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Friday, December 28, 2018

Warmth in a bitter cold winter world

It is amazing how much time and energy a little puppy needs.We've been having friends come over the meet Hachi and help him become comfortable with strangers. Then, when the day is normally over, we take him to puppy socialization classes. Socialization will be our theme with Hachi for the next couple of months.
His cuteness and loving spirit more than make up for the work.

Yesterday, I went out on my fat bike into a beautiful winter day with Shyla, and I had renewed appreciation for the amazing bond that has grown between her and me over the past seven years.

Shyla still has some mischief in her but I can mostly rely on her to stay by my side as I pedal through the world in glorious beauty like we saw yesterday morning.
When I pull out my camera to take photos of the beauty, she keeps an eye on me. That's important in a world that includes many moose and mountain lions.

She is, quite simply, "my Shyla". I know her so infinitely well and she knows me equally well.

And I am awed by how easily she navigates the world now, interacting with people and dogs along the way. I especially appreciate how far she has come as I watch our new puppy trying to puzzle out how to fit into the world.
Thank you, Shyla, for putting up with my impatience at various points along the path of your rehabilitation. Your heart is like a endless fountain of love. You have made me a better human.

A long term bond between a human and a dog takes years to grow... but then, after years have gone by, the strength and depth of the bond become so clear.
We are in the midst of a very cold snap. I took these photos yesterday morning during the 15 minutes of sunshine during that day. Despite how cold the outside air was, my heart was warm with my love for Shyla.

Puppies steal your heart in an instant but the love of an adult dog is steadfast.

Many thanks to the LLB Gang for hosting the Nature Friday Blog Hop.
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26 comments:

  1. easyweimaranerDecember 28, 2018 at 5:07 AM

    wow!!! that is like a wonderland... for peeps and pets with warm coats ;O)

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  2. MadSnapperDecember 28, 2018 at 6:22 AM

    all that ice is so pretty, we are the opposite, going to 80 today. not normal for our part of FL in DEC. I remember when you were training Shyla to get under your legs because there were strangers out there. so glad she has overcome and is now enjoying life. great idea on the socilaztion classes

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  3. DukeDecember 28, 2018 at 6:33 AM

    What a beautiful frosty world!

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  4. Yamini MacLeanDecember 28, 2018 at 6:59 AM

    Hari OM
    The fog finally lifted from over the Hutch and I can see the hills again... there is even a bit of sun and blue sky. Nothing as gorgeous as this though! YAM xx

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  5. 24 Paws of LoveDecember 28, 2018 at 7:01 AM

    Beautifully said. I was looking back at our puppy videos and thinking, oh how I miss that fun and mischief, but there is nothing like having a deep bond of an older dog. With all four of mine the same age, we have all grown together and there is so much trust between us. There is so much value and commitment to each other that is solid and trustworthy. It is so amazing to have such a bond that has grown over the years to stand the test of time.

    You and Shyla have worked so hard to be where you both are today and it is both of you who have earned it.

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  6. Matilda the BoxerDecember 28, 2018 at 7:50 AM

    What beeYOUtiful pictures! And thank you for reassuring Momma about the bond that takes a long time to really grow. She thinks back to her time with Casey and worries that she's shortchanging me now.

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  7. SandeeDecember 28, 2018 at 8:23 AM

    Hachi is adorable. Puppies are the very best.

    Love all those cold weather shots. Beautiful.

    Have a fabulous day and weekend. Scritches to the pups. ♥

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  8. My Mind's EyeDecember 28, 2018 at 8:25 AM

    One word description: Glorious...words and photos
    Hugs Cecilia

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  9. The PadreDecember 28, 2018 at 8:59 AM

    Moments In Time, Cherish Those Bonds, & Another Generation Of Curiosity Has Sprung - Well Done

    Cheers

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  10. My GBGV LifeDecember 28, 2018 at 9:20 AM

    Gorgeous photos. A puppy does make Mom appreciate the older dogs a lot, but she loves the puppy stage so much.

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  11. Nancy JDecember 28, 2018 at 10:25 AM

    So true, you have younger Hachi with all that puppy playfulness and then Shyla who has grown beyond anything we could have imagined. Enjoy the magical snow filled world.

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  12. jank1961December 28, 2018 at 10:34 AM

    It's so true. While there is nothing like the joy and love a puppy brings into your life, it is the years of bonding that make relationships with our dogs even more special.
    What a beautiful winter world out there!
    Jan, Wag n Woof Pets

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  13. Brian's Home BlogDecember 28, 2018 at 11:02 AM

    Such beautiful frosty photos! Shyla, you are a stunning big sister!

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  14. AnonymousDecember 28, 2018 at 11:28 AM

    to understand and to be understood. and loved. human and animal. together. it's just simply so beautiful!
    and that picture of baby Hachi just made me laugh! xo

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  15. Cat and DOG Chat With CarenDecember 28, 2018 at 12:09 PM

    this was so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes. Just gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hailey and Zaphod and their LadyDecember 28, 2018 at 12:34 PM

    So stunningly beautiful, both in pictures and sentiment.

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  17. Bella Roxy & MacduiDecember 28, 2018 at 12:40 PM

    So true love is strong when you truly understand another.

    Naturally, we're opposite here--coming in from the heat to the cool of the air conditioning!

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  18. NCmountainwomanDecember 28, 2018 at 2:53 PM

    Lovely photographs and moving commentary about dogs. I totally agree.

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  19. The Adventures of the LLB GangDecember 28, 2018 at 2:58 PM

    Such a wonderful mixture of the beauty of nature and words!
    ...and of course dogs ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, RyuDecember 28, 2018 at 4:27 PM

    Magical landscapes, beautiful Shyla and cute Hachi.

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  21. ♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥December 28, 2018 at 6:48 PM

    Such beautiful images. And you are so good to brave that cold with Shyla!!! We have some big cold here today too, quite the change from yesterday. We just know that one day that same bond you have with Shyla will be there for you and Hachi too.

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  22. Chris and MikeDecember 28, 2018 at 9:43 PM

    And best of all, Hachi gets to learn from you and Shyla all that you have learned in developing the beautiful and powerful KB-Shyla bond. And R to teach him glee in life!

    Cheers,
    Chris from Boise

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  23. Idaho PugRanchDecember 29, 2018 at 9:49 AM

    What a beautiful post, you have brought some tears here, you and Shyla have touched our hearts
    hugs
    Hazel & Mabel

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  24. Tails Around the RanchDecember 29, 2018 at 10:29 AM

    Stay warm this weekend with all three of your loving pups. 💜

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  25. Tweedles -- that's meDecember 29, 2018 at 11:49 AM

    Just look at Shyla in her beautiful winter wonderland!
    love
    tweedles

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  26. BarbDecember 29, 2018 at 2:55 PM

    What a cute pup! Welcome to the new addition.

    ReplyDelete

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