Peace

It's a time of year when it can be hard to keep life calm and peaceful. Yet, our dogs can be wiser than us, still reveling in what they love to do and ignoring most of craziness.

R is a good role model in that regard, although he does create some of his own hubbub when he gets excited about a run or a hike. For R, excitement means barking. Loudly!

Shyla is becoming more used to the fact that life isn't always quiet and predictable. House guests will move in for little while. Groups come over for dinner. We go with us to other people's houses for outings. She's learning to roll with the changes, especially when everyone is nice to her.

Of course, we try to keep some parts of the dogs' routine the same, regardless of what's going on in our lives. Shyla nearly always gets to snowbike with me in the morning on the trails near our house, and R runs with the Runner on the trails.

Sometimes, we even see the boys of our pack out on the trails in the morning so the Duo can play together in the golden sunrise light.

The bond between the two dogs is still growing. There is so much play in our house, with them chasing each other, vying for toys, wrestling, and then snoozing together. It's a joy to see.

Here's to a peaceful winter season for everyone.

For the sake of my sanity, I'm going to keep trying to see as many sunrises with Shyla as I can. It is the quietest and most beautiful part of the day. It helps me face the future, as do your many kind comments like those that you left yesterday. Thank you.