The Joy Of A Gravel Road

Katie would rather walk down the gravel road outside the back door than go for a hike in the mountains. Not sure what that's all about. When I ask "Who wants to go for a walk?" and we head out the back door, Lady and Lucky run up the ramp into the back of the truck. Katie stands in the driveway staring longingly up the driveway. I have to pat the ramp and coax... "C'mon Miss Katie, let's go! Come on!"

Truth be told, all the dogs love walking down our road. It seems pretty boring to me, I'd rather go somewhere. But it no doubt gives them a chance to check out who or what has been trespassing on "their" road.

Just to the left of the above photo, across the little creek ravine, there's a house where two scary dogs live. They are allowed to run loose, and they sometimes make it over to our side of the road. The house went up for sale a few weeks ago, which was the highlight of my year so far. I am praying for a quick sale! And new neighbors who either don't own dogs, have friendly dogs, or who keep them confined to their property.

I often wonder what they smell on these walks. Wouldn't it be fun to have a dog's nose for 24 hours? Seems like I read somewhere that dogs can tell not only what critter or dog has passed by, but the sex, health, and mood of the passerby - all from the scent left behind. I am so glad Lucky still has his sense of smell. He's had cataracts for years, although it's hard to tell how much they impair his vision. However over the past year he's become quite deaf. I have to tap him to get his attention, and hand movements are necessary to communicate with him. He doesn't seem disturbed by this at all, and it hasn't impacted his desire to go for walks or truck rides, something for which I am quite grateful. When Jessie began losing her hearing and sight, she also lost her desire to leave the house, except for the briefest of outings.

At the top of the hill, where we turn around, there's another dog. And Katie does not trust this dog for one second, despite the fact that it has not moved during the nine months we have lived here. 

You never know, today might be the day when it decides to take some sort of action. 

Can't be too careful. Once Katie has sniffed the area thoroughly and decided things are safe for another day, we head on our way. Back down the gravel road, to home.