A new era

A wise friend once pointed out that my bonds with my dogs have always been built through our shared adventures. Many of you know that hiking in the high mountains is my favorite kind of adventure. When Shyla arrived in late August, I wasn't sure if there would be enough snow-free time to take her up high above the trees this season or not. We lucked out - it hasn't snowed substantially yet.

Before any big hikes, Shyla needed to get a little stronger and to get tougher paw pads when she arrived. Those physical changes happened very fast with our active lifestyle and her puppy metabolism. She also needed to get comfortable enough with me and with our world to venture high in the mountains. That was a slower process but our trainer and I thought that she was ready to try it. Yesterday, I began the hike with the attitude that we might need to turn around very early if Shyla wasn't happy.

It rapidly became clear that Shyla was in her element.

As always, we passed more people (maybe 15) in the first mile of the hike than any other time. I'd ask Shyla to hop up on a rock next to the narrow trail, and I'd reward her for confident and calm behavior. Every person except for one followed my requests not to pet her. The one dissenter insisted that "all dogs loved him"... and then Shyla ducked away from him as he tried to touch her. I did, however, follow my trainer's advice. I clicked as his hand descended toward her head, and then gave her a treat. The idea is to make a person reaching out to pet her into a happy event by rewarding her for a hand coming toward her every time.

Shyla forgot about it in an instant. She was in her element and nothing was going to throw off her stride. We climbed fast and soon were above treeline.

We were heading for a pass that was above Shyla's tail in the next photo, and then we planned to go further to a lake that is fed by the snowfields that you can see directly above Shyla's head in the next photo.

When we arrived at the pass, Shyla was mesmerized. Her head swiveled from side-to-side, with just too much to absorb all at once. I bet that the scents on top of the Continental Divide are incredible.

After a little while, she began to relax and her face turned very happy!

She went for a swim and seemed to discover that snow-fed lakes are cold! It was a short dip because I stopped her so she wouldn't get too cold. We hope to take her to a warmer lake with her brother soon. She didn't appear to have tons of swimming experience but chasing R into a shallow lake will be just the ticket!

Then, to commemorate our first big hike, I tried to use the self-timer on my camera to take a photo of the two of us. This series shows you what a puppy spirit Shyla has!

Kisses, kisses...

Then, a big hug in an attempt to calm her. It didn't work! It gave her another fit of kissing.

Finally, a serious one. But, Shyla had made me laugh uncontrollably so I don't look so serious!

After our funny photo series, we started down toward the trailhead... and Shyla perched on a rock to look to the west before we lost the view. The mountain peaks and lakes seemed to stretch out endlessly. The wind picked up and Shyla's ears flapped like wings. Yes, girl, these mountains are your home. After all, you are the "daughter of the mountains".

As we descended, Shyla kept looking back up at the Divide. I think that she loved it up there as much as I do!

Just before we arrived at the trailhead, the sun was barely peeking over the mountains, and Shyla glowed in its rays. A wonderful day... a start to a new era in my life.

When we arrived at the car, Shyla lay in the backseat, wearing her seatbelt, and fell asleep as rapidly and deeply as only a puppy can do. She snored softly.

A Paul Simon song ("The Boxer") came on the radio. It felt so nostalgic - the past and the future intertwined. My K had joyfully done the same hike so many times with me, and now Shyla was capturing my heart as she embraced the mountains that I love so much. Somehow, the lyrics seemed to fit my mixed up feelings.

Now the years are rolling by me, they are rockin' even me
I am older than I once was, and younger than I'll be, that's not unusual 
No it isn't strange, after changes upon changes, we are more or less the same 
After changes we are more or less the same...
Li la li...