It's very cold at this time of year when the sun rises so late. But the light is otherworldly.
Shyla is always on the lookout for creatures sneaking up from behind me. One time, her only signal that four moose had appeared behind me was that her eyes opened very wide. That's not that unusual so I didn't bother to look behind me at first. When I finally looked, they were close! We beat a hasty retreat behind some boulders. I've learned to always check when Shyla's eyes are very wide!
The one time that Shyla seems to let down her guard is when she's running. Then, every fiber of her being is focused on sprinting through the snow. She accelerates so hard that snow flies behind her.
Due to Shyla's continued jumpiness, we've decided to have Shyla evaluated by our behavioral vet, just to see if there's something that might take that last bit of hyper-vigilance away.
Shyla has come so far. I wonder if we can help her relax that last little bit. Time will tell.
Happy Shyla Saturday.
we know when something is different because Bigs ears stand straight up and his head points toward whatever it is... glad you had Shyla to warn you...
ReplyDeleteWe love seeing you having fun on your early morning outings, Shyla!
ReplyDeleteOur Airedale rescue friend, Rusty, posted a pic on fb of Shyla in her silly winter hat, which we love so much. She didn't credit the photo so we did. We tried to "share" it with you but fb wouldn't allow us to.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteSo much love and devotion... YAM xx
So Bloody Precious - And What A Way To Start The Day - Thanx For Being You
ReplyDeleteTeam Human
It's good to know that Shyla is always looking out for you. She looks beautiful in the morning light.
ReplyDeleteThat alertness is a part of who Shyla really is, and thank goodness she shows when the moose or elk are so close. Love her in the snow.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos! Good on her to let you know when there is something else around.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing to ask your vet is about eyes or early dementia. I have had both in dogs and when the eyes start to go bad or the early dementia sets in (and sometimes those early dementia signs are missed as we just see them as aging), my dogs would startle easier. If they cannot see clearly out of their eyes (I have had dogs with pannus and cataracts) then they are easily startled. Something to consider.
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestion - so great that we've already had our vet check out Shyla's eyes. She has an iridial mole on one eye but it's not affecting her vision. She definitely doesn't have dementia - she is sharp as a tack. The startle behavior is something that she's had for her entire life. It's been part of the package of fear that she has always had. It seems to be the last to go away. Many aspects of her fear are gone... but not the hyper-vigilance.
DeleteThe colours in those photos...sunlight on Shyla are just beautiful. We think early morning is the best time of day, too.
ReplyDeleteWe always love seeing beautiful Shyla enjoy her romps in the rockies!
ReplyDeleteShyla is such a special girl, and you two are so in tune with each other! ♥
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
Shyla have I told you lately you are a sun Goddess and your Mom's Guardian Angel.
ReplyDeleteI love your photos and Mom's words
Hugs Cecilia
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ReplyDeleteThis may be the final push to get Shyla over the last of it. I know if anyone can help her get through it, you can.
ReplyDeleteWe hope you find an answer and Shyla can keep her runner's zen going all the time.
ReplyDeleteYou are lookin' mighty gorgeous today my furiend! I am dreamin' of the white stuffs (that will never come btw :( ) and lots of snow zoomies ~ til then I will live vicariously through you! I am hyper vigilant too...butts that's probably cause I'm a terrierist...BOL!!!
ReplyDeleteKisses,
Ruby ♥
Elsa has displayed some jumpiness lately and I've been dosing her with Rescue Remedy. It seems to help a bit though because she spent so many years in the puppy mill, I suspect she's probably hardwired to be somewhat skittish forever. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteSo much love for our girl Shyla
ReplyDeletelove you all
It'll be interesting to hear what you decide. You've brought Shyla such a long, long way!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Chris from Boise