Days of Orange

Today was the start of "orange" season because the main rifle season for deer and elk opened. Our whole family wears blaze orange when we head out onto the trails these days.

 

During hunting season, there are certain areas that I avoid altogether because they tend to attract the hunters who I don't trust. With Shyla, I stay close to home.

Fortunately, after many years of watching the patterns of where the hunting is the most intense, I have a decent idea of where I can find solitude even during rifle season.

I'm still enjoying the juxtaposition of the remaining golden aspen leaves and snow! When I look toward the sky, it still looks like full-on autumn.

But, when I take a wider view, the snow glitters and Shyla shines among the leaves.

Although Shyla and I avoided any hunter-encounters today, we did run into our friends, the nine off-leash dogs who run with their human. This group has been a source of terror for Shyla simply due to the large number of dogs. Until today, I didn't see any improvement in Shyla's reaction to this particular pack, even though Shyla has come to like other people and dogs on the trails. However, today, I saw a really huge step forward in her demeanor while we interacted with them.

They surprised us as they came over a rise in the trail so Shyla froze in the midst of them. In the past, Shyla has been so afraid that she couldn't move, even as I tried to lead her away from them to give her some space. Today, when I gently tugged her collar to pull her further away from the group, she surprised me by walking away with me! Believe it or not, being capable of walking in the presence of this pack was a big accomplishment.

Then, the owner asked me whether she should leave immediately or stay to let Shyla get used to them. I chose having this nice person and her dogs stay nearby briefly. The owner and I talked while I fed Shyla treats (another first - Shyla was willing to eat treats in their presence!). After a minute or two, Shyla's ears were forward, she was looking interested in the scene, and she started wagging her tail! The other owner and I decided that was a great moment to end the interaction - so she and her dogs ran in the opposite direction with Shyla looking happily at me.

What a difference! I recently read a post (I can't remember where) that said that patience was the most important factor in a successful integration of a new dog into a family. I can see that now. There are no quick fixes for some things but time and consistency will work wonders.

After riding with Shyla, I went out to enjoy the world a bit more. I focused on the leaves, because their time hanging on the trees is running out!

They're falling fast.

I also found the tracks of a big bear! The bear sauntered through the snow, leaving melted out paw prints. Seeing bear tracks tells me that a few of my favorite animals are still awake. My fingers are crossed to get some trail camera photos of them!