One Day at a Time

I am still awed when I see photos of Shyla like this one, standing so strong and so proud - knowing how she started - as a scared and completely underconfident puppy.

My head wasn't hurting this morning, although I still had that fuzzy brain that the migraine medicine gives me. Shyla seemed determined to make me smile. When I called her even half-heartedly, she sprinted to me, leaving a trail of snowflake dust in her wake.

Then, she grabbed a stick, having decided that it was time to play. As she brought it to me, she was fully airborne and had incredible hang-time. I smiled!

The elk were moving through our neck of the woods this morning during our hike. To avoid spooking them, we had to go on the route where a neighbor and her large group of dogs run. That group scares Shyla immensely.  When the elk aren't dictating our route, we stay out of the dog pack's way. Alas, today, we had no choice but to see them.

I've finally figured out that Shyla deals best with the swarm of dogs if I get on the ground next to her and help protect some of her personal space. Today, it worked really well, and their human commented that it was the first time that she'd ever seen Shyla's golden eyes. Shyla usually averts her face so none of them can really see her.

I was proud of my girl today. Standing tall while surrounded by nine dogs, no matter how harmless they may be, takes courage.

Later, by myself, I saw the elk up-close who we'd been avoiding on our hike. By that time, it was snowing very hard. All eyes were on me at first.

Some bulls still have their antlers.

And the cow elk still watch over their calves.

I adore having the elk herd, more than 100-strong, spend the winter in our neck of the woods. Sightings like these make me so happy!

It has been a good day so far. I've been able to enjoy Shyla's small triumph with the dog pack and to enjoy seeing the elk. One day at a time.

P.S. Thank you for all the suggestions about my migraines. Your caring means the world to me. I tried to buy one of the electrical stimulation headbands that the FDA just approved (suggested by you) but there are none available yet in the US. Soon, I hope.