On another personal note, my "tendinitis" (In quotation marks because I know it's something else, but need to work through some insurance nuts and bolts before I can see a rheumatologist) has not been happy with my decreased activity level. I didn't realize how much my trail runs helped me. The joints in my arms and neck have caused me more problems this week, which worries me.
Trying to get Kona out of the house this week has also served as a reminder of how many fears she still has. Neighborhood walks have been short and a trip to a park this morning left Kona shaking. Kona just can't handle normal neighborhood activity and there are times when that just sucks.
So now that I've depressed everyone, it's time for a pick-me-up. After nearly bursting into tears when we got home from our failed park outing, I decided I needed a plan and an attitude adjustment.
I'm going to get to explore high mountain trails with my trail dog this summer. I already explored an incredible canyon this week. I thought I could make it out to our mountain trails only once a week, but I'm going to make it out there twice. On the in-between days, I'm staying flexible with how to exercise my athletic canine. It's OK if she doesn't get out of the house. I'm not a horrible handler if I milk her obsession with water. She can chase the hose to burn off steam. As for me, I can hit the streets to get my run.
And for a daily dose of Kona. . .
We'll find our happy moments, on or off trail.
9 comments:
Having a plan is good. I think taking my dogs on a trail hike once a season is an accomplishment, so don't beat yourself up too much. Kona is a lucky dog to have you to take her on outings. Kona will adjust to the new routine.
I hope you can get some of your joint pains under control.
Plans are good, yeah. I'm already trying to figure out what to do with Marge this summer. It looks like the best thing for me to do will be to get up early in the morning and walk her then. It's a tough time of year, I know, and to not have your favorite walking spot.. that's got to be really hard.
Do you have any food-dispensing toys? I use them religiously, and it puts a little dent in Marge's energy level. If you feed kibble, that would be a really good idea to do maybe for one meal a day.
The number of hikes you go on are amazing! I think you're doing a great job with Kona :)
That is neat you know what to do to keep yourself feeling better...but it sure still sucks that you can not go on your regular trials but glad you are coming up with some alternatives....the water sounds like fun...
I hope that your aches and pains improve with your new plan. Your plan sounds good... make sure that you each get some exercise, whatever form it might be. And, explore some higher places.
Maybe mental exercise for Kona would also help on days when it's tough to get her lots of exercise. E.g., food-dispensing toys or a short training session.
What a bummer those foxtails are. Hasn't anyone invented a nose filter for dogs so that foxtails can't fit through?
I LOVE the photo.
To bad they dont make a muzzle just for keeping things our of the dogs nose and mouth. Some time of mesh muzzle that filters dirt and stuff. Then you could keep running the trails.
I hope you pain lets up. Diana
So sorry that you're having all the joint issues. Hope you can get the appropriate help soon!
And Kona? How long is the seaon for foxtails? How long before you get to go back to your favorite trails? The hose plan sounds very good! She's so lucky she has you, because you understand her needs so well.
Now get out there on the street and get a good run in...you never know what you'll see in a new place...but be careful! Watch out for cars, bikes, walkers, other dogs...you know the drill!
Keep up your exercise so you feel less "stiff" - you are like KB in your determination. A good example for me! (I was doing some gardening today and when I just got up had to "hobble " for a few steps - but, I'm old so it's to be expected!)
Hang in there. I know the fear thing is hard. Life does get in the way. That includes our own aches and pains.
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