hiking buddies
Stony enjoying the view from the top of Penobscot Mountain in Acadia National Park …
Stony and his hiking companion after returning to the Jordan Pond House …
I was hopeful that Stony would prove to be a good hiking companion … and he more than exceeded my expectations! We hiked Blue Hill, Burnt Head and White Head on Monhegan Island, and Penobscot Mountain in Acadia overlooking Jordan Pond. The latter involved some rather steep climbing. I carried Stony’s backpack for him on the way up, but he carried it back down and led the way down at a brisk pace. Not bad for a six-month-old!
more about stonington
Stony (or Stony Bear as he is affectionately called) continues to bring us much joy. Today he successfully mastered two new tricks: 1) catching a tennis ball in the air when thrown to him, and 2) shaking hands (paw to hand!). He is enrolled in obedience classes and is doing well with walking by my side and sitting when I stop moving, and with the “sit” and “down” commands. He is a smart dog, a beautiful dog, and a most affectionate dog. Of course, I am an entirely unbiased observer!
stoney
The latest addition to my life … not anticipated, but many of life’s greatest joys are unanticipated. He found us, or rather he was found for us by our daughter! He came home with us ten days ago, and life hasn’t been the same since! Earlier to bed, earlier to rise, always needing to be attentive to the needs of this new member of the family … and much, much love and affection in return.
It has been a long time since we have had a dog — seventeen years. The interim has been spent raising creatures of the human sort! But we are glad to have him with us now, to be able to share our lives with him, and to discover new things and new places and new experiences along with him.
The energy and exuberance and eagerness of a puppy is an unmistakable reminder of the goodness of this life. God is most generous, providing for our enjoyment, entrusting to our stewardship, a world of such wonder and beauty. Run and jump, breathe and smell, taste and see how good it is! Let’s go!