. Have a great Monday.
    Best wishes Molly

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  28. It is interesting how our relationship with our canine pals changes as family members come and go. Sounds like R is stepping up to the plate in many ways. I think he will be fine with another dog. Labs generally can work these things out.

    I am in awe of the calm stay. Gotta work on that with my little Pea.

    Mango Momma

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  29. wow that sunset lake pic is amazin! im glad you and R are keeping each other warm with lots of snuggles.... maybe one day storm might want to cuddle me, no sign yet tho :) xxx

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  30. I truly believe that dogs seem to know what we need long before other people realize it. R knows you need him close right now.

    The pictures of the lake are breathtaking. It looks more like a painting than a picture. Amazing photos!

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  31. Your posts are always amazing KB and your pictures always spectacular!

    I think we can see the "fog" slowly lifting...

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

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  32. Wonderful photos. :-) I wish I lived there! So beautiful!

    New follower from the B&W Sunday Hop. When you get a chance please stop by and follow back, ok?

    ~Sassy
    http://sassysslobberchronicles.blogspot.com/

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  33. such beautiful images! ....the old saying comes to mind...when one door closes, another opens....
    healing is a process on keeping our hearts open....R's heart is wide open for you...
    xoxo

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  34. You had me spellbound with those incredible photos and R's calmer stays, nose in the air, but then that last paragraph was like Cupid's arrow right in the heart. I'm so glad this part of your heart and R's are coming together like this for this. So heartwarming...

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  35. Oh my, what amazing photos. They almost look like paintings.

    K taught R well. He knows what he needs to do. And when the day does come that you bring another pup home to love, R will welcome him with great joy and enthusiasm.

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  36. I think R is sensing what you need, and he is trying to give you his love and attention. I think he is a sensitive soul.
    The photos of that lake are spectacular. The clouds above the lake are speaking in the only way they know how to.
    R is so beautuiful!
    love
    tweedles

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  37. Wow , lovely pictures. R is really looking with loving eyes in your camera....you will have great times coming together with K watching you

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