I had the most amazing experience with Scout last night. You all know she has arthritis, right? And she hops on her right front leg, which can make getting around a little tough. And getting up and down is difficult.
But this girl, this incredible girl, doesn’t let it stop her.
Especially here. She takes delight in all the people, the activity, the smells, and the park. She seems to have blossomed here, which tells me her life at home is secure but maybe a little boring. She’s used to it. The stimulation of this new place has been really good for her.
So, at about 9:45 last night, I took her out to take care of business. We ended up in the park, which was lit by lights that border the sidewalks. Sort of dreamy and wonderful. She did her thing and then she proceeded to lope around and around the lawn. She was on a leash, so I let her take the lead while I followed. On and on she loped, even galloped at times, no matter that she had to hop. She circled and loped and ran, her eyes were bright and she was joyous and she wouldn’t stop. I laughed out loud, so full of happiness in that moment that I thought I would burst.
She has had a lot of excess energy when I’ve arrived home the last two evenings and I guess she had to get that out. I can’t tell you how amazing and wondrous the whole experience was. My 15½ year old girl was carefree, happy, filled with joy. As we traveled back to the apartment on the sidewalk, I actually had to jog to keep up with her! I texted Don immediately (he was onstage) and told him about it.
Such a gift. This time in Hartford with her has been hard at times, but I realize now that she has needed this stimulation. This is an adventure and my girl loves an adventure. Daddy and I promise to give you more adventures when we get back home, dear one.
I am deeply grateful this morning. My heart is full. How lucky I am that our work situation required Scout’s presence here in Hartford. To see her this excited about a new experience at this stage in her life has been worth it.
I love my girl, this girl we call our ‘magic dog.’ She is an angel who blesses everyone she meets.
On the other side of the coin, it’s the Hartford Marathon today and I’m sitting here with earplugs in my ears trying to mute the incredibly loud rock music coming from the park. It started at 7:30 am. I’m sure the actors in the company were not real happy about that. So I have the Singers and Swing channel going on the television, earplugs in as well, while Scout is in the tunnel sleeping through the whole thing. But I’m so happy about our experience last night that even the blaring music can’t bring me down.
If you missed it, I wrote a review of Personal by Lee Child yesterday. It’s on Just Let Me Finish This Page.
Happy Saturday.
Good morning Claudia, It was great for Scout to have a fun outing. My dog loves a car ride and will beg at the same time every night for her ride. My son is one of the runners at Hartford today, with the rain and cold weather! Have a great day, Doris
As I took Scout out at 6:30 this morning, the rain had just started. I feel for those runners, Doris. Good luck to your son!
I love this post.
Sue
Thanks, Sue!
Oh! This post made my heart melt! I could just picture Scout prancing about in the park . Wonderful, wonderful.
It was indeed wonderful, Tana. Heartmeltingly wonderful.
I can feel your joy! Your love for Scout is always apparent, but times like this you just glow also. Our furry children are so important and I know as Charlie ages I appreciate seeing him having fun moments that remind me of when he was younger. Never give up on the joy of life! I agree, more adventures for Scout in the future!
hugs,
Linda
Yes, those little moments where our aging pets act like kittens or puppies are bits of heaven, for sure. Sending a kiss to Charlie, Linda.
That’s terrific, Claudia. You sure needed a lift after all you’ve been coping with over the last few weeks. Leave it to Scout, that lil dickens, to provide the boost. She sure is your special girl. Hope the noise ends before bedtime and have a great weekend…
The noise should end before bedtime. I took the earplugs out for a while and now they’re back in. But I have to go the theater for a while this afternoon, so I’ll get a wee break.
This post made me so happy! I am delighted for you and dear Scout! I hope you both get many more days like that…such a delight! ;)
We had a great time!
Your whole time to Hartford has been hectic for you both, with your sickness and her arthritis– a romp in the park and little laughter can go along way to lift both your spirits not to mention all the good from the fresh air. Glad you’re settling into a routine you can both enjoy.
I can’t help but wonder, if her giddiness, romping and sure footed-ness are partly because there were no rugs under her feet? ;)
Might be, but I’ve haven’t even seen her this way at home for a while. I think she loves it here.
Oh, it made me cry a little tear!! They get bored just like we do. and all the stimulation is making her so very happy. It sort of wakes them up a bit. I know when I am cooped up too long, even though I am a true home-body, getting out and about is good. What a truly wonderful post. :-)
Thanks so much, Chris!
How totally awesome to know that Scout is finding such joy in her surroundings. I can just see her running around and enjoying every sight and smell. So glad to know she is doing well. Best wishes, Tammy
Thanks so much, Tammy!
Taking Scout with you is like bringing a piece of home along. I hope it has made you less homesick. Both of you are on this adventure in Hartford. It has not been easy, but it seems to have brought out the best in both you and Scout.
She is great company and always has been. It’s harder for Don. He’s all alone and he knows that Scout and I are together.
Claudia, I could almost feel your joy in this post. It’s wonderful that Scout had this fun time there with you. It’s good to see pets happy and jumping about in the grass. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
It’s very good to see Scout loping around with abandon!
This news brought tears to my eyes..I can just imagine her romping and playing..what a wonderful thing to happen after all that the two of you have gone through lately..Go Scoutie!!
Yes, Go Scoutie!!
Love this post, so happy for you and Scout, it is wonderful that she feels so good, go Scoutie… you are a beautiful and lovely angel!
I’m sure her arthritis is bothering her, but the excitement of being in a new place seems to trump that!
Hi Claudia!
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. I only have a handful of commenters and even they seem to go quiet when I mention something that’s topical and serious.
Adore this post, makes me all smiley for you and Scout. Makes me teary too, how wonderful to see her prance and explore excitedly. We all need to get out and have new experiences.
Happy weekend! xo
Happy Weekend to you, Sally.
Some blogs have that LIKE button at the bottom that you can click. If you had that on your blog I would click it a hundred times.
Sweet post, sweet memory, sweet Scout.
Thank you so much.
Claudia, just as you had me lol at
My office yesterday, Today you have me sitting on my couch at home, all alone Grinning like a
Goon! Delightful post. – Judy A-
Aw, thanks, Judy!
How wonderful. I just love seeing her happy face. Really brightened up my day. xo Laura
She’s a beauty, Laura.
You both have had so many challenges during the last couple of weeks I’m happy Scout and you are doing so well. I picture you both skipping. Have a good week. Patty Mc
She sure makes being away from home a lot more fun!
Seems like this news about Scout made a lot of us teary-eyed! I think she’s such a sweet dog, and I only know her through your blog! She really must be an angel to know in person. Thanks for touching my heart today. Blessings, Bess
You are most welcome, Bess. She is truly an angel.
Animals can bring so much joy to our lives, I feel sorry for people who don’t get to experience their love. You can just tell by the look on Scout’s face she is having the time of her life. She is a little social butterfly and she finds happiness by bringing a smile to everyone she meets.
I bet she is looking forward to her next walk in the park, enjoy.
Take care, Kathleen
She loves people, Kathleen. So she is loving this time in Hartford, full of people and dogs!
So glad Scout had such a wonderful time and in turn gave you a wonderful time!!
hugs
She did. It’s cold and damp today, so we’re going to take it easy! All that loping tires a girl out.
Hello Claudia ma’am your doggy is wonderful. Loved your post.
Thank you.
Ahhh, sitting here with both tears in my eyes and a big smile!!! Scout is such an insightful pooch and realized her mommy could use some cheering up :-) Anyone can tell by her photo she has a beautiful soul—and yes, I do truly believe animals have souls. I figure her way of thinking was, tonight, I am going to be a playful pup and I can deal with the arthritis tomorrow :-) Bless her sweet little heart, I could just squeeze her and not let go for at least 5 minutes. I went into Hobby Lobby and saw the cutest tiny sign that just about says it all…”All you need is love and a dog”. Very true!!! On down the side walk, a rescue group had all sorts of dogs in need of homes and oh how I wish I could have brought them all home…especially the grumpy little mutt growling and showing her teeth to everyone. She was just scared and did not know what else to do–poor girl!
I know – it breaks my heart that I can’t adopt every dog that needs a home.
And I believe that animals have souls, too. Of course they do!
A sweet perfect picture of Scout I can see a hint of mischief still in her eyes. This picture you should frame and keep as a wonderful reminder of last night. Precious memories are made when you least expect it. Love Janine
She is magical isn’t she. I bet she would love the hiking walk you and Don take up into the hiils.
Claudia, what a blessing for you *both*!!! I could almost feel the excitement and of course the joy! I’m just so happy that you both had this bit of joy-kind of a sign you’re doing the right thing in life, hm?
wishing you many more moments…
M
Smile.