LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Friday, February 24, 2012

Fridays are Golden

This week has once again brought unusual weather.  We have had almost record-breaking highs for the past two days.  I feel a bit guilty about enjoying it so much.  Even the wind feels mild.

Many of my posts seem to include the inactive Golden Girls.  They do sleep a lot, but they also get plenty of exercise.  Our streets are pretty much straight up or straight down.  We keep them on lead during their walks and the hills give them a workout.  They must walk up and down without the momentum of running and they must walk at the desired speed of the pack leader.

Several times a week we take them to places where they can run free and off-lead.  While they enjoy their walks on leash, they really love to run free.



Lucy gives it her all.  She is definitely a sprinter.





Ellie is usually paces herself, but this day she sprinted right along with Lucy.





Come on, Mom.  Can't you keep up?





Ellie stands still to sniff the wonderful scents in the air.





Both dogs are much slower as we walk back to the car.





We always take fresh water and a bowl.





Back home they relax and reflect on the day.

When you choose to have larger dogs, you must commit yourself to providing exercise for them.  Not only are they more calm, it keeps their weight where it should be.  We do everything we can do to keep our girls healthy.  They give us so much pleasure and happiness.

Marcel Proust once said:
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.

I would add that the same is true of our pets.


HAVE A HAPPY AND WONDERFUL WEEKEND, EVERYONE!

20 comments:

The Bug said...

I absolutely adore that first picture of Lucy - such gusto! I should approach life the same way she does (including using someone else for my pillow? Hmmm...).

Cheryl said...

Your girls are healthy....they are a wonderful example of just how goldies should look and be treated.
When I see them running I almost want to join in, they look like they are having so much fun.

Tku once again for a lovely start to my weekend. If this post ever stopped I would miss Ellie and Lucy so much.

Ms. A said...

The exercise you share with them, that keeps them fit and healthy, is also keeping you fit and healthy! Such a wonderful tradeoff.

dr momi said...

Cute picture of Lucy's flopping ears!

Jill said...

So true about exercise and large dogs. Love that last picture!

Karin said...

Every time I read of your golden girls there's a secret wish that I had grown up or later bought dogs for our family too! You two are so healthy, happy and gorgeous!!

Busy Bee Suz said...

Your girls certainly do have wonderful caregivers!!!
Our dogs are so used to being 'off lead' that when we do use a leash, it takes a bit of time to get back into proper behavior. (our fault, not theirs) Glad your girls had some fun; again.

I walked on the beach today and my SPF 15 did nothing...bright, sunny and HOT. Summer is already here in SW FL...seems winter was only 5 minutes long!

Enjoy your weekend!

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

The joyful running and frolicking of dogs in the meadow is so fun. My mother in law has a miniature wire-haired dachshund who never gets off the leash unless he is at our house. Once he is off the leash he scoots and runs in giant circles. He then tries to keep up with my three large dogs. Kind of funny to watch. Agree about exercising the dogs...we have an Aussie who is full of energy ALL THE TIME. Luckily he is ball player.

Sheri Shvonski said...

I always look forward to Fridays because I love seeing your Golden Girls. You never dissapoint! Thanks!

Vicki Lane said...

Such beautiful healthy girls! And your tribute to your neighbor was lovely...

Carolina Linthead said...

Such wonderful pictures today! Yes, having lived with both a Lab and an English Setter, exercise is a must, esp. for the Setter...mercy, what a crazy dog he was...good ol' Spot. My father gave them too much freedom, but they stayed fit running the fields and pastures adjacent to our property. I must confess, I am in love with your girls. Thank you for sharing them, and thank you, again, for your support and friendship :-)

Rudee said...

Lucy looks so joyful in that photograph!

We haven't the heart not to take Leo out every single day. He goes out for a jaunt every day-- rain or shine. It's a duty when you own a big beastie.

Arkansas Patti said...

What joy on their faces while running and playing. It is nice seeing them in live action though the sleeping or resting pictures are adorable.

How Sam Sees It said...

We have been looking for a large fenced in area for Monty to run - he has no recall at all once the leash is off, despite doing well during training sessions. Aaron says he will come back when he is tired, but we don't want him to run into a car, skunk, snake, etc... :D

Sam

KB said...

Those photos are wonderful. I love seeing the girls romping together. I can tell that it's warm based on their panting! I'd love to have a day, just one, like that right now...

That last photo of the two of them is wonderful. I've had only one pair of dogs who lived and slept as much in parallel as Lucy and Ellie, and they were littermates. I don't think that your girls are related by blood, are they?

I couldn't agree with your closing statement more.

Berts Blog said...

OH my, I almost missed My Fridays are Golden fix for the week.

It just makes my heart sing to see the girls happily sprinting thru life.

We love Golden Fridays.

troutbirder said...

Exactly. We do the same. It's good for the Big Guy. And even better for lazy bones me... :)

animal lover, quilt lover said...

I am so happy to have you back!!!
Thanks to Sue for getting that 2 WV off!!!
Loved your post and the pictures of the fur babies!!!
I love to be out with my dog in the yard and watch her run!!!

NCmountainwoman said...

Thanks for your comments, everyone.

KB - They are both from the same breeder, Dichi Goldens, but Ellie is two years older than Lucy. They are distantly related in that Lucy's paternal great great grandfather (Gambler) is Ellie's maternal great grandfather. Guess that makes them cousins of some sort.

Cicero Sings said...

Dogs really are such a joy. Even little ones like mine need their daily exercise. He had two walks today and is now snoozing. I'm a little tuckered myself as I had company after church that took most of my day.