The call came out of the blue, on a cold, and what had been, until lunchtime, a wet day. Would we like to go for a walk?
See you at the gate in fifteen.
It was a rush, to get dogs hitched, water bottle filled, walking gear on, cell phone in pocket, then out the door, we flew.
Down the road, and there they were, tails standing tall and waving, like bicycle safety flags, straining on their leads. Quick introductions all round, and it seemed that Chelsea the Weimaraner was the hit of the day.
It did not take long before everyone was in their stride, Fortnum and Mason both trying to keep up with the big dog. This frenetic pace continued for quite some time, until they figured that the faster they ran, the more tired they would become. However, no one wanted to be last in the line.
They tried to engage Chelsea in play, and were doing exceptionally well, when it was decided between the two of them, that a quick bout of barking at her, was the order of the day. This was carried out, while running, and also tugging at the big dogs ears. A short yelp was heard shortly thereafter. Chelsea was unfazed by the ear contact, and continued on with her business, while two bassets ran after her.
Horse poop was found and sampled, huge muddy puddles were walked in, and of course, the sniffing continued. Not a pine needle, or blade of grass, when we found some, was left unsniffed by the bassets. This breed is renowned for its scenting ability, and is second only to the American Bloodhound.
At one stage, due to his curiosity, Mason was awol in the bushes. A quick whistle and shout from Julie, and he was back with the crowd.
They did well in their quest to finish in the top three, of the race around the Loop Track. However, as my three dogs walked off, down the road to home, Fortnum, was sitting at the edge of his driveway, refusing to move, willing us to come back, for some more fun adventures.
Perhaps next week.