
Mom has her ritual for colder temperatures. One thing I can say is we are totally different creatures in more ways than one. On go the long johns, the sweats, the hat, gloves, scarves and winter jacket when the thermometer hits 40 degrees.
I was eager to get out the door and enjoy my walk in the brisk cool air this morning, but manners required me to wait for Mom to get on her arctic gear. She also made me wear my winter jacket, which I tolerated for diplomatic reasons.
Finally we are out the door and I can barely contain my excitement. There was a bite to the cool breezes that were blowing. I could catch the scent of every creature that had been across the paths we were taking.
We walk through the tunnel of overhanging trees, the leaves golden brown and deep under foot. The grey coarse trunks of the bare trees stark in the now sunlit forest. The hush of the winter like woods a gross comparison to the recent summertime chatter of my woodland friends.
The sunshine blindingly bright as we come into the open field and it's here that my true bliss and joy were made complete. There's nothing a Dachshund loves to do more on this earth than smell, sniff and hunt for critters. It was truly a buffet for a dogs nose.
I ran here and there burying my nose deep into the grass of the field. I could smell the goings on of all my wild forest friends. I could tell Tom Turkey and his family were safe from becoming someone's Thanksgiving feast. Further down the field I found my rabbit family had recently found a new home. There was lots to catch up on.
Time is a luxury that we dogs don't always get to enjoy. Our walks are often too short. This wasn't the case for me today. I meandered across the field and then back the way I had just came for over an hour today. Never really noticing the blue skies or the muted greens of the pine trees on the edge of the hayfield.
Every now and then the cool winter like breeze would blow my hair into my eyes, but with a quick shake of my head I was back again on the scent of that ever elusive field mouse. I honestly don't know what I would do should I ever catch him, as Tabby Cat is the true hunter of our family. I do enjoy giving Mr. Mouse a good run for his money though.
Finally Mom gives me that inevitable tug on the leash telling me it's time to head home. It's one of those rare days where there's no hurry to our walk home. I smell here and there in the tall grass along the drive and catch up on the goings on of several more of my friends.
It's quite walking beside the pond. There's no bullfrog quartet keeping rhythm to the music of spring and summer. They have all buried into the banks until the warmer temperatures are here once again.
As I continue sniffing along the side of the driveway I find a true treat for this weenie nose. I find the place where a deer had bed down for the night. I sniffed and smelled and made all the noises a dog makes to let their pawrents know we can't leave here now. This is too good of a find to walk away from any time soon.
After my lengthy inspection it was time to once again head back home. There were several more finds and stories of my woodland friends adventures left for me to catch up on. I sniffed each and every one, looking at my Mom to let her know all is well with our friends in the forest.
We get back to our little house in the woods and it's time for this tired Dachshund to take a much deserved nap.
Wishing you all happy walkies.
Love,
Molly and my Mom