If I Lead…

… Will You Follow?..

We took the dogs for their first hike of the season today.

Loving to hike as much as we do, the dogs seem to inherently know when we are about to embark on such an afternoon and eagerly anticipate the invitation to accompany us. Willing to take turns and don a backpack of their own, the Collies are always at the ready …anxiously awaiting to begin an adventure.

Today I decided that I would take Zack, my little Lhasa Apso, along as well and see how he would do.

Zack, a very bossy little dog to the Collies, (read more about him Here), seems to become slightly nervous upon leaving the house. Even a simple walk around the block will sometimes cause unease…his little tail displaying this emotion as it lengthens and drags behind him instead of happily curling over his back. Wanting to include him anyway, I insisted he come along.

As we set out toward our destination, I watched with amusement as the three dogs anxiously tolerated the car ride. Collie ‘noses’ were seen protruding out both sides of the car’s rear windows …somehow processing every scent in the air. Zack sat on my lap.. happy but cautious to our destination, .. the excitement to launch mounting with every passing minute.

Finally arriving at our destination, Benedict Pond in Beartown State Forest, the dogs were eager to be led onto the trail. It wasn’t long into our hike before we all fell into a rhythm …making our way over rocks and trees. Zack, much to my surprise, kept up quite well, walking in sync with Shane.

Concerned for his wellbeing as he is unaccustomed to hiking, I watched him closely and stopped frequently to offer him water. During our periodic rests, I would surrender Shane and allow both Collies to forge ahead with PD, continuing to blaze the trail.

As Zack and I lost sight of the others, I noticed something I hadn’t had opportunity to before. Zack, for all his growling and bossiness toward the Collies at home, was anxious and unhappy when not near them on this walk. With his tail hanging limply displaying his apprehension, he desperately sought to regain their companionship…finding a security and enjoyment on this hike in their company.

As I acknowledged this fact, I was somewhat moved.

Reflecting on this little dog’s life, I realize that he’s still finding his way. Losing the only friend he’s ever had with the death of my previous Collie, he’s not really sure where he stands with these other two. Tolerating one and not the other ..he’s lost, …wanting to fit in..but unable to….yet.

With this new realization and enlightenment I am softened to Zack’s self inflicted plight. He, …like we all can be at times, is his own worst enemy …standing in his own way of experiencing belonging. Not letting his guard down he is missing the companionship a ‘pack’ has to offer.

Understanding his state of mind and not wanting to cause him further angst, I hurry to catch up to the Collies. As they turn in our direction upon our arrival we are greeted warmly… they seeming to have missed Zack’s presence as well. Taking Shane’s leash I visibly restore a harmony as the three of us resume our hiking.

Pondering this observation, I lose myself in thought and marvel how these creatures continue to forever reflect life and relationships back at me. I never cease to be amazed at the comparisons I can apply to life simply by observing theirs. Wanting to resolve any discontentment they may feel and striving to restore a balance to their life, I can apply these same lessons,..and solutions when found, to myself and those around me… benefiting and learning from the process as well.

Before long we have looped around the Pond concluding our walk and have arrived back at the car. As we head back toward home, I can’t refrain from smiling. They remind me of a Norman Rockwell illustration … returning from a much anticipated day… tired and spent but fulfilled and happy.

I give Zack a little kiss and silently promise to include him more often.

I realize that it’s only when he is ready to surrender himself completely that he will find a constant companionship with both Collies as well as a contentment in his life..

…his success hinging on continual patience and love,

and a dependence on me..

…to lead the way.

Until next time…Liz