Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Melting!

Alright, so really our weather has just squeaked up to normal August temperatures, but I forgot what Summer feels like. I knew it would be a warm morning, so we raced out the door to try and beat the sun.
The air felt thick. Without a breeze and with the top of the ridge holding tight to warm air, I couldn't believe it was just past 6:00. Kona looked how I felt. She seemed to half slink, half walk. We trudged onward.

I worried that Kona was having a horrible time, but bunnies came to the rescue, providing a new surge of enthusiasm. (If I could only borrow a rabbit, maybe my counter conditioning attempts would be more successful.)
With spirits higher, we continued to the second half of our trail. I had first planned to fun our ridge twice, but as Kona panted with the sun still hiding, I decided one lap would do.
In the spirit of our recall month, we put in some practice before we headed home. It's interesting with Kona that she has a really hard time looking at me while we're on trails because her senses are on alert (that's my guess), but she's still able to respond to commands like sit, wait and come.
Yah Kona!

I've been wanting to get into our high forests, but need to wait until it cools off. Hopefully we'll have another mountain adventure at the end of the week.

8 comments:

Kathy Mocharnuk said...

OK, it has been hot here in So. CA, and the last few days I dont know about your place, but even here in the deserts it is a little muggy too. I have had trouble getting our practice in because of the heat. Yah Kona, looks like she did fantastic despite the heat!!

Barb said...

Those photos of Kona in the golden dawn are wonderful. Lucinda is considering flying out to help with Kona's conditioning. However, she is so loud and opinionated, it might prove to be counterproductive...

Sara said...

Kona's stress less must be pretty darn low if she is responding to your cues to sit/come. That's great.

Diana said...

Yea Kona!!! I cant wait to hike with my dogs again. Diana

Roxanne @ Champion of My Heart said...

You can buy actual rabbit skins to use in training. I know it's kind of creepy, but it might provide some real motivation for Kona, if she knew you had some bunny fluff at the ready.

LauraK said...

I went running when I was in New York, and I ran for a LONG time- it's amazing what oxygen will do for you lol. I'd definitely be a big time runner if I didn't live in Colorado :)

Yay for Kona girl- and thank you rabbits for keeping her motivated! That's great that she is responding to your cues so well, such a happy smile in those last couple of pictures! Looking forward to hearing about your high forest runs!

Two Pitties in the City said...

Hi--
I just found your blog and I really envy that Kona goes running with you. I wanted to go on shorter runs with our pooches, but with this crazy heat in Chicago I will just have to live vicariously through your blog. Looking forward to more stories!

Dawn said...

Love the light in those last two photos! She sure lives in a great area! You too!